Access to higher education opportunities can transform a student’s life. But Louisiana students seeking postsecondary degrees often face enormous barriers from rising tuition costs that lead them into student debt.

The burden of paying for higher education has shifted in Louisiana in recent decades from the public to individuals. And this burden disproportionately impacts students of color in Louisiana, who face higher rates of poverty and less access to high-quality K-12 education than their white counterparts.

Meanwhile, Louisiana’s primary tuition assistance program—TOPS—is merit-based and primarily benefits families at the top. Almost 40% of students receiving TOPS come from families earning over $100,000. And this merit-based aid comes at the expense of need-based programs, which our state woefully underfunds. We need to do more to ensure all Louisiana students have access to the education and work opportunities they need to succeed.