This isn't just an education crisis – it's a national emergency.

We need a national recommitment to the idea of higher education as a public good – an essential investment in our shared prosperity. [Democracy for America Advocacy Fund](#) {NAME}, For generations, access to affordable college has been the bedrock of our society, the key to social mobility and economic prosperity, But today, that promise is being shattered by an unprecedented crisis of affordability that is pushing higher education out of reach for all but the most privileged. The numbers are staggering. Over the past four decades, the average cost of college tuition has surged by a mind-boggling 1,200% -- far outpacing inflation and wage growth. Millions of students and families are buckling under the weight of this financial burden, taking on crushing levels of debt in the pursuit of a degree. Today, Americans owe over $1.7 trillion in student loans -- a figure that eclipses even credit card debt. As states have slashed investments in public colleges and universities, schools have been forced to make up the shortfall through relentless tuition hikes, shifting more and more of the financial burden onto students. [Demand that our leaders tackle the skyrocketing costs of college and commit to making higher education affordable for all Americans once again.]( [ADD YOUR NAME]( Student debt is delaying key life milestones for an entire generation of young Americans. Forget about buying a home, getting married, starting a family, or launching a business because for millions, just keeping up with loan payments is a daily struggle. This isn't just destroying individual lives -- it's cannibalizing our collective future. As more and more young people are forced to defer their dreams, we're stifling innovation, slowing job creation, and undermining consumer spending that drives economic growth. Enough is enough. It's time for a bold, comprehensive effort to tackle the college affordability crisis head-on. We need a national recommitment to the idea of higher education as a public good -- an essential investment in our shared prosperity. That means taking immediate action to address the root causes of skyrocketing tuition. [Help restore the promise of affordable college and build a brighter, more equitable, more prosperous future.]( Together, we can build a fair, affordable, and accessible system of higher education for all. - Amanda Amanda Ford, Director Democracy for America Advocacy Fund [Power This Campaign]( Democracy for America Advocacy Fund is a 501c4 organization. Contributions to the Democracy for America Advocacy Fund are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. Our mailing address is: PO Box 8521, Essex Junction VT 05451  Sent via [ActionNetwork.org](. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Democracy for America Advocacy Fund, please [click here](.