McCain
McCain wants to make the information higher-education institutions report to the government each year available to families to help students make more informed choices.
He also wants to simplify higher-education tax credits and federal financial aid.
McCain plans to improve research by eliminating earmarks.
He also says he will fix student-loan programs by expanding the lender-of-last resort capability of the federal student-loan system.
Obama
Obama plans to create a universal and fully refundable tax credit that will make the first $4,000 spent on college education completely free for most Americans.
Those who receive the credit will be required to conduct 100 hours of community service.
Obama also wants to simplify the application process for financial aid by eliminating the current federal financial-aid application and allowing families to apply for aid by checking a box on their tax forms.
