Results of a National Education Association survey released this week show that the rising cost of college is a critical concern for voters this election season.

According to the survey, the majority of voters believe a college education is necessary to make ends meet but feel struggling middle class families aren’t getting the help they need to pay for it.

Among the findings:
- 70 percent of parents of college students surveyed said that making college more affordable was an important issue to them in the upcoming election; 34 percent said it was the most important issue.

- Most of those surveyed said the federal government should play a substantial role in addressing skyrocketing tuition costs.

- Respondents overwhelmingly favored policy proposals that sought to fulfill the notion that “deserving children who work hard and play by the rules” should be given the opportunity to attend college.

College affordability was of particular importance to Hispanics, with 48 percent of those surveyed saying it was the most important issue to them.

For additional survey results, go to www.gottuition.org/contents/view/70.

Donna Winchester, higher education reporter

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