Higher education is a defining issue in both the Romney and Obama campaign. While students form their opinions and finalize their decisions about whom they will vote for, it is important to know where both stand on the issue that affects all students—access to a college education.

Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama have both said they believe an education is the key to economic prosperity.

According to his official website, President Obama has doubled the United States’ investment in scholarships and financial aid, allotted more funding for federal Pell Grants and signed a new law that makes it easier for new students to pay back their loans.

President Obama wants to offer more assistance, while Mitt Romney wants to reduce the government’s role in funding higher education.

According to a press release by the Romney campaign, the Republican candidate wants to cut federal aid and simplify the federal loan program by allowing the private sector to become involved. Romney attributes the increase in tuition rates across the country to the increase in federal aid available to students. He would cut federal funding, including Pell Grants, as an attempt to lower tuition rates and make college affordable.

Romney’s website proclaims that “Post-secondary education cannot become a luxury for the few; instead, all students should have the opportunity to attend a college that best suits their needs.”

Romney offered students advice for how to pay for college or start a business during a speech in Ohio. He recommended students borrow money from their parents. In other stump speeches, Romney has advised students to shop around for an education.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 46.2 million Americans living in poverty. The poverty line for a family of four is defined as an annual income of $23,021.

The U.S. Department of Education released a study stating that the average cost of tuition at a four-year university for 2010-11 was $22,092. How can a student from a poor family afford a college education to lift them out of poverty?

Surely they cannot borrow from their parents.

Students need to make a choice this November. It is imperative that students choose the candidate who creates an atmosphere for economic and social prosperity through access to higher education.