Report calls for upfront fees and loan plan

STUDENTS face significant hikes in college costs as Tánaiste Mary Coughlan endorsed calls for a mix of upfront fees and a student loan scheme.

The National Strategy for Higher Education report launched by the education minister does not outline specific fee amounts but it strongly recommends a direct contribution by students or graduates of a share of their third-level education costs.

The strategy group chaired by economist Colin Hunt said this was the only realistic option to support growth in the numbers attending college and would reflect the considerable private returns for third-level graduates, whose lifetime earnings are 69% more than those who do not have a degree.