The Chronicle of Higher Education reported yesterday that John McCain has laid out a six-point plan for higher education reform. Nothing terribly revolutionary in there, but let’s see what he’s got.

• “Removing regulatory barriers” that McCain claims are hamstringing innovation in universities. Now this is a classic Republican talking point; usually by “removing regulatory barriers,” they mean “let us do whatever we feel like doing without worrying about the consequences to other people.” I’m not sure that too many universities are suffering from a lack of innovation, although there is some reporting that human trials all over the country aren’t getting the funding they need because regulatory boards prefer mice.
• Providing better and easier-to-digest data to parents and teens making decisions about colleges. Sure, why not.
• Simplifying the higher-ed tax benefits so more people are likely to claim them. Like the point above, this is the kind of policy-wonk fix that is super helpful, but does not a broad vision make.
• Simplifying the federal financial aid application process. Good luck with that one, dude. In general, the problem with simplifying any federal process is that, despite politicians’ claims to the contrary, they are complicated for a reason, usually one having to do with meeting the needs of a very, very diverse constituency. But if he can pull it off, I’m all for it.
• Eliminating research-project earmarks. I’m glad he’s all in favor of reducing pork, but I don’t see how this helps college students. Particularly those college students who are getting valuable work experience on those projects. Unless, of course, the saved money will go back into federal aid; somehow, I doubt it.
• Expanding federal support of the private student loan system. This is a winner; if they do it for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, they damn well ought to do it for our nation’s students.

Overall, a decent plan. Interestingly, of course, I see no mention of Jim Webb’s overhauled GI Bill, which updates education benefits for our servicemembers and veterans–and which McCain opposed.

Obama, you’re up.