Hillary Clinton decries student debt — while receiving a $225k speaking fee

On Monday, Hillary Clinton gave a speech supporting affordable college for all, arguing that, "higher education shouldn't be a privilege for those able to afford it." Her message was appropriate to the venue — an annual dinner supporting the University of Nevada Las Vegas Foundation — but it might have had more impact if she hadn't charged UNLV a massive $225,000 speaking fee for the evening. The university reports that about $585,000 was raised through the event, meaning nearly half of the funds went to Clinton.

When Clinton's fees were first announced earlier this year, several UNLV student government leaders protested the decision, asking her to refuse the money. "We really appreciate anybody who would come to raise money for the university," said student Daniel Waqar. "But anybody who's being paid $225,000 to come speak, we think that's a little bit outrageous."

In-state tuition for one full-time semester at UNLV runs about $3,400, meaning Clinton's fee was roughly equivalent to ten students' complete tuition costs for a four-year degree. Her speaking contract reportedly included extensive requirements and limitations, and Clinton has raked in an estimated $750,000 monthly in speaking fees since leaving the State Department.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up