Image captured from hearing

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D., shared his personal experience with community college during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing on the state of higher education.

Sen. Marshall encouraged students to take advantage of high school programs that offer college credit, allowing them to get ahead and reduce college costs.

“Students today are often told college takes five years, but it can—and should—be done in four. Dual-credit courses in high school and Perkins grants can help students enter college with credits already earned,” said Sen. Marshall.

He emphasized the importance of financial literacy and how starting at a community college helped him earn a quality education without taking on debt.

“Throughout my education, I worked part-time jobs to avoid debt—even during med school and residency. When our first child was born, I joined the Army Reserve rather than take out loans,” Sen. Marshall said. “Not everyone needs to attend a private college. Community colleges provide quality instruction—often from more experienced teachers—and help students save money while preparing just as well, if not better, for future success.”

During the hearing, Sen. Marshall also questioned Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, Chancellor of Austin Community College District, about how community colleges prepare students compared to traditional universities and the role of Pell Grant flexibility in making higher education more accessible.