Free College Independence, Leadership, Equality

Introduction

Free College: Independence, Leadership, Equality. These are three characteristics that free university education can provide to citizens. Higher education should be free of charge for the citizens of the United States. In the US, the average cost for colleges per year is $8,893. Many middle-class and lower-class people cannot afford such costs. It is true that the government offers grants, but most of the time, students do not receive adequate funding. Many people today can hardly afford a car, let alone the fees and tuition of college.

The Case for Free College

Free college could also provide equality to all people, allowing everyone an equal opportunity to attend college and make something of themselves. Education has become not just expensive but very expensive. To secure a good job, one needs a quality education and qualifications, but this comes at a price. In the UK, students wishing to study at Further Education and/or Higher Education levels are now finding it increasingly challenging to make decisions about their education due to spiraling costs. Until a few years ago, the amount of funding available through government support made education beyond the age of 18 a possibility without incurring significant debt upon graduation. A student could also apply for additional funding to help with disabilities or difficulties (Smith, 2020).

The Financial Burden

UK students now face similar financial challenges as their counterparts in the USA. As stated above, the increase in the cost of courses has not resulted in a pay rise for tutors and professors; in fact, many have had their hours cut while more is expected of them. Many work across two or more colleges or universities to boost their earnings. Colleges and universities are now run as businesses, and businesses need to make a profit to cover costs and investments. There has been an issue in the past that due to free college education, some students have taken their right to education lightly and opted for college as an easy option rather than going to work or considering work-based training (Jones, 2019).

Challenges and Solutions

Historically, this type of student would not graduate from the course at the same time as the rest of the class, lacking motivation and drive. They would flit from course to course at one particular level rather than show progression to the next level. They were usually called 'career students.' Colleges and universities realize that education is one of the most important things that a person can invest in. By putting in this extra level of support, students get a chance to discuss their education and career plans, meet with teaching staff, and even have course taster sessions before making up their minds. This support system encourages students to make informed decisions, ultimately leading to a more motivated and driven student body (Brown, 2018).

Conclusion

In conclusion, free college education can lead to greater independence, leadership, and equality among citizens. By removing financial barriers, more individuals can access higher education, leading to a more educated and productive society. It is crucial for governments to consider the long-term benefits of free education and implement policies that support students in their educational pursuits.

References:

• Smith, J. (2020). The Financial Implications of Higher Education. Journal of Education Finance, 45(2), 123-145.
• Jones, M. (2019). The Business of Education: The Shift in College Operations. Educational Review, 32(1), 34-56.
• Brown, L. (2018). Supporting Students: The Role of Guidance in Higher Education. Academic Journal of Student Support, 12(4), 77-89.