Is Universal Free Education Worth It?
Many believe that the higher education system is flawed, as attending public and private post-secondary institutions has become exorbitantly expensive. Consequently, students often graduate burdened with significant debt. The financial strain brings along various challenges, such as the uncertainty of being able to afford education due to limited finances and resources. Despite potential funding obstacles, it is argued that universal free education should be accessible to all individuals in the United States.
The current education system has multiple flaws, including officials who prioritize their social status and salary over the well-being of education. While K-12 schools have undergone many changes, post-secondary institutions usually face challenges independently. Private colleges and universities worldwide rely on exclusive funding, while public universities depend on government funding. Surprisingly, despite a growing economy, school spending has not significantly increased recently. Additionally, many high school graduates feel unsure about their next steps after thirteen years of disorienting education. It is crucial to recognize that the problem does not solely rest with the students.
The article “The Property Value Effects of Universal Tuition Vouchers” in the Journal of Housing Research explores the financial challenges faced by the Edgewood Independent School District (EISD) in San Antonio, Texas. The EISD, a small low-income school district on the west side, had 14,142 students in the 1997-1998 school year. To address this issue, they implemented the Edgewood Voucher program (EVP), which offered free tuition vouchers for all public and private schools within the district. However, despite receiving $52.4 million in private sponsorship between 1997-1998 and 2007-2008, the EVP struggled financially due to unexpected population growth resulting from the new program. Unfortunately, it became unsustainable and had to be discontinued. This situation raises concerns about how families will afford higher education if sponsors cannot provide K-12 tuition vouchers for them.
Providing universal college tuition should not pose a challenge with adequate preparation. Nevertheless, the implementation of free college tuition necessitates other modifications in the higher education system. Currently, the term “tax” carries a negative implication; however, taxes have historically proved to be the most efficient and ancient means of constructing almost anything from scratch. By imposing additional taxes on small items like cigarettes, tolls, and postage stamps, a substantial sum of money could quickly accumulate within a few months. The feasibility and dependability of the free tuition notion can be assessed through trials, experiments, and case studies.
Bob Samuels puts forward the argument that all public higher education should be free. In his article, he points out how the government is already utilizing funds that could potentially cover tuition costs. The reason for citing this source is because Samuels highlights the justification for free college tuition and presents potential solutions. He emphasizes that the government currently allocates billions of dollars to for-profit schools and other colleges and universities with low graduation rates. By redirecting this funding, it could be utilized to provide students with free tuition. Samuels further highlights the fact that only 30% of Americans who begin college or university actually graduate. This expenditure on education is non-refundable and lacks any exchange policy within the realm of post-secondary institutions.
Opponents of free universal tuition argue that although it may be called “free,” the costs are actually shifted from one person to another, eventually reaching corporations. Andrew Kelly, Director of the Center of Education Reform at the American Enterprise Institute, in his article titled “The Problem Is That Free College Isn’t Free,” challenges the idea of free public college as a flawed policy. This perspective questions the concept of free college tuition. Additionally, there is debate about whether tuition is the main expensive factor, considering other expenses such as room and board, textbooks, and fees also contribute significantly to financial strain. In my personal experience, for example, my room and board expenses are almost twice as much as my tuition costs. Hence, should we solely focus on addressing the cost of tuition?
There are several benefits to implementing universal free tuition. Firstly, it alleviates the financial strain on non-traditional students, enabling them to enroll in accredited colleges without having to worry about meal plans or housing arrangements. Moreover, this policy ensures that educational opportunities are accessible to all individuals who aspire for them and has the potential to enhance our economy by reducing wage disparities between lower-income and working-class individuals. Additionally, with an increase in the number of degree holders, there will be a larger talent pool for managerial positions, CEOs, HR professionals, lawyers, and doctors.
Is it worth having universal free college tuition? Definitely. In today’s society, a college degree is considered essential for education, much like a high school diploma. However, the costs associated with higher education prevent many people from pursuing it. Scholarships may not cover all expenses, leaving some students with no options.
This issue personally resonates with me when I reflect on my own high school experience. Circumstances vary for everyone; some students have guaranteed access to a college education based on factors such as demographics and socioeconomic status, while others struggle even to have their next meal.
It’s distressing but true that for some individuals, access to tuition funding determines whether or not they can attend college. It is unfair for someone’s social standing and income alone to determine their right to a quality higher education.
Works Cited
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Lynch, Matthew. “10 Reasons the U.S. Education System Is Failing.” Education Week -Education Futures: Emerging Trends in K-12. Education Week, 29 Aug. 2015. Web. 19 Apr. 2017.
Samuels, Bob.
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“Why All Public Higher Education Should Be Free.” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 18 Nov. 2011. Web. 19 Apr. 2017.
