Peters declares Scorecard needs work

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Peters declares Scorecard needs work

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Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., speaks to reporters after Sunday’s Democratic presidential debate.

Nicole Ault | Collegian

The College Scorecard released by the Department of Education last September may need some improvement, Michigan Democratic Sen. Gary Peters said.

The Scorecard is a tool designed to help prospective students across the nation compare colleges and universities and determine which school is the best fit for them. Although the education department added 700 schools to the so-called “comprehensive” Scorecard in January, Hillsdale College, Grove City College, and Patrick Henry College remain absent from the database.

Peters said in an exclusive interview with the Collegian that issues with accuracy and completeness raised by colleges not included in the Scorecard should be addressed.

“There were some concerns about the Scorecard that had been raised by various colleges and universities that I think we certainly need to take a careful look at that,” Peters said Sunday at CNN’s Democratic presidential debate in Flint, Michigan.

“I think it’s important,” Peters said. “We’ve got to make sure that the Scorecard is an accurate reflection of what’s actually happening at the colleges.”

Acting Education Secretary John B. King Jr. last week said the Department of Education is working with schools in the higher education community to improve the Scorecard, but so far, no one has contacted Hillsdale College about being included.

“I think it’s a very important project that we need to continue to work on,” Peters said.

The junior senator remarked that for millennials and students, he believes education costs are a key issue in the 2016 presidential race.

“I certainly appreciate Secretary Clinton talking about her plan to make sure there’s more money available,” Peters said. “She has been a big proponent of increased PELL funding but also making sure that students can graduate debt-free from college.”

Peters has endorsed Clinton in the Democratic primary race. His colleague, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., has yet to comment on the College Scorecard.

“Before they spend a lot of money on tuition at a particular college or university, students should have an idea as to what their life prospects may be by going to that institution,” Peters said. “It’s all about being a better-informed consumer before you go.”