What free college might actually look like

President Joe Biden proposed multiple “free college” measures while on the campaign trail. Do any of them have a real shot? Some experts think so.

“The issue is bipartisan in its appeal, economically effective and supported by the leadership in today’s Congress and administration — that’s (a) pretty good triple play,” says Morley Winograd, president of The Campaign for Free College Tuition.

Others are skeptical now is the time to move forward on free college.

“I have a really hard time seeing any sort of four-year free college program passing at this point,” says Douglas Webber, associate professor of economics at Temple University.

The first glimpse of a formal proposal will most likely be in Biden’s upcoming budget, experts say. Here’s what to look for.

TUITION-FREE COMMUNITY COLLEGE IS MOST LIKELY

“Free college” really means free tuition. Students would still have to pay for room and board, along with other costs of attendance such as transportation, books and supplies. The average cost for room and board is $11,386 at a four-year school and $7,636 at a two-year school, according to federal data.

President Biden’s free college proposals include:

—Four years tuition-free at public colleges for those whose family income is under $125,000.

—Two years of free tuition for low- and middle-income students attending minority-serving institutions.

—Tuition-free public community colleges.

That last one is the easiest sell, experts say.

“We’ve seen how much free community college has become more popular,” says Wesley Whistle, senior advisor for policy and strategy with the Education Policy program at New America, a public policy think tank. “It became a drum and you hear it and that helps it pick up over time.”

The primary blocker...