IndexArguments for free university educationArguments against free university educationConclusionWorks CitedThe debate over free university education is heated, with both sides presenting convincing arguments in support of their opinion. There are many different perspectives with differing opinions on the issue. Education affordability is one of the major issues informing public debate and is often addressed during presidential campaign periods. Why is there a non-unified vision on the issue, you might ask? Considering that education is highlighted as a right in the constitution, then the expensive state of college education in America appears to be in violation of human rights. On the other hand, the cost of maintaining free education while maintaining its quality is relatively high and must be borne by taxpayers. This article will explore the issues that have emerged from conversations about free university education, including opinions for and against it, before providing a final opinion. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Throughout the world, education has been perceived as ensuring equal opportunities for people of different classes, races, and incomes. Over time, the cost of pursuing an education has increased dramatically in the United States. The findings reported an increase of more than 150% in education costs over the past 40 years. While a college degree from a public school might cost an average of $8,180, it is currently estimated to cost $20,770 (Song 1). These projections continue to increase each year, especially as inflation rises. Currently, the company requires specific technical qualifications and a bachelor's degree for job opportunities. A report from the Center of Education and the Workforce predicts there could be 55 million job opportunities by 2020 (Carnevale et al. 3). While this could have been hindered by the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, the projections were nearly accurate. They reported that more than 35% would need at least a bachelor's degree. Thirty percent of jobs would require a bachelor's degree or higher, while 36% would require no education beyond high school (Carnevale et al. 5). It is in light of these statistics that the value of a college education in the evolving job market is visible. A free university education could offer students the opportunity to gain these qualifications. There are people who have made special demands on the government to provide free university education. Lawmakers like Keith Ellison, former U.S. Representative for Minnesota's 5th Congressional District and current Minnesota Attorney General, have argued that skyrocketing tuition and student loan debts are putting education out of reach for many Americans (Elisson 1). With hundreds of billions of dollars in subsidies to the oil and gas industry and billions more on Wall Street, we can afford to pay for public higher education. A tax on financial transactions such as derivatives and stock transactions would cover the costs" (Elisson1). Some scholars have argued that free college education would benefit society at large. If left to market forces, the economy is likely to suffer from low-skilled graduates (Tejvan 1). Furthermore, college education would become a preserve for the rich. On the other hand, others argue that college should not be freeas the direct beneficiaries are the students who will eventually get better paying jobs from their education. As such, a free college education would be a burden to people who do not directly benefit from it. Arguments in favor of free college education Considering the different perspectives provided on why college should or should not be free, this article first explores the positive outcomes that could result from it. from free university education:1. To help low-income students afford educational opportunities Over time, many students, particularly those of color, have dropped out due to a lack of funds to facilitate their studies. By making education free, less of a burden is placed on these students, so they can focus on pursuing their educational goals and improve college graduation rates without necessarily taking time off. A huge number of college students find jobs to pay for their education. Whenever this source of income is cut off, students must stop their learning until they get another source of income. A free college education would mean that students won't have to worry about making money; so they will focus more on their education.2. Reducing the Burden of Student Loans The current burden of student loans is a key issue in the United States. The credit burden is reportedly currently around $1.6 trillion and rising rapidly (Kaur 1). Most of these loans are usually spent on college books and living expenses. Immediately after graduation, students face large loans that must be repaid at the expense of other needs, such as decent housing. These debts crushing the younger generation further harm their contribution to the economy as they can only afford to spend a little as the burden is simply too much. Additionally, interest rates accrued through student loans put them further into debt, meaning it will take longer to get out of this situation, further hurting the economy. It guarantees the freedom of students. Students are currently faced with the reality of having to specialize in lucrative courses that are more rewarding or promising from a career perspective. STEM, health professions, healthcare support, and community services are expected to be the most lucrative fields requiring college (Carnevale et al. 6). Burdened by the need to repay loans as quickly as possible, they are often quite hands-on in pursuing specific fields. Sectors they deem unprofitable are therefore likely to be affected. Furthermore, in pursuing specializations that are generally not of interest to students, they are likely to suffer from burnout and job fatigue. Tuition fee exemption can help prevent such problems.4. College enrollments will increase. By fall 2020, an estimated 19.7 million students will enroll in colleges and universities (National Center for Education Statistics). This number would likely only increase if barriers such as high education costs were eliminated from students' paths. As a result, the country would have an educated workforce which could lead to improved performance, outcomes and innovation in all fields of the economy.5. Economic BenefitsThere are several economic benefits to free college education. As cognitive ability theory suggests, "the skills ofpeople are decisive for economic wealth" (Rindermann 109). This means that educational competencies, such as skills and knowledge, can create wealth. For starters, there is a narrow wage gap which ensures that more graduates can save and spend on investments and assets rather than servicing loans. Increased employment rates resulting from education also increase the number of people paying taxes, further stimulating the economy. the country may experience an increase in GDP.6. Improved society More educated people are better at solving problems, which means they increase the chances of society progressing much faster successfully problem-solving skills to acquiring domain-specific knowledge (Glaser 101). Furthermore, people with a college education obtain better forms of employment, thus supporting society economically. They are also more likely to participate in politics and humanitarian work to improve society.7. Greater equality Free college education eliminates the aspect of affordability, which is a significant factor contributing to people not attending college. This means low-income families can send their children to receive higher education, skills they can use to find jobs and help their communities. Therefore, free education is crucial to bridging the gap between social groups in society and increasing equality. Additionally, when more people have an education, they get paid more, thus narrowing the wage gap. It will also increase diversity in universities, improving social equality overall.8. Greater technological progress A free college education is likely to accelerate technological progress. This is because people's chances of inventing new things increase with education. “In modernity, wealth depends on cognitive resources that enable the evolution of cognitive capitalism” (Rindermann 108). Most of the most innovative scientific research that has led to important discoveries has been conducted through university research programs. Free university programs ensure that this is available to all interested individuals, ensuring technological advancement. Arguments against free university educationOn the other hand, arguments have also been made against offering free university education. Some of the most common issues raised against it include the following:1. If free university is implemented, there is likely to be an overload of university facilities. They will require additional facilities such as dormitories, classrooms and equipment requiring significant funding that would overwhelm other state programs.2. It is also argued that the student loan repayment system is already kinder than other loan repayment systems. Graduates also have the prospect of better jobs and therefore should be responsible enough for themselves. Subjecting other people to provide their education at the expense of the beneficiaries is considered unfair.3. Younger generations will also likely miss out on learning experiences such as budgetary responsibility if they are offered a free education. College loans are one of the first financial responsibilities students face, and managing them well can offer them critical lessons for their financial management success.4. There is a likelihood of an increase in taxation to cover the budget allocated toprovision of free university education. What is of concern is who will bear this burden and at what expense? The government could cut services to other programs to help fund free college education, which could shift the burden to other vital organs and thus shift the problem. Placing such a burden on taxpayers for a program that benefits only a minority of the population is probably wrong. Another major point of contention is that educational standards will likely decline if university education is made free. Maintaining existing levels will be difficult, especially if universities have to guarantee current levels of service to students. Solutions to the Problem At the moment, achieving free college education seems to be a distant future. For this reason, students have implemented some cost-cutting strategies to minimize college education expenses and maximize profits.1. Minimize the Length of College Programs Shortening the length of college is another effective solution to a somewhat expensive college education. If you can complete a four-year program in two, you can cut your expected expenses in half. According to statistics from the National Center of Education Statistics, a quarter of students graduate within the four years it takes to complete a bachelor's degree, with most of them attending elite private universities (National Center of Education Statistics np). This shows that most students take longer to graduate, increasing the cost of education. Since this appears to be a major problem in public schools, the right agencies and bodies should work to ensure that this is achieved.2. LegislationPassing laws to implement free or low-cost college is the preferred alternative. However, other forms of legislation such as those that lower student loan interest rates or increase the time it takes to pay off loans could be very helpful. The law is the best way to address such a problem that affects millions of students who are stuck with large student loans. Offering Online Tuition Options Offering self-paced online classes could help students reduce costs, finish courses early, and get credits as soon as possible. It also allows students to earn accelerated degrees or combined programs, thus completing school and graduating sooner. Choose a college wisely There is a significant disparity between the different educational environments in the country. Since the chosen university plays a fundamental role in the expenses that the student will have to bear, this must be the first solution to the problem. For example, a high school student can choose a college in their state that offers the course of their choice but is much cheaper. This is because most careers that require advanced degrees depend on tests standardized by the college where the degree was earned. Therefore, a college with an annual cost of $30,000 will offer the same standardized test as a college with an annual cost of $10,000.5. Apply for Scholarships or Grants The second solution to a relatively expensive college education is to apply for scholarships and grants. There are billions of scholarships up for grabs every year. Any eligible individual should take advantage of this and apply for as many as possible. Students should look into grants and scholarships offered by federal and state governments, colleges, and non-governmental organizations. While the process can be grueling, it will be worth it once you complete college without a huge amount of student debt that,