Pennsylvania governor calls for student-friendly budget

Pennsylvania governor calls for student-friendly budget

A budget bill under consideration in Pennsylvania's General Assembly is set to impact higher education and financial aid for tens of thousands of students.

Governor Edward Rendell has therefore called on the lawmakers to pass a bill that preserves some of the key programs, including the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, so that students heading to campuses later this month can take advantage of the aid it offers.

"A college degree is practically a necessity in today's economy, and our higher education institutions provide a lifeline for Pennsylvanians who have been laid off or are in need of retraining, as well as for recent high school graduates who want to further their education," the governor said during a visit to Harrisburg University.

At a time of tightening domestic budgets, some students - especially adults who want to return to school to earn or finish a degree - may turn to online programs for help. Such programs tend to be cheaper and more flexible that traditional colleges.

According to a recent report from the Sloan Consortium, online learning is growing at a faster pace than on-site institutions. Specifically, in 2008 enrollment in online programs rose 12 percent from the previous year, compared to the 1.2 percent increase across all higher education programs in the U.S.