State Committee Proposes Help for Private Colleges

A research committee has recommended to Gov. Francis W. Sargent that the state give direct financial aid to Massachusetts private colleges.

The proposal-which would require an amendment to the state constitution and could not be enacted before 1972-1973-??vould provide Harvard with approximately $1 million.

In its report, the committee warned that "the ultimate survival of the dual system of higher education [public and private] is dependent upon such direct financial assistance from the Common-wealth to private educational institutions."

The proposed plan would give private colleges funds representing 15 per cent of the cost of educating Massachusetts residents enrolled in them. It would cost the state about $20 million in 1972-1973 and $23 million in 1975-1976.

The committee said that in 1972-1973, each school should receive $400 for every Massachusetts student studying for an associate degree, $1000 for each Bachelor's, $800 for each Master's, $1200 for each professional, $3100 for each Ph. D., and $4200 for each medical or dental candidate.

Unless state aid is provided, the committee said, private colleges will be forced to raise tuition, cut scholarship aid, limit enrollment or close. Two weeks ago, tuition at Harvard College was raised $200 to $2600.

Although Gov. Sargent said he would "consider the committee's recommendations most carefully," no immediate action is expected. Other aid plans that have been suggested include a state scholarship program for Massachusetts undergraduate students.