Kevin Lopez is in his first year of studying radiology at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa.

He said he's relying on financial aid and chose HCC to ease the financial burden of paying for college on his family.

"I live with both of my parents and my parents lost their jobs because of COVID," he said. "The financial aid helps. but it's still a struggle and for my friends as well."

President Biden's new American Families Plan calls for $109 billion to make two years of community college free for all students. It's estimated about 5.5 million people would benefit.

HCC President Dr. Ken Atwater said its a "good start" in making college more affordable for everyone and he's waiting for more details.

He said free tuition could be a game-changer and could be attractive to a wide range of students.

Dr. Atwater said potential increases in enrollment will need to be considered along with any financial impact on colleges.

"The idea of "free," which I will tell you I don't think anything is ever "free" in relationships, but the idea of increasing access is something we strongly, strongly support," he said.

Dr. Atwater said two-year schools are expected to be pivotal in rebuilding the economy post-pandemic. He expects HCC and similar schools will help support workers who are looking to learn new skills or need vocational training.

"Six out of 10 jobs in today's society usually require some type of post-secondary education and with that in mind, it's essential that if we're going to keep the economy strong, or bring it back, we need to have access to higher education," Dr. Atwater said.

There is already debate and controversy about how to pay for President Biden's plan which calls for tax hikes on the wealthy.

But HCC student Charles Doss said he sees free tuition an investment in the country's future.

"I have friends who are behind with their tuition and it's affecting them being able to go to school," he said. "So I do feel like with this initiative it will push younger people to go to school more."

Meanwhile, Lopez said he's grateful for the opportunity to attend college.

"I love what I do and this school has a really good program for it," he said.

He said after graduating from HCC he hopes to continue with his education.

The President's proposal also includes an increase in Pell Grants which would go to support higher education for low-income students.

However, the plan does not include student loan forgiveness.