Debt is a reality for many students in higher education.

By 2020, the White House estimates that 35 percent of job openings will require a bachelor’s degree and 30 percent will require some college or an associate’s degree.

In an attempt to make higher education more accessible across the nation, President Barack Obama announced a new plan, called America’s College Promise, on Jan. 9.

The program would provide two years of free community college for students. America’s College Promise is based on successful programs in Chicago and Tennessee, where Obama made his announcement.

“Our big issue is college affordability, so we’re happy,” Kenneth Sergienko, vice president of the University of Oregon College Democrats, said.

Sergienko said he knows a lot of students who already go to community colleges, like Lane Community College, for the first two years of their schooling to combat the high costs of university education.

“We’re thrilled about the idea,” Sergienko said.

The U.S. Congress, which is now Republican dominated, is now tasked with deciding whether or not to incorporate the plan.

“We’re hopeful for a serious look (from Congress),” Sergienko said.

“While I applaud the president for starting a discussion about making college a reality for more Americans, I often find that the devil is in the details,” Congressman Peter DeFazio said. “If tuition-free community college has a chance of becoming a reality, it will be important to make sure it’s a win-win-win-win: for students, community colleges, four-year universities and the states that will ultimately bear some of the cost.”

Should the plan pass, students are required to maintain a 2.5 grade point average and stay on a graduation track in order to be eligible. Students would have to either complete the number of credits required for a four year graduation track or a two-year certificate program.

The plan would also require community colleges to strengthen their programs and increase their graduation numbers, and require states to invest more in higher education and technical training.

States would use resources to improve the quality of community colleges within their state, help create affordability at four-year public universities, like the UO and provide outreach and early intervention to increase college readiness within their state.

Sergienko doesn’t think the plan will largely affect the enrollment in four-year universities like the UO.

“I think it will create an increase in the number of people who take technical training,” Sergienko said.

If all states across the nation participate in America’s College Promise, the White House estimates nine million students would benefit. If those students attend school full-time, they would save $3,800 each year.

However, critics say that the plan doesn’t cover substantial costs of college, like books and fees, and that it doesn’t serve the students who need it the most, like low income students who are already covered by Pell Grants and other financial aid.

The cost for the federal government to implement America’s College Promise is estimated at $60 billion in 10 years.

Federal funding would account for three quarters of the cost of tuition and participating states would have to come up with the remaining money.