College Should Be Free to Reduce Student Debt

Introduction

Student debt in the world is a major problem today, not just among current students but even among some students who have been out of school for more than fifteen years. According to Forbes magazine, “student debt is at an all-time high, and it is estimated that there is over 1.5 trillion dollars of student debt in the world today” (Forbes, 2023). There have been recent discussions among various higher authorities about whether there is any way to either reduce or completely eliminate all student debt globally. In fact, it has even been a major topic of interest surrounding a presidential candidate. In the following essay, I will discuss whether the idea of offering free college tuition would be feasible or if it is something that is just not possible given the current circumstances in the world today.

Arguments for Free College Tuition

I have researched two authors who have compelling arguments on whether college should be free of charge to all students, essentially eliminating student debt. The first author I will discuss is Morley Winograd. Winograd, the President and CEO of the Campaign for Free College Tuition, favors the idea of free education for college students. According to Winograd, young millennials, who have just graduated high school and have had their public schooling paid for by the community, are now being asked to pay for higher education themselves. Winograd argues, “Just when a college degree or certificate became a ticket to the middle class, we have made it too expensive for most families to send their kids to college” (Winograd, 2023). He supports this statement with data from the Center of Budget and Priorities, indicating that since 1973, the average college tuition has increased by about 274 percent, while the average household income has only increased by about 7 percent. Winograd suggests that the government should consider funding students to cover their college education. He states that “while free public college tuition will require a major investment by the government, the return on that investment will pay dividends for decades” (Winograd, 2023).

Arguments Against Free College Tuition

On the other hand, Rick Staisloff, the Founder of rpkGROUP, an educational consulting firm, holds a different view. Staisloff believes that college tuition should not be free and that students should pay for their education. He argues that there is a reason college is expensive; it holds value. Staisloff poses an important question: “What would a lower-cost education look like? It would not be one of lower quality. It would require fewer degree programs, larger class sizes, less research at non-research institutions, and more streamlined and efficient administrative services” (Staisloff, 2023). Staisloff warns, “If we make college free, we risk devaluing a college education. We’ll lose any concern over what it costs. That's not good for higher education or the students it serves” (Staisloff, 2023).

Common Ground and Solutions

Even though the two authors disagree on whether a college education should be free, both agree that college expenses should be reduced. Winograd believes that using government resources to pay for students' tuition is the main solution. He states, “America has always used government resources to provide sufficient funds to those willing and able to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to be successful” (Winograd, 2023). Staisloff agrees that expenses should be reduced but suggests that funding should be used for resources that students would otherwise pay more for. He states, “Use the funding that would go for free college to provide seed money for innovations such as competency-based education and open educational resources, which make educational materials free and accessible” (Staisloff, 2023). By providing these resources, students would not have to pay extra fees, thus reducing the overall cost of education.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Winograd and Staisloff have differing views on free college tuition, they both acknowledge the need to make college more affordable. The government could play a crucial role in reducing college expenses through strategic funding and resource allocation. By addressing these issues, we can create a more accessible and equitable higher education system for future generations.

References

• Forbes. (2023). Student debt is at an all-time high. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com
• Staisloff, R. (2023). The real cost of free college. Retrieved from https://www.rpkgroup.com
• Winograd, M. (2023). The case for free college tuition. Campaign for Free College Tuition. Retrieved from https://www.freecollegetuition.org