Introduction
Many believe that free higher education is essential since it is an investment for society and the United States that will bring countless benefits. Free education based on contributing to making all individuals the most talented, intelligent, and brilliant versions of themselves will improve the standard of teaching and outcomes of a college education. Therefore, college should be free since it results in less student debt, equality of success for all, academic freedom, and the nation’s economic growth.
Less Student Debt
The decrease in student debt is a significant justification for providing free higher education. Many students face significant challenges, such as debt and stress. While frequently experiencing burnout and anxiety, many students have concerns regarding the costs of their education, which makes them work and study simultaneously, which only leads to the accumulation of stress (Qian and Fan 1).
However, if education is free, the cost of tuition would be eliminated, allowing students to pursue higher education without being concerned about paying off their debt. As a result, with free education, students will experience less stress and focus on their studies instead of trying to balance work and education (Qian and Fan 1). Additionally, since they would not need to take part-time jobs to pay for tuition, students would have more time to pursue their hobbies and passions outside of the classroom. Thus, one can see how such an initiative can lead to an improvement in the mental health of the students.
Equal Chance to be Successful
The second argument favoring free higher education is that it would offer every person an equal opportunity to succeed, irrespective of socioeconomic status. If the initiative of free college education were implemented, there would be no entry-level monetary obstacles. Earning a college degree will help balance the playing field and encourage more social mobility for students from underprivileged backgrounds (Belsky et al. 7275). Furthermore, as students could concentrate on their academics instead of thinking about how to pay for their education, free college education would also foster healthy competition among individuals (Belsky et al. 7275). Therefore, equal opportunities for success in conditions of a free college education can contribute to the well-being of those from marginalized communities.
Freedom to Choose a Major
Moreover, free college education allows students to select a major they are genuinely interested in, which is one of the most significant reasons in favor of it. This is important because students often experience pressure to choose a major they may not be entirely passionate about, since they are unable to pay for the tuition fees of a more expensive degree (Chao et al. 259). Students will be able to pursue their interests and finish with a degree in a field they are enthusiastic about by receiving a free college education. Therefore, if students can pursue the desired major, they will be more engaged in the coursework.
Speaking of finishing one’s education, it is essential to note that a free higher education could also contribute to a higher percentage of college graduation. When students choose a major that interests them, their enthusiasm and motivation to complete their studies grow, which can raise the graduation rate. Additionally, if their college tuition is free, individuals could be more inclined to pursue double majors, which is an ideal way to diversify their skill set and stand out to employers (Chao et al. 259). Overall, having the option to select a major while receiving a free college education is crucial to ensure that students may fulfill their potential in higher education.
Economic Uplift
Finally, economic growth is a crucial aspect to consider while assessing the advantages of free higher education. Graduates with less debt are better able to invest in their futures by purchasing real estate, building a company, or continuing their education (Mandal and Das 125). Furthermore, an increased minimum wage guarantees that graduates are appropriately paid for their recently acquired skills and knowledge, enabling them to begin saving and spending shortly after graduation (Mandal and Das 125). This infusion of cash into the market can help the economy thrive since it has a positive impact that helps various firms and industries. Although some may contend that a rising money supply might lead to inflation, the country’s economy will continue to grow as long as the population’s literacy, experience, and competence level rise.
Conclusion
Hence, college education should be free because it lowers student debt, provides equal opportunity, promotes academic freedom, and enhances national economic prosperity. First, offering free higher education is well justified by the decline in student debt. Moreover, free higher education leads to equality regarding opportunities to succeed, irrespective of socioeconomic background. The ability of students to choose a major in which they are really interested is another of the most crucial reasons for a free college education. Finally, economic development follows such an initiative due to an increase in the expertise and literacy of the population.
Works Cited
Belsky, Daniel W., et al. “Genetic Analysis of Social-Class Mobility in Five Longitudinal Studies.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 115, no. 31, 2018, pp. 7275-7284. Web.
Chao, C. N., et al. “Chinese Students’ Motivations for Studying in the United States.” Journal of International Students, vol. 7, no. 2, 2019, pp. 257-269. Web.
Qian, Yue, and Wen Fan. “Student Loans, Mental Health, and Substance Use: A Gender Comparison Among US Young Adults.” Journal of American College Health, 2021, pp. 1-12. Web.
Mandal, Nivedita, and Rituparna Das. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Public Policy and Sustainability. IGI Global, 2019.