Education is critical to the labor market in this 21 century – more critical than ever. The future challenges we face as a society require strong academic preparation, regardless of the sector or industry our future graduates work in.
Our world is changing fast, and we must be ready for those changes.
From technology to agriculture to engineering to business management, the skills students across the country acquire while in college are critical, not only for their professional success, but for our nation’s success as well.
However, college education today can be expensive; our children face a serious financial burden of college debt. On average, a recent college graduate has $29,000 in debt. Luckily, that’s not the case here in southwest Texas.
Our own Sul Ross State University was recently ranked among the 10 most affordable in-state tuition universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report. By getting a quality and affordable education at places like Sul Ross, people can pursue a college degree at a reasonable cost. And, many who could not otherwise afford college have a chance to climb the ladder of success.
Having graduated from Sul Ross, I know that not only is it affordable, it truly provides a quality education. I studied political science and English there. My time at Sul Ross was not only fun, it prepared me for what was to come. I agree with Dr. Quint Thurman, the acting president of Sul Ross, when he says “at Sul Ross students receive the equivalent of a small, private school education for the cost of the most affordable public institution of higher education in Texas.â€
That Sul Ross is one of the most affordable universities in the country is good news for all of southwest Texas. It speaks highly of Sul Ross’ faculty and staff and their commitment to students. It gives Sul Ross graduates and students more reason to be proud of their university, but most of all, it helps people get an education and earn a college degree.
Education is opportunity. Sul Ross students will be the future of southwest Texas as they seize the opportunity to take jobs, create businesses, and contribute to the region’s economy after earning their college degrees.
Since 1917, Sul Ross has been an important part of life in southwest Texas. By providing a quality education at an affordable cost and helping students prepare for the future, Sul Ross is a great investment for anyone – and one that will make Sul Ross even more important for our future.
U.S. Representative Pete Gallego represents the 23rd Congressional District of Texas, which includes all or parts of 29 counties in southwest Texas, stretching from San Antonio to El Paso. He serves on the House Armed Services and House Agriculture Committees.
