Inquirer Editorial: Temple's focus on tuition sets the right example

As government aid was cut, universities leaned more heavily on students and their parents for support. But working- and middle-class incomes declined at the same time, making it harder for families to afford college.

Acknowledging the financial difficulties families face, Patrick O'Connor, chairman of the Temple trustee board, said, "At some point, I'd like to see us decrease tuition."

That's a path every university needs to take, but it will require some hard decisions to reduce their spending.

Meanwhile, new Temple president Neil D. Theobald, who was senior vice president and chief financial officer at Indiana University, told students and faculty in meetings last week that raising money will be his top priority.

O'Connor said the university wants to become a rigorous participant in the national conversation to address the ever-increasing cost of higher education and the resulting student debt. Other universities should take note.