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There are already separate acceptance requirements for STEM majors based on things like the math prerequisites and minimum GPA requirements. At the university n

There are already separate acceptance requirements for STEM majors based on things like the math prerequisites and minimum GPA requirements. At the university near my house, you need at least a "B" average on your freshman transcript to be accepted into the College of Engineering. Many of the engineering and medical courses have extra fees on top of tuition. Also, the parents of these kids have already paid more by living in school districts with high property valuations, that can provide the necessary preparatory coursework. A not insignificant number of college students have no hope of majoring in STEM even if all of the economics are screaming at them, which they are.

endisneigh 4y ago
The fees you’re describing are not really proportional with the median pay difference, which is more or less my point. The acceptance difference isn’t really that great, either. Not sure what property valuations have to do with anything. For example at all of the ivy leagues there’s no significant difference in tuition for major nor is there really a substantial difference in acceptance rate. Some, like Columbia have different schools, but even within them majors, and prospects, differ.
- analog31 4y ago
  Higher property taxes pay for kids to study in schools where they have a chance of preparing for entry into a competitive STEM program. I taught at a university where students were given a math placement exam before being assigned their freshman courses. Getting into Calculus and passing it with a good grade was a sorting hat for what major you could study. Fees proportional to pay sounds like an income tax.
  - endisneigh 4y ago
    Again what is the connection between higher property taxes and this competitiveness you’re referring to? California for example has proposition 13 which fixes the tax. Are kids in California less prepared? New Hampshire has higher property tax rates than Massachusetts- are they doing better? Etc. Even if it were true, the most expensive schools are private and so property taxes still would have little relevance to the discussion at hand.

endisneigh 4y ago

The fees you’re describing are not really proportional with the median pay difference, which is more or less my point. The acceptance difference isn’t really that great, either. Not sure what property valuations have to do with anything. For example at all of the ivy leagues there’s no significant difference in tuition for major nor is there really a substantial difference in acceptance rate. Some, like Columbia have different schools, but even within them majors, and prospects, differ.

analog31 4y ago
Higher property taxes pay for kids to study in schools where they have a chance of preparing for entry into a competitive STEM program. I taught at a university where students were given a math placement exam before being assigned their freshman courses. Getting into Calculus and passing it with a good grade was a sorting hat for what major you could study. Fees proportional to pay sounds like an income tax.
- endisneigh 4y ago
  Again what is the connection between higher property taxes and this competitiveness you’re referring to? California for example has proposition 13 which fixes the tax. Are kids in California less prepared? New Hampshire has higher property tax rates than Massachusetts- are they doing better? Etc. Even if it were true, the most expensive schools are private and so property taxes still would have little relevance to the discussion at hand.