Given that the average American is in the middle to lower class, it can be challenging for individuals to gather the funds required for college. Instead of pursuing higher education immediately after high school, which could improve career prospects, most average Americans start working and potentially go back to school later when life responsibilities have piled up.
These factors, such as limited time and funds, hinder individuals’ ability to attend college and save money for tuition. Additionally, only a small proportion of college aspirants are successful in obtaining scholarships. While governmental financial aid may be accessible to poorer families, it is often not applicable for the majority of the middle class. As a result, some individuals may resort to criminal activities for additional income or various other motives. This subsequently leads to an increase in costs associated with jails and prisons.
The financial and mental struggle of college, combined with personal responsibilities, is overwhelming for most people. This is especially true for those in low-paying jobs, as they contribute very little to tax revenue compared to higher-income professions. To alleviate these challenges and support individuals, college tuition should be made free. By doing so, people would be able to prioritize their education, resulting in higher graduation and employment rates. In turn, this would boost tax revenue and reduce crime rates, ultimately stimulating the economy through increased employment in degree-oriented fields.
When assistance is not accessible, a significant number of individuals perceive the exorbitant expense associated with higher education as unattainable and consequently abandon the idea. Instead, they opt to secure employment that can provide financial stability without any inclination towards exploring better professional opportunities. This results in a perpetual cycle of living paycheck to paycheck, ensnaring individuals in a financial predicament and compelling them to rely solely on their job. The anxiety surrounding potential loss of income and the inability to meet financial obligations causes individuals to prioritize their current employment over pursuing further educational endeavors.
When individuals prioritize work over college, they contribute to a cycle where the importance of higher education is overlooked. While entering the workforce may seem beneficial, choosing it as an easy solution instead of pursuing a college degree can result in personal difficulties later on and place pressure on the economy. Despite ongoing job opportunities, not having a degree puts an applicant at a disadvantage compared to others, thus perpetuating a cycle of low-level employment.
College Dropout Statistics reveal that high school graduates earn 84% less income than their counterparts who have completed a four-year college education. Furthermore, they face lower societal expectations and contribute less tax revenue compared to individuals in higher social standings. This feeling of insignificance can push certain individuals towards engaging in criminal behavior, ultimately leading to an increase in the costs associated with correctional facilities. The high cost of college tuition hinders job opportunities and has a negative impact on the economy.
While there are multiple factors influencing tuition costs in the United States, it is crucial to highlight the absence of economic justification for these expenses. In contrast, numerous countries globally provide free higher education because of the widely acknowledged influence of education on economic development (Value Colleges). During the 2012-13 academic year, students obtained $238.5 billion in financial aid through grants and borrowed around $8.8 billion from private, state, and institutional sources (Value Colleges).
The financial burden of college, along with other responsibilities, presents challenges for students and impedes their ability to finish their education. A 2012 study conducted by Harvard University revealed that graduation rates are low. Only 56% of individuals from four-year colleges and universities graduate within six years, while a mere 29% of students in two-year programs obtain a degree within three years (Waldron, Travis). These high expenses have a negative impact on both graduation rates and employment prospects, resulting in an increased population lacking specialized skills or the capacity to make significant contributions to society. Consequently, this situation adversely affects the economy.
Aside from tuition, students are required to purchase textbooks and other materials for their classes. This can cause financial and mental strain, potentially deterring students from completing their studies and restricting their job opportunities in their desired field. Colleges charge fees for renting or buying these books and materials, which can add up significantly over a semester. The cost of college textbooks varies greatly, with prices ranging from tens to hundreds of dollars per book.
According to the College Board, the average tuition fee for an American resident attending a public college without financial assistance in the 2015-2016 academic year was $9,410. Additionally, as stated by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the average cost of books and class supplies was $1,298. Unfortunately, this financial burden often negatively impacts students’ mental well-being and ultimately contributes to higher dropout rates.
The Center for the Economics of Education conducted a study in England and found evidence that supports the widely accepted idea that insufficient mental health is associated with reduced academic performance (Cornaglia, Crivellaro, McNally). When a student’s mental well-being declines, it can impede their concentration and lead to falling behind in their studies. Once grades start to deteriorate, it can be difficult to bounce back from this setback, causing some students to feel discouraged and choose either withdrawal from class or complete dropout.
After finishing their education, some people choose to ignore the college loans they have accumulated. This has a negative impact on the cost of college for future students. The increase in expenses is part of a discouraging trend experienced by financially burdened students, leading to higher dropout rates and a gradual increase in tuition fees. According to the Department of Education, “The national default rate has consistently risen over the past four years and almost doubled since 2005. As more government-forgiven loans and default rates continue to climb, taxpayers ultimately bear the financial burden” (Cary, Mary Kate).
According to the Hechinger Report, the rising number of students who drop out and fail to repay their debts will affect future students. This is because taxpayers will need to increase college expenses in order to recover the loans they have given. Moreover, Cary highlights that federal financial aid has quadrupled when adjusted for inflation in the past thirty years. Additionally, the total student debt now exceeds $1 trillion, surpassing the combined credit card debt of all Americans.
The average student loan debt upon graduation was $33,000 in 2014, according to Value Colleges. Currently, the United States has a total of $1.2 trillion in student loan debt and 7 million borrowers are at risk of defaulting. Student debts can be seen as uncertain cash that may or may not be repaid. Instead of investing millions in loans and financial aid, this money could be better used for projects that benefit society rather than harm it. If all colleges were to offer free tuition, the significant amount previously allocated for loans and financial aid could be used to stimulate the economy. Free tuition also brings additional societal and economic benefits such as higher employment rates and reduced crime rates.
By eliminating tuition fees in education systems, individuals would be encouraged to devote their time to learning. This would give them hope of completing their studies and obtaining a degree. As a result, it would greatly improve their chances of securing well-paying jobs, leading to a significant increase in government tax revenue and overall social and economic progress. According to the October 2014 report from the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 21.8 million young people (56.4% of the country’s population aged 16-24) enrolled in either high school (9.4 million) or college (12.3 million).
Dana Mitra, Ph.D., an associate Professor of Education at Pennsylvania State University, argues that it is beneficial for society when a greater number of individuals can find stable and appropriate jobs. About 50% of the young population in the country seek education, while the other half do not pursue any opportunities to improve their knowledge or skills for future careers. Mitra believes that having a well-educated workforce not only promotes research and innovation but also ensures that the benefits of economic progress are distributed more widely among an educated public.
Expanding access to higher education with free tuition would result in the growth of fields through research and efficiency, thanks to a higher number of experts. Additionally, graduates entering higher-paying careers would reduce government dependence on welfare programs and cash assistance. As Mitra emphasizes, individuals with lower levels of education have the highest participation rates in cash assistance programs (Mitra, 11). This reduction in government funds allocated to cash assistance and welfare programs would contribute to boosting the economy. Furthermore, the economic and social advantage of increased high school graduation rates and decreased crime rates would also result from the implementation of free tuition.
The education system serves as a distraction and responsibility for individuals, demanding time and dedication that could deter engagement in criminal activities. Offering free college tuition would foster increased enthusiasm and eagerness among individuals to invest more time into education, consequently lowering the likelihood of deviant behavior within society. Additionally, free college tuition would provide greater motivation for high school students to graduate and pursue higher education rather than losing hope or interest before completing high school.
According to the Alliance for Excellent Education, a study in 2010 found that more than half of federal inmates and nearly 70% of inmates in local jails did not finish high school. In 2013, the president of the Alliance, Bob Wise, emphasized the importance of investing resources into improving school environments. This is crucial to keep students interested in education and help them choose higher education and career paths instead of turning to criminal activities that can result in imprisonment.
In a related study conducted four months later, the Alliance for Excellent Education reveals that by raising high school graduation rates by five percent, there are numerous advantages. These include higher lifetime earnings and tax revenues, increased purchases like homes and cars, and reduced unemployment rates. Additionally, the benefits extend to enhancements in quality of life such as decreased crime and incarceration rates and improved health conditions and outcomes.
Implementing free tuition for higher education would have multiple positive effects on the economy. One, it would improve students’ lives and increase employment rates, reducing the inclination towards deviant activities and crime (Mitra 11). Additionally, offering continued higher education as an incentive for high school graduation would lead to better income prospects and careers, ultimately resulting in lower crime rates and driving economic growth. Moreover, the economy would benefit from reduced funding allocated to jails and prisons due to the decline in crimes, enabling these resources to be redirected towards other economic needs.
Offering tuition-free education would incentivize more people to pursue higher education, leading to increased employment rates and decreased crime rates. As a result, the funds initially designated for supporting overcrowded correctional facilities nationwide could be reallocated for other uses, ultimately benefiting the economy. According to a survey conducted by the Vera Institute of Justice, 32 out of 35 jurisdictions provided data on their funding sources and revealed that county general funds accounted for over 85 percent of jail expenses (Henrichson, Rinaldi, and Delaney 16).
In addition, according to Vera’s survey, every jurisdiction stated that a government agency pays for a portion of total jail costs, ranging from approximately 1 percent to more than 53 percent. They also mentioned that the only effective way for localities to reduce costs related to jail incarceration is by limiting the number of individuals entering and staying in jails (Henrichson, Rinaldi, and Delaney 12, 23).
The primary funding for jails comes from the government and local county taxes. According to Charles E. Samules, Jr., the director of the Bureau of Prisons, in Fiscal Year 2014, the average cost of incarcerating Federal inmates was $30,619.85 ($83.89 per day) in 2015 (Bureau of Prisons). By reducing inmate numbers by just five percent, significant financial savings could be made and allocated to other sectors of the economy. The Alliance for Excellent Education estimates that yearly crime costs could decrease by up to $18.5 billion.
By reducing the number of people in jails, the economy can benefit by reallocating funds from incarceration and the expenses of hiring and providing benefits to additional guards. Moreover, it would lead to an increase in tax revenue generated from individuals returning to work or college. The overall effects of implementing free tuition would greatly improve our nation.
To promote the betterment of society, economy, and advancements in career field research, it is crucial to implement free tuition across the United States. This would motivate high school students to complete their education, dedicate themselves to college attendance, and earn a degree. Consequently, it would lead to increased employment opportunities, reduced crime rates, and diminished funding allocated towards supporting jails, prisons, and incarcerations.
Implementing free tuition for all Americans is not as challenging as it may seem, and the cost to the nation would be much lower than what is currently spent on supporting the negative consequences of college being financially inaccessible and unfriendly to students. The majority of the country’s wealth is concentrated in the hands of a small percentage of individuals who have the ability to create a more inclusive society. In 2016, presidential candidate Bernard Sanders proposed imposing a Wall Street speculation fee on investment houses, hedge funds, and other speculators. This fee would be 0.5% on stock trades (equivalent to 50 cents for every $100 worth of stock), 0.1% on bonds, and 0.005% on derivatives. It is estimated that this proposal could generate hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Sanders also pointed out that in the next decade, the federal government stands to make a profit of over $110 billion from student loan programs.
Redirecting the profit from student loans, currently taken by the government, directly into the education system could greatly benefit students. Sanders’ proposal offers a great start towards achieving free tuition. Nevertheless, as student enrollment and required resources increase, tuition fees will also rise. This indicates that, alongside taxing those who are financially capable, there must be additional methods for raising funds for education. Given that education is the most vital resource individuals can utilize, it should be given higher priority for funding compared to other resources.
Taking a small portion of funding from areas that will require less funding, such as welfare programs, cash assistance, college loans, and jail and prison budgets, after the effects of free tuition and increased employment of educated individuals become apparent. By reducing funding for these areas and offering “free” tuition, Americans will be motivated to pursue a college degree and contribute to the workforce, leading to a significant boost in tax revenue.
There are some who argue that Sanders’ College for All Act, which entails the federal government covering two-thirds of tuition and the state covering the rest, places a substantial burden on state funds at a time when supporting education is already challenging. Nevertheless, the funds generated from the advantageous ripple effect of tuition-free education would offset the additional cost to the state in just a few years.
Mitra argues that the nation incurs significant financial losses due to the limited job prospects for dropouts, resulting in lost tax revenue and increased welfare, unemployment, and crime prevention expenditures (11).
Likewise, implementing free tuition for Americans would serve as an incentive for high school students to finish their education, pursue further learning, and aspire to successful careers. This would ultimately benefit society, the economy, and tax revenue in the country.
Another argument is that instead of eliminating tuition for public education, it would be possible to lower tuition prices through a series of actions. The U.S. News & World Report LP states that college tuition has been increasing at a faster rate than the inflation rate, negatively affecting middle-class families. It also suggests that tuitions are artificially high due to federal financial aid. While reducing financial aid would decrease tuition fees, it would not address the problem of middle-class individuals facing difficulties in accessing higher education.
Although prices would decrease, individuals would still face difficulties in paying the fees in addition to tuition and living expenses. The struggle to attend college would not change significantly, and neither would the rates of attendance or graduation. Mitra also mentions that improving education outcomes could result in annual savings of $7.9 to $10.8 billion in public assistance, food stamps, and housing assistance (12). This is just a portion of the potential profit that could be achieved by offering free tuition. Mitra states that education is the most comprehensive program available for preparing individuals for employment and life, accessible to all state residents (14).
According to Debbie Cochrane, a research director at the Institute for College Access and Success, grants are available for students who cannot afford community college tuition. However, these grants often do not cover the costs of textbooks, transportation, and other living expenses. This lack of funding for additional expenses is a major reason why students drop out. Despite being a small portion of the total cost, these expenses can become overwhelming for students. If tuition were free, students would no longer have to struggle to pay for textbooks, materials, transportation, and personal living expenses. As a result, the rate of dropouts would decrease, and students would experience less stress and be able to focus more on their academics, ultimately leading to higher graduation rates.
Education should be prioritized because it provides individuals with the opportunity to secure a profession, thereby reducing crime rates and increasing tax revenue. A larger pool of educated individuals seeking employment will benefit both society and the economy. According to the Center for American Progress Action Fund, the government currently allocates around 70 billion dollars annually towards Pell Grants, other grants, tax breaks, and work-study funds to support college affordability. As tuition fees rise, this expenditure also increases. Additionally, making public education free has the potential to not only save taxpayers money but also pressure private colleges to lower their tuition fees in order to remain competitive.
Redirecting funds from programs and grants towards making public education free in the United States would yield benefits within a few years. According to Floyd Norris of the New York Times, in 2014 only 65.9 percent of high school graduates had enrolled in college, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This percentage would significantly rise if students were aware that struggling to afford tuition is no longer an obstacle in their educational journey. This, in turn, would lead to higher graduation rates, employment rates, and tax revenue. The implementation of free tuition for colleges would serve as a catalyst for individuals to pursue higher education, which is essential for improving personal lives, income, society, and the economy.
