It’s amazing to see this subject getting accurate treatment from the Associated Press.

Via US News and World Report.

Democratic Proposals on Education Aren’t Free

When does “free” cost a lot of money?

It’s when presidential contenders Hillary Rodham Clinton and Bernie Sanders pitch plans for free college tuition, playing down the cost to taxpayers and brushing past assorted other perils to the education system, as happened in the Democratic debate.

A look at some of the claims Tuesday night and how they compare with the facts:

CLINTON: “My plan would enable anyone to go to a public college or university tuition-free. You would not have to borrow money for tuition.”

SANDERS: “Make every public college and university in this country tuition-free.”

THE FACTS: Free for the students, but someone has to pay.

Clinton and Sanders both would shift more college costs onto taxpayers and away from parents and students.

Sanders’ plan would cover tuition and fees at public universities — a $70 billion annual expense with the federal government picking up two-thirds of that tab by taxing trading in the financial markets.

Students would still be on the hook for room and board costs that average $9,804, according to the College Board.

The Clinton plan is bound to cost more than the $35 billion per year over 10 years projected by her campaign. This is because more students would probably switch to public universities on the potential to graduate without debt, raising costs for the government and potentially leaving many modestly endowed private institutions in the lurch.