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There are many special features in President Obama’s stimulus bill on higher education. However, the most notable is the large portion allotted to this field. This is twice the amount allocated by the Department of Education in the past. Is it a good idea allocating so much towards stimulus for higher education? Critics are of different opinion.  

Some people say that certain proposals in the bill are paramount to wasteful spending. Usually, colleges and universities all around the nation receive agency contributions from local as well as state governments. They get approximately 19% of the funds from the federal level.

Sam Dillon of the New York Times claims that the stimulus package would increase the federal proportion significantly. Educators have great hopes on the promises made by this bill. Many campuses and faculty would face the risk of cut backs. As the amount of stimulus money goes into the Pell Grants, federal work-study programs and other financial aid programs, it is anticipated that there will be a raise in the student enrollment and the demand for more faculty.

Rep. David Obey, Chairman of House Appropriations Committee said that their immediate task is to try to prevent millions of people from losing their job and get our economy moving again. He added that the long term task is to make the required investments to restore the ability of average middle class families to increase their income and build a good future for their children. The financial aid for continuing education would help people increase their knowledge and skills and thereby help them to get better jobs in the future.

The stimulus bill provides additional funding for student aid. Pell grant is sponsored by the federal government to the needy students and they do not need to repay the amount. The stimulus bill has increased pell grant per student from $4,850 in 2009 to $5,400 by 2012. 

Federal work-study programs are allotted $200 million to support undergraduate and graduate students.  Institutions can provide part time jobs for students who need to pay tuition and college expenses through government funding. The stimulus bill offers tax credits to students enrolling into a four year college course. Each eligible student can receive up to $1,800 non refundable credit.

The stimulus bill allows computers to be qualified as chartered expenses. Universities and academics interested in research considered the stimulus package more beneficial, as $16 billion were allotted to many federal agencies for research grants.

Many adults are looking for advanced degrees now to improve their income level. The Obama Administration has allocated $3.95 billion towards job training.  Around $16 billion is allotted to energy and health science. Ameri Corps, a federal program associated with nonprofit organizations received $200 million.

$500 million is allocated to prepare health care workers. Special education and head start programs also received a boost through the stimulus package. The benefits are available for both campus and online colleges. Only time will tell whether these bills have any major impact on the system and whether they will help our country  move in the right direction.