INDIANAPOLIS – With presidential candidates debating different versions of free college tuition, some schools are addressing student loan debt a different way.

“Income share agreements” apply the old employment-agency model to higher education. You don’t owe tuition up front, but once your new degree or certificate lands you a job, the school gets a cut of your paycheck for a while. I-S-A schools argue that gives them incentive to make sure students are prepared. and gives students incentive to give their best.

Indiana Senator Todd Young praises I-S-A schools like Indy’s Kenzie Academy as innovators. But he’s trying to add legislation into a tax bill to set rules for income share so schools don’t scam you.