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College affordability, rating system subjects of public forum
In this file photo, U.S. President Barack Obama speaks on the steps the administration is taking to increase college affordability by making it easier to manage student loan debt at the Colorado University in Denver, Colo., in 2011. The public will get a chance to discuss the initiative at a series of public fora, the first being held at Cal State Dominguez Hills Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013.
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JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images
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Cal State Dominguez Hills will host a public forum on President Barack Obama's College Affordability Initiative on Wednesday.
The event is the first of four sessions around the country, and it's the only one in California.
In addition to its three main components — paying for performance, promoting innovation and competition, and ensuring student debt is affordable — the president's College Affordability Initiative calls for a college ratings system.
David Gamboa with Cal State Dominguez Hills says a ratings system would provide more accountability in higher education.
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"It will also provide the ability for families to better understand the framework of what institution might be the best bargain for their families, especially as they look into various universities to send their students," Gamboa said.
The president's higher education plan includes a proposal for more financial aid for students at higher-rated colleges and an effort to make student loans affordable.
The public event at Cal State Dominguez Hills starts at 9 a.m. and runs through 3 p.m.
You can watch a live stream of the event below or on the university's website.
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