The Reasons Why College Education Should Be Free

Student Loan Debt is the Second-Highest Consumer Debt in the U.S.

Student loan debt has become the second-highest consumer debt category in the United States, second only to mortgage debt. According to Pew Research, as of 2019, Americans owe $1.5 trillion in student loan debt, spread across 45 million borrowers. This is a significant problem for many students and their families. Many individuals considering college worry about how they will afford it, and some even drop out due to the heavy burden of tuition. The U.S. education system has shifted its focus from providing quality education to profiting off student loans. Free education could greatly improve our society, and while there are many reasons why college should be free, I will focus on three key reasons in particular.

Free Education Allows Students to Focus on Their Studies

Students often work hard to support themselves while in college, but this can be detrimental as it leaves little time for studying. Free education would enable students to concentrate more on their academic pursuits rather than juggling jobs to make ends meet. According to a 2016 study, students who worked fewer than 10 hours a week reported significantly better academic performance than those working more than 10 hours weekly. By eliminating tuition fees, students would be encouraged to prioritize their education rather than part-time jobs, leading to better academic outcomes and lower dropout rates.

Closing the Social Class Gap with Free College

Free college would provide more opportunities for low-income students to attend, opening the door for them to pursue careers that were previously out of reach. College is not only for future doctors, lawyers, or scientists but also for essential professions like electricians, technicians, and carpenters. Historically, education was accessible to everyone, as most universities were either free or charged minimal fees until the early 1900s. Countries that invest in free education, like those in Europe, have produced some of the world’s most renowned scientists and engineers, such as Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking. Free education could help the U.S. follow suit and bridge the widening social class gap.

Free College Was Once Possible and Can Be Achieved Again

The idea of free college is not new. In fact, up until the 1900s, most universities were either free or charged small entrance fees. Investing in education was seen as crucial for societal advancement. By reinstating free education, we can encourage innovation and economic growth while giving more people the chance to contribute to society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, free college education would enable students to achieve better academic results, help close the gap between social classes, and could be reintroduced since it was once common. Our society is in need of an economic and industrial revolution, and making college free could be the first step toward achieving that change.