benefits of free education essay

Free Education and Its Main Advantages Essay

Education plays an integral role in individuals’ life and the nation’s position in the world in general. On the one hand, opportunities in terms of education boost person’s skills and refine their talents, allowing them to become a part of the workforce. On the other hand, such situations have an immediate effect on the nation’s economy and environment, significantly improving social mobility, reducing discrimination, and enhancing government performance. Still, the cost of higher education is a significant issue that affects students from socioeconomic levels. The increasing cost of tuition, textbooks, and other fees has made it difficult for many students to pursue higher education. As a result, considering that affordable higher education aligns with the idea of fundamental rights, decreases the burden, and makes the workforce more qualified, leads to the notion that education should be free.

First, a well-educated workforce is essential for a thriving economy. By making public universities and colleges free, the government can increase the number of students who pursue higher education, which will result in a more highly skilled workforce. Some might argue that economies are still thriving and the number of talented and ambitious people is increasing even without regulations that make education accessible. However, it is vital to consider emerging countries as well. This is because high education investment is predicated on the idea that it would raise the number of trained workers needed to boost national production and boost the quality of life of the citizens (Malik 13). Thus, when compared to emerging nations, the majority of developed countries spend substantially more on education—over 6% of their Gross Domestic Product (Malik 13). Moreover, people with the skills to recognize and resolve issues and who can work in multiple disciplines to handle multifaceted and intricate duties are assets to a nation’s success in society (Malik 13). Therefore, the quicker the pace of progress, the more increased the quality of life of the citizens, which is essential not only to the developed but primarily developing nations.

Another reason why higher education must be free is due to the detrimental effect of student debt on people. The cost of higher education has led to an increase in student debt. Many students graduate with large amounts of debt, which can take years to pay off. By making public universities and colleges free, governments can reduce the burden of student debt and allow students to focus on their education instead of worrying about how they will pay for it. Some might argue that making education free will only be a liability to the government. However, in reality, student debts significantly reduce the capacity of individuals to perform better.

Any debt leads to a decrease in individual economic prosperity. First, such negative impacts of debt are more likely to be felt by students who already struggle financially. These people include women, particularly single mothers, students from racial or ethnic minorities, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds (Nissen et al. 254). Reliance on other financial instruments, such as credit card debt, can make this problem worse (Nissen et al. 254). However, there additionally may be long-term negative impacts of student debt on well-being, such as reduced levels of involvement in academic and social activities due to heavy work (Nissen et al. 254). Therefore, costly tuitions and student debts only make the young workforce less productive.

Finally, education is the key to success, and everyone should have an equal opportunity to succeed. However, the current cost of higher education has created a system where only those who can afford to pay for it can pursue higher education. By making public universities and colleges free, governments can ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Some might argue that the most necessary kind of education is taught in school and then it is the responsibility of the student to either pursue higher education or not. Still, based on the notion of fundamental rights, education is among the necessities to which everyone must have access (Black 1053). The current cost of higher education is a barrier for many students, especially those from low-income families. By making public universities and colleges free to attend, governments can remove this financial barrier and ensure that everyone has equal access to higher education. This way, it will be possible to support those who need it the most and help the authorities increase social mobility, which is essential for fighting poverty and discrimination.

Hence, the idea that education should be free arises from the observation that accessible higher education is consistent with the concept of fundamental rights, it reduces the burden and improves worker qualifications. The benefits of free higher education are numerous, including increased accessibility to education, economic benefits, reduction in student debt, and equality of opportunity. It is time for governments to invest in people’s futures and ensure that everyone has access to the education they need to succeed. In the end, it will be possible to reduce poverty and break the cycle of discrimination through improvement in social mobility.

Works Cited

Black, Derek W. “The Fundamental Right to Education.” Notre Dame Literature Review , vol. 94, no. 3, 2018, pp. 1059-1113. Web.

Malik, Ranbir Singh. “ Educational Challenges in 21st Century and Sustainable Development .” Journal of Sustainable Development Education and Research , vol. 2, no. 1, 2018, pp. 9-20. Web.

Nissen, Sylvia, Hayward, Bronwyn, and Ruth McManus. “ Student Debt and Wellbeing: A Research Agenda .” Kōtuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online , vol. 14, no. 2, 2019, pp. 245-256. Web.

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Education Should Be Free Essay in English

In most countries, education is a fundamental human right. And in some countries, it's considered so important that tuition is free for everyone, regardless of income or social status. Here are some sample essays on why education should be free.

100 Words Essay On Education Should Be Free

Quality education is important. In today's economy, it's more important than ever but the cost of a higher education can be prohibitive. That's why free education should be a priority for our country. It's an investment in our future, and it will pay dividends for decades to come.

A quality education is the key to unlocking opportunity and prosperity for all Indians. Everyone should have access to a quality education, regardless of their status or background. It is the one thing that can break the cycle of poverty, and it is the one thing that can give hope to the next generation.

Education Should Be Free Essay in English

200 Words Essay On Education Should Be Free

The benefits of free education are innumerable. Free education is a valuable investment in our future.

Benefits of Free Education

When education is free, more people have access to it. This means that more people can improve their lives by learning new skills and getting better jobs.

In addition, free education helps to level the playing field. It gives everyone an opportunity to improve their lives, regardless of their socioeconomic status. This is important because it helps to break the cycle of poverty and ensures that everyone has a chance to succeed. Furthermore, free education could also help bridge the gap between different socioeconomic levels and reduce inequality.

Free education bridges cultural divides: when people from all backgrounds can learn together in a safe and supported space, the result is often a greater sense of understanding and acceptance across demographics. Free education provides an opportunity to make real change on a broader scale, by improving people’s lives through financial and social stability.

By providing free education, we are creating a generation of knowledgeable and skilled workers who will help our economy thrive. By offering students the opportunity to continue their studies, society will gain a reliable, productive workforce that would benefit future generations.

500 Words Essay On Education Should Be Free

In today's society, education plays an even more important role in the development of our world. Unfortunately, not every student can support their education, as most of them do not have strong finances to get into their desired school and continue their future studies.

An effective free education policy might require changes to the way teachers are trained, which can be a major undertaking considering the current system in many countries is already overburdened. Finding ways to motivate and retain teachers in an environment where they won’t be as financially incentivized is also an important piece of this puzzle.

Social Benefits of Free Education

When it comes to the social benefits of free education, one of the most significant is the impact it can have on poverty. By ensuring that everyone has access to education, regardless of their socioeconomic status, this can open up opportunities for people who had previously been excluded from higher learning.

Students who receive free education are also able to break out of poverty by finding better jobs and earning higher salaries over time. This in turn helps promote economic growth, as well as create a more equal society.

Educational Equity Issues That Could Be Addressed by Free Education

The primary benefit of free education is that it would make higher learning more accessible to lower-income individuals and families who may not be able to afford college tuition. This would open up opportunities that may not have been available previously, helping those who are most in need gain access to a quality education.

It would also ensure that everyone has the same opportunity to pursue their academic dreams without worrying about finances. Free education would create a level playing field for everyone, regardless of their financial background, giving them an equal chance for success.

The Impact of Universal Education

Universal education would have a positive impact not only at the micro level but also on a macro level. Countries with higher rates of education can experience increased economic growth and improved labour productivity.

If everyone was afforded a quality education for free, the world would be in a better place. People would be better equipped to make sound financial decisions, drive innovation, and participate in civic life.

Finally, if all people had access to quality educational resources regardless of their socio-economic status or background, there could be an increase in social cohesion as well as an improved sense of belonging within society. This could lead to increased communication between different classes of people and help bridge the gap between us all.

Challenges to Achieving Free Education

In most countries, the majority of funding comes from taxpayers. When talking about free education, one of the biggest challenges is finding ways to pay for it.

Another challenge is providing access to quality education. Even if tuition fees are eliminated, there are still costs associated with materials, resources and other learning aids that can put many people at a disadvantage. That’s why it’s important to make sure that any policy aimed at providing free education takes into account the resources necessary for students to get the best out of their studies.

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Radio Jockey is an exciting, promising career and a great challenge for music lovers. If you are really interested in a career as radio jockey, then it is very important for an RJ to have an automatic, fun, and friendly personality. If you want to get a job done in this field, a strong command of the language and a good voice are always good things. Apart from this, in order to be a good radio jockey, you will also listen to good radio jockeys so that you can understand their style and later make your own by practicing.

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In a career as a vlogger, one generally works for himself or herself. However, once an individual has gained viewership there are several brands and companies that approach them for paid collaboration. It is one of those fields where an individual can earn well while following his or her passion.

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For publishing books, newspapers, magazines and digital material, editorial and commercial strategies are set by publishers. Individuals in publishing career paths make choices about the markets their businesses will reach and the type of content that their audience will be served. Individuals in book publisher careers collaborate with editorial staff, designers, authors, and freelance contributors who develop and manage the creation of content.

Careers in journalism are filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. One cannot afford to miss out on the details. As it is the small details that provide insights into a story. Depending on those insights a journalist goes about writing a news article. A journalism career can be stressful at times but if you are someone who is passionate about it then it is the right choice for you. If you want to know more about the media field and journalist career then continue reading this article.

Individuals in the editor career path is an unsung hero of the news industry who polishes the language of the news stories provided by stringers, reporters, copywriters and content writers and also news agencies. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor make it more persuasive, concise and clear for readers. In this article, we will discuss the details of the editor's career path such as how to become an editor in India, editor salary in India and editor skills and qualities.

Individuals who opt for a career as a reporter may often be at work on national holidays and festivities. He or she pitches various story ideas and covers news stories in risky situations. Students can pursue a BMC (Bachelor of Mass Communication) , B.M.M. (Bachelor of Mass Media) , or MAJMC (MA in Journalism and Mass Communication) to become a reporter. While we sit at home reporters travel to locations to collect information that carries a news value.

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Are you searching for a Corporate Executive job description? A Corporate Executive role comes with administrative duties. He or she provides support to the leadership of the organisation. A Corporate Executive fulfils the business purpose and ensures its financial stability. In this article, we are going to discuss how to become corporate executive.

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The Process Development Engineers design, implement, manufacture, mine, and other production systems using technical knowledge and expertise in the industry. They use computer modeling software to test technologies and machinery. An individual who is opting career as Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing cost-effective and efficient processes. They also monitor the production process and ensure it functions smoothly and efficiently.

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Computer Programmer

Careers in computer programming primarily refer to the systematic act of writing code and moreover include wider computer science areas. The word 'programmer' or 'coder' has entered into practice with the growing number of newly self-taught tech enthusiasts. Computer programming careers involve the use of designs created by software developers and engineers and transforming them into commands that can be implemented by computers. These commands result in regular usage of social media sites, word-processing applications and browsers.

Information Security Manager

Individuals in the information security manager career path involves in overseeing and controlling all aspects of computer security. The IT security manager job description includes planning and carrying out security measures to protect the business data and information from corruption, theft, unauthorised access, and deliberate attack

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An Automation Test Engineer job involves executing automated test scripts. He or she identifies the project’s problems and troubleshoots them. The role involves documenting the defect using management tools. He or she works with the application team in order to resolve any issues arising during the testing process.

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Why Education Should Be Free: Exploring the Benefits for a Progressive Society

Written by Dan

Last updated February 13, 2024

The question of whether education, particularly higher education, should be free is a continuing debate marked by a multitude of opinions and perspectives.

Education stands as one of the most powerful tools for personal and societal advancement, and making it accessible to all could have profound impacts on a nation’s economic growth and social fabric.

Proponents of tuition-free education argue that it could create a better-educated workforce, improve the livelihoods of individuals, and contribute to overall economic prosperity.

However, the implementation of such a system carries complexity and considerations that spark considerable discourse among policymakers, educators, and the public.

Related : For more, check out our article on The #1 Problem In Education here.

A diverse group of people of all ages and backgrounds are gathered in a vibrant, open space, eagerly engaging in learning activities and discussions. The atmosphere is filled with enthusiasm and curiosity, emphasizing the importance of accessible education for all

Within the debate on free education lies a range of considerations, including the significant economic benefits it might confer.

A well-educated populace can be the driving force behind innovation, entrepreneurship, and a competitive global stance, according to research.

Moreover, social and cultural benefits are also cited by advocates, who see free higher education as a stepping stone towards greater societal well-being and equality.

Nevertheless, the challenges in implementing free higher education often center around fiscal sustainability, the potential for increased taxes, and the restructuring of existing educational frameworks.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Free higher education could serve as a critical driver of economic growth and innovation.
It may contribute to social equality and cultural enrichment across communities.
Implementation of tuition-free higher education requires careful consideration of economic and structural challenges.

Related : For more, check out our article on AI In Education here.

The Economic Benefits of Free Education

Free education carries the potential for significant economic impact, notably by fostering a more qualified workforce and alleviating financial strains associated with higher education.

Boosting the Workforce with Skilled Workers

Free education initiatives can lead to a rise in college enrollment and graduation rates, as seen in various studies and practical implementations.

This translates into a larger pool of skilled workers entering the workforce, which is critical for the sustained growth of the economy. With more educated individuals, industries can innovate faster and remain competitive on a global scale.

The subsequent increase in productivity and creative problem-solving bolsters the country’s economic profile.

Reducing Student Loan Debt and Financial Insecurity

One of the most immediate effects of tuition-free education is the reduction of student loan debt . Students who graduate without the burden of debt have more financial freedom and security, enabling them to contribute economically through higher consumer spending and investments.

This financial relief also means that graduates can potentially enter the housing market earlier and save for retirement, both of which are beneficial for long-term economic stability.

Reducing this financial insecurity not only benefits individual lives but also creates a positive ripple effect throughout the economy.

Related : For more, check out our article on Teaching For Understanding here.

Social and Cultural Impacts

Free education stands as a cornerstone for a more equitable society, providing a foundation for individuals to reach their full potential without the barrier of cost.

It fosters an inclusive culture where access to knowledge and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society are viewed as inalienable rights.

Creating Equality and Expanding Choices

Free education mitigates the socioeconomic disparities that often dictate the quality and level of education one can attain.

When tuition fees are eliminated, individuals from lower-income families are afforded the same educational opportunities as their wealthier counterparts, leading to a more level playing field .

Expanding educational access enables all members of society to pursue a wider array of careers and life paths, broadening personal choices and promoting a diverse workforce.

Free Education as a Human Right

Recognizing education as a human right underpins the movement for free education. Human Rights Watch emphasizes that all children should have access to a quality, inclusive, and free education.

This aligns with international agreements and the belief that education is not a privilege but a right that should be safeguarded for all, regardless of one’s socioeconomic status.

Redistributions within society can function to finance the institutions necessary to uphold this right, leading to long-term cultural and social benefits.

Challenges and Considerations for Implementation

Implementing free education systems presents a complex interplay of economic and academic factors. Policymakers must confront these critical issues to develop sustainable and effective programs.

Balancing Funding and Taxpayer Impact

Funding for free education programs primarily depends on the allocation of government resources, which often requires tax adjustments .

Legislators need to strike a balance between providing sufficient funding for education and maintaining a level of taxation that does not overburden the taxpayers .

Studies like those from The Balance provide insight into the economic implications, indicating a need for careful analysis to avoid unintended financial consequences.

Ensuring Quality in Free Higher Education Programs

Merit and quality assurance become paramount in free college programs to ensure that the value of education does not diminish. Programs need structured oversight and performance metrics to maintain high academic standards.

Free college systems, by extending access, may risk over-enrollment, which can strain resources and reduce educational quality if not managed correctly.

Global Perspectives and Trends in Free Education

In the realm of education, several countries have adopted policies to make learning accessible at no cost to the student. These efforts often aim to enhance social mobility and create a more educated workforce.

Case Studies: Argentina and Sweden

Argentina has long upheld the principle of free university education for its citizens. Public universities in Argentina do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate courses, emphasizing the country’s commitment to accessible education.

This policy supports a key tenet of social justice, allowing a wide range of individuals to pursue higher education regardless of their financial situation.

In comparison, Sweden represents a prime example of advanced free education within Europe. Swedish universities offer free education not only to Swedish students but also to those from other countries within the European Union (EU).

For Swedes, this extends to include secondary education, which is also offered at no cost. Sweden’s approach exemplifies a commitment to educational equality and a well-informed citizenry.

International Approaches to Tuition-Free College

Examining the broader international landscape , there are diverse approaches to implementing tuition-free higher education.

For instance, some European countries like Spain have not entirely eliminated tuition fees but have kept them relatively low compared to the global average. These measures still align with the overarching goal of making education more accessible.

In contrast, there have been discussions and proposals in the United States about adopting tuition-free college programs, reflecting a growing global trend.

While the United States has not federally mandated free college education, there are initiatives, such as the Promise Programs, that offer tuition-free community college to eligible students in certain states, showcasing a step towards more inclusive educational opportunities.

Policy and Politics of Tuition-Free Education

The debate surrounding tuition-free education encompasses a complex interplay of bipartisan support and legislative efforts, with community colleges frequently at the policy’s epicenter.

Both ideological and financial considerations shape the trajectory of higher education policy in this context.

Bipartisan Support and Political Challenges

Bipartisan support for tuition-free education emerges from a recognition of community colleges as vital access points for higher education, particularly for lower-income families.

Initiatives such as the College Promise campaign reflect this shared commitment to removing economic barriers to education. However, political challenges persist, with Republicans often skeptical about the long-term feasibility and impact on the federal budget.

Such divisions underscore the politicized nature of the education discourse, situating it as a central issue in policy-making endeavors.

Legislative Framework and Higher Education Policy

The legislative framework for tuition-free education gained momentum under President Biden with the introduction of the American Families Plan .

This plan proposed substantial investments in higher education, particularly aimed at bolstering the role of community colleges. Central to this policy is the pledge to cover up to two years of tuition for eligible students.

The proposal reflects a significant step in reimagining higher education policy, though it requires navigating the intricacies of legislative procedures and fiscally conservative opposition to translate into actionable policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common queries regarding the prospect of free college education, its impact, and practical considerations for implementation.

What are the most compelling arguments for making college education free?

The most compelling arguments for tuition-free college highlight the removal of financial barriers, potential to increase social mobility, and a long-term investment in a more educated workforce , which can lead to economic growth.

How could the government implement free education policies without sacrificing quality?

To implement free education without compromising quality, governments need to ensure sustainable funding, invest in faculty, and enable effective administration. Such measures aim to maintain high standards while extending access.

In countries with free college education, what has been the impact on their economies and societies?

Countries with free college education have observed various impacts, including a more educated populace , increased rates of innovation, and in some instances, stronger economic growth due to a skilled workforce.

How does free education affect the accessibility and inclusivity of higher education?

Free education enhances accessibility and inclusivity by leveling the educational playing field, allowing students from all socioeconomic backgrounds to pursue higher education regardless of their financial capability.

What potential downsides exist to providing free college education to all students?

Potential downsides include the strain on governmental budgets, the risk of oversaturating certain job markets, and the possibility that the value of a degree may diminish if too many people obtain one without a corresponding increase in jobs requiring higher education.

How might free education be funded, and what are the financial implications for taxpayers?

Free education would likely be funded through taxation, and its financial implications for taxpayers could range from increased taxes to reprioritization of existing budget funds. The scale of any potential tax increase would depend on the cost of the education programs and the economic benefits they’re anticipated to produce.

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Essay on Free Education

Students are often asked to write an essay on Free Education in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Free Education

Introduction.

Free education means providing learning opportunities at no cost. It is a concept that can change lives, societies, and the world.

Benefits of Free Education

Free education allows everyone to learn, irrespective of their financial status. It promotes equality and can reduce poverty.

Challenges of Free Education

While free education is beneficial, it’s not easy to implement. It requires substantial funding, which can be a challenge for many countries.

Despite the challenges, free education is a worthy goal. It has the potential to create a more equal and educated society.

250 Words Essay on Free Education

Free education is a concept that advocates for the removal of cost barriers in accessing education. It is rooted in the belief that education is a fundamental human right, irrespective of one’s socioeconomic background.

Free education plays a crucial role in fostering social equality. It levels the playing field by providing equal opportunities to all, regardless of their financial status. Moreover, it can stimulate economic growth by producing a well-educated workforce that can innovate and adapt to changing job markets.

Despite its potential benefits, free education poses significant challenges. Primarily, it requires substantial public funding, which may strain government budgets and potentially lead to increased taxes. Additionally, there’s a risk of overcrowded institutions and diminished educational quality due to high demand.

Free Education in the Digital Age

The digital age offers unique opportunities for free education. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and other online platforms provide free or low-cost educational resources. However, digital divide issues, such as unequal access to technology, must be addressed to fully realize the potential of digital education.

In conclusion, while free education has potential benefits in promoting social equality and economic growth, it also poses significant challenges. As we move further into the digital age, it is crucial to explore innovative solutions that can make free, high-quality education a reality for all.

500 Words Essay on Free Education

The concept of free education.

Free education refers to the provision of learning at no cost to the student. It is a concept that has been debated extensively, with proponents arguing that it is a fundamental right, while critics question its fiscal viability and potential consequences. The idea of free education is not novel; it has been implemented in several countries with varying degrees of success.

Free Education as a Fundamental Right

Education is a vital tool for personal and social development. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute effectively to society. Advocates of free education posit that access to education should not be contingent on one’s financial capability. They argue that it is a basic human right, much like access to healthcare, and should be universally accessible.

Free education can level the socio-economic playing field by enabling all individuals to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for upward mobility. It can help to break the cycle of poverty by ensuring that everyone, regardless of their socio-economic background, has an equal opportunity to succeed.

Economic Implications of Free Education

Critics of free education often point to the economic implications. They argue that providing education at no cost to the student would place a significant financial burden on the government, potentially leading to increased taxes or cuts to other public services. Moreover, the quality of education may suffer if resources are spread too thin.

However, it is essential to consider the potential economic benefits of free education. An educated populace is more likely to contribute positively to the economy. They are more likely to secure high-paying jobs, which in turn increases tax revenue. Additionally, education can lead to innovation and entrepreneurship, driving economic growth and job creation.

The Practicality of Free Education

The practicality of free education is another point of contention. Critics argue that it could lead to an oversupply of individuals with higher education degrees and an undersupply in trades and vocational fields. However, this issue can be mitigated by developing a balanced education system that promotes both academic and vocational education.

Conclusion: The Future of Free Education

The concept of free education is complex and multifaceted. While there are legitimate concerns regarding its economic implications and practicality, the potential benefits cannot be overlooked. Free education could foster social mobility, reduce income inequality, and drive economic growth.

The debate on free education is far from over. It requires careful consideration and thoughtful policy-making. The challenge lies in striking a balance between ensuring access to education for all and maintaining the quality and sustainability of the education system. The future of free education will largely depend on how society chooses to navigate these challenges.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Essay on Free College Education
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Happy studying!

Should College Be Free? The Pros and Cons

Should college be free? Understand the debate from both sides

Types of Publicly Funded College Tuition Programs

Pros: why college should be free, cons: why college should not be free, what the free college debate means for students, how to cut your college costs now, frequently asked questions (faqs).

damircudic / Getty Images

Americans have been debating the wisdom of free college for decades, and more than 20 states now offer some type of free college program. But it wasn't until 2021 that a nationwide free college program came close to becoming reality, re-energizing a longstanding debate over whether or not free college is a good idea.

And despite a setback for the free-college advocates, the idea is still in play. The Biden administration's proposal for free community college was scrapped from the American Families Plan in October as the spending bill was being negotiated with Congress.

But close observers say that similar proposals promoting free community college have drawn solid bipartisan support in the past. "Community colleges are one of the relatively few areas where there's support from both Republicans and Democrats," said Tulane economics professor Douglas N. Harris, who has previously consulted with the Biden administration on free college, in an interview with The Balance.

To get a sense of the various arguments for and against free college, as well as the potential impacts on U.S. students and taxpayers, The Balance combed through studies investigating the design and implementation of publicly funded free tuition programs and spoke with several higher education policy experts. Here's what we learned about the current debate over free college in the U.S.—and more about how you can cut your college costs or even get free tuition through existing programs.

Key Takeaways

Research shows that free tuition programs encourage more students to attend college and increase graduation rates, which creates a better-educated workforce and higher-earning consumers who can help boost the economy.
Some programs are criticized for not paying students’ non-tuition expenses, for not benefiting students who need assistance most, or for steering students toward community college instead of four-year programs.
If you want to find out about free programs in your area, the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education has a searchable database. You’ll find the link further down in this article.

Before diving into the weeds of the free college debate, it's important to note that not all free college programs are alike. Most publicly funded tuition assistance programs are restricted to the first two years of study, typically at community colleges. Free college programs also vary widely in the ways they’re designed, funded, and structured:

Last-dollar tuition-free programs : These programs cover any remaining tuition after a student has used up other financial aid , such as Pell Grants. Most state-run free college programs fall into this category. However, these programs don’t typically help with room and board or other expenses.
First-dollar tuition-free programs : These programs pay for students' tuition upfront, although they’re much rarer than last-dollar programs. Any remaining financial aid that a student receives can then be applied to other expenses, such as books and fees. The California College Promise Grant is a first-dollar program because it waives enrollment fees for eligible students.
Debt-free programs : These programs pay for all of a student's college expenses , including room and board, guaranteeing that they can graduate debt-free. But they’re also much less common, likely due to their expense.

Proponents often argue that publicly funded college tuition programs eventually pay for themselves, in part by giving students the tools they need to find better jobs and earn higher incomes than they would with a high school education. The anticipated economic impact, they suggest, should help ease concerns about the costs of public financing education. Here’s a closer look at the arguments for free college programs.

A More Educated Workforce Benefits the Economy

Morley Winograd, President of the Campaign for Free College Tuition, points to the economic and tax benefits that result from the higher wages of college grads. "For government, it means more revenue," said Winograd in an interview with The Balance—the more a person earns, the more they will likely pay in taxes . In addition, "the country's economy gets better because the more skilled the workforce this country has, the better [it’s] able to compete globally." Similarly, local economies benefit from a more highly educated, better-paid workforce because higher earners have more to spend. "That's how the economy grows," Winograd explained, “by increasing disposable income."

According to Harris, the return on a government’s investment in free college can be substantial. "The additional finding of our analysis was that these things seem to consistently pass a cost-benefit analysis," he said. "The benefits seem to be at least double the cost in the long run when we look at the increased college attainment and the earnings that go along with that, relative to the cost and the additional funding and resources that go into them."

Free College Programs Encourage More Students to Attend

Convincing students from underprivileged backgrounds to take a chance on college can be a challenge, particularly when students are worried about overextending themselves financially. But free college programs tend to have more success in persuading students to consider going, said Winograd, in part because they address students' fears that they can't afford higher education . "People who wouldn't otherwise think that they could go to college, or who think the reason they can't is because it's too expensive, [will] stop, pay attention, listen, decide it's an opportunity they want to take advantage of and enroll," he said.

According to Harris, students also appear to like the certainty and simplicity of the free college message. "They didn't want to have to worry that next year they were not going to have enough money to pay their tuition bill," he said. "They don't know what their finances are going to look like a few months down the road, let alone next year, and it takes a while to get a degree. So that matters."

Free college programs can also help send "a clear and tangible message" to students and their families that a college education is attainable for them, said Michelle Dimino, an Education Senior Policy Advisor with Third Way. This kind of messaging is especially important to first-generation and low-income students, she said.

Free College Increases Graduation Rates and Financial Security

Free tuition programs appear to improve students’ chances of completing college. For example, Harris noted that his research found a meaningful link between free college tuition and higher graduation rates. "What we found is that it did increase college graduation at the two-year college level, so more students graduated than otherwise would have."

Free college tuition programs also give people a better shot at living a richer, more comfortable life, say advocates. "It's almost an economic necessity to have some college education," noted Winograd. Similar to the way a high school diploma was viewed as crucial in the 20th century, employees are now learning that they need at least two years of college to compete in a global, information-driven economy. "Free community college is a way of making that happen quickly, effectively and essentially," he explained.

Free community college isn’t a universally popular idea. While many critics point to the potential costs of funding such programs, others identify issues with the effectiveness and fairness of current attempts to cover students’ college tuition. Here’s a closer look at the concerns about free college programs.

It Would Be Too Expensive

The idea of free community college has come under particular fire from critics who worry about the cost of social spending. Since community colleges aren't nearly as expensive as four-year colleges—often costing thousands of dollars a year—critics argue that individuals can often cover their costs using other forms of financial aid . But, they point out, community college costs would quickly add up when paid for in bulk through a free college program: Biden’s proposed free college plan would have cost $49.6 billion in its first year, according to an analysis from Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. Some opponents argue that the funds could be put to better use in other ways, particularly by helping students complete their degrees.

Free College Isn't Really Free

One of the most consistent concerns that people have voiced about free college programs is that they don’t go far enough. Even if a program offers free tuition, students will need to find a way to pay for other college-related expenses , such as books, room and board, transportation, high-speed internet, and, potentially, child care. "Messaging is such a key part of this," said Dimino. Students "may apply or enroll in college, understanding it's going to be free, but then face other unexpected charges along the way."

It's important for policymakers to consider these factors when designing future free college programs. Otherwise, Dimino and other observers fear that students could potentially wind up worse off if they enroll and invest in attending college and then are forced to drop out due to financial pressures.

Free College Programs Don’t Help the Students Who Need Them Most

Critics point out that many free college programs are limited by a variety of quirks and restrictions, which can unintentionally shut out deserving students or reward wealthier ones. Most state-funded free college programs are last-dollar programs, which don’t kick in until students have applied financial aid to their tuition. That means these programs offer less support to low-income students who qualify for need-based aid—and more support for higher-income students who don’t.

Community College May Not Be the Best Path for All Students

Some critics also worry that all students will be encouraged to attend community college when some would have been better off at a four-year institution. Four-year colleges tend to have more resources than community colleges and so can offer more support to high-need students.

In addition, some research has shown that students at community colleges are less likely to be academically successful than students at four-year colleges, said Dimino. "Statistically, the data show that there are poorer outcomes for students at community colleges […] such as lower graduation rates and sometimes low transfer rates from two- to four-year schools."

With Congress focused on other priorities, a nationwide free college program is unlikely to happen anytime soon. However, some states and municipalities offer free tuition programs, so students may be able to access some form of free college, depending on where they live. A good resource is the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education’s searchable database of Promise Programs , which lists more than 120 free community college programs, though the majority are limited to California residents.

In the meantime, school leaders and policymakers may shift their focus to other access and equity interventions for low-income students. For example, higher education experts Eileen Strempel and Stephen Handel published a book in 2021 titled "Beyond Free College: Making Higher Education Work for 21st Century Students." The book argues in part that policymakers should focus more strongly on college completion, not just college access. "There hasn't been enough laser-focus on how we actually get people to complete their degrees," noted Strempel in an interview with The Balance.

Rather than just improving access for low-income college students, Strempel and Handel argue that decision-makers should instead look more closely at the social and economic issues that affect students , such as food and housing insecurity, child care, transportation, and personal technology. For example, "If you don't have a computer, you don't have access to your education anymore," said Strempel. "It's like today's pencil."

Saving money on college costs can be challenging, but you can take steps to reduce your cost of living. For example, if you're interested in a college but haven't yet enrolled, pay close attention to where it's located and how much residents typically pay for major expenses, such as housing, utilities, and food. If the college is located in a high-cost area, it could be tough to justify the living expenses you'll incur. Similarly, if you plan to commute, take the time to check gas or public transportation prices and calculate how much you'll likely have to spend per month to go to and from campus several times a week.

Now that more colleges offer classes online, it may also be worth looking at lower-cost programs in areas that are farther from where you live, particularly if they allow you to graduate without setting foot on campus. Also check out state and federal financial aid programs that can help you slim down your expenses, or, in some cases, pay for them completely. Finally, look into need-based and merit-based grants and scholarships that can help you cover even more of your expenses. Also consider applying to no-loan colleges , which promise to help students graduate without going into debt.

Should community college be free?

It’s a big question with varying viewpoints. Supporters of free community college cite the economic contributions of a more educated workforce and the individual benefit of financial security, while critics caution against the potential expense and the inefficiency of last-dollar free college programs.

What states offer free college?

More than 20 states offer some type of tuition-free college program, including Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington State. The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education lists 115 last-dollar community college programs and 16 first-dollar community college programs, though the majority are limited to California residents.

Is there a free college?

There is no such thing as a truly free college education. But some colleges offer free tuition programs for students, and more than 20 states offer some type of tuition-free college program. In addition, students may also want to check out employer-based programs. A number of big employers now offer to pay for their employees' college tuition . Finally, some students may qualify for enough financial aid or scholarships to cover most of their college costs.

The White House. “ Build Back Better Framework ,” see “Bringing Down Costs, Reducing Inflationary Pressures, and Strengthening the Middle Class.”

The White House. “ Fact Sheet: How the Build Back Better Plan Will Create a Better Future for Young Americans ,” see “Education and Workforce Opportunities.”

Coast Community College District. “ California College Promise Grant .”

Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. “ The Dollars and Cents of Free College ,” see “Biden’s Free College Plan Would Pay for Itself Within 10 Years.”

Third Way. “ Why Free College Could Increase Inequality .”

Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. “ The Dollars and Cents of Free College ,” see “Free-College Programs Have Different Effects on Race and Class Equity.”

University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. “ College Promise Programs: A Comprehensive Catalog of College Promise Programs in the United States .”

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College & Careers

Tuition-free college is critical to our economy

Morley Winograd and Max Lubin

November 2, 2020, 13 comments.

To rebuild America’s economy in a way that offers everyone an equal chance to get ahead, federal support for free college tuition should be a priority in any economic recovery plan in 2021.

Research shows that the private and public economic benefit of free community college tuition would outweigh the cost. That’s why half of the states in the country already have some form of free college tuition.

The Democratic Party 2020 platform calls for making two years of community college tuition free for all students with a federal/state partnership similar to the Obama administration’s 2015 plan .

It envisions a program as universal and free as K-12 education is today, with all the sustainable benefits such programs (including Social Security and Medicare) enjoy. It also calls for making four years of public college tuition free, again in partnership with states, for students from families making less than $125,000 per year.

The Republican Party didn’t adopt a platform for the 2020 election, deferring to President Trump’s policies, which among other things, stand in opposition to free college. Congressional Republicans, unlike many of their state counterparts, also have not supported free college tuition in the past.

However, it should be noted that the very first state free college tuition program was initiated in 2015 by former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, a Republican. Subsequently, such deep red states with Republican majorities in their state legislature such as West Virginia, Kentucky and Arkansas have adopted similar programs.

Establishing free college tuition benefits for more Americans would be the 21st-century equivalent of the Depression-era Works Progress Administration initiative.

That program not only created immediate work for the unemployed, but also offered skills training for nearly 8 million unskilled workers in the 1930s. Just as we did in the 20th century, by laying the foundation for our current system of universal free high school education and rewarding our World War II veterans with free college tuition to help ease their way back into the workforce, the 21st century system of higher education we build must include the opportunity to attend college tuition-free.

California already has taken big steps to make its community college system, the largest in the nation, tuition free by fully funding its California Promise grant program. But community college is not yet free to all students. Tuition costs — just more than $1,500 for a full course load — are waived for low-income students. Colleges don’t have to spend the Promise funds to cover tuition costs for other students so, at many colleges, students still have to pay tuition.

At the state’s four-year universities, about 60% of students at the California State University and the same share of in-state undergraduates at the 10-campus University of California, attend tuition-free as well, as a result of Cal grants , federal Pell grants and other forms of financial aid.

But making the CSU and UC systems tuition-free for even more students will require funding on a scale that only the federal government is capable of supporting, even if the benefit is only available to students from families that makes less than $125,000 a year.

It is estimated that even without this family income limitation, eliminating tuition for four years at all public colleges and universities for all students would cost taxpayers $79 billion a year, according to U.S. Department of Education data . Consider, however, that the federal government spent $91 billion in 2016 on policies that subsidized college attendance. At least some of that could be used to help make public higher education institutions tuition-free in partnership with the states.

Free college tuition programs have proved effective in helping mitigate the system’s current inequities by increasing college enrollment, lowering dependence on student loan debt and improving completion rates , especially among students of color and lower-income students who are often the first in their family to attend college.

In the first year of the TN Promise , community college enrollment in Tennessee increased by 24.7%, causing 4,000 more students to enroll. The percentage of Black students in that state’s community college population increased from 14% to 19% and the proportion of Hispanic students increased from 4% to 5%.

Students who attend community college tuition-free also graduate at higher rates. Tennessee’s first Promise student cohort had a 52.6% success rate compared to only a 38.9% success rate for their non-Promise peers. After two years of free college tuition, Rhode Island’s college-promise program saw its community college graduation rate triple and the graduation rate among students of color increase ninefold.

The impact on student debt is more obvious. Tennessee, for instance, saw its applications for student loans decrease by 17% in the first year of its program, with loan amounts decreasing by 12%. At the same time, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications soared, with 40% of the entire nation’s increase in applications originating in that state in the first year of their Promise program.

Wage inequality by education, already dreadful before the pandemic, is getting worse. In May, the unemployment rate among workers without a high school diploma was nearly triple the rate of workers with a bachelor’s degree. No matter what Congress does to provide support to those affected by the pandemic and the ensuing recession, employment prospects for far too many people in our workforce will remain bleak after the pandemic recedes. Today, the fastest growing sectors of the economy are in health care, computers and information technology. To have a real shot at a job in those sectors, workers need a college credential of some form such as an industry-recognized skills certificate or an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

The surest way to make the proven benefits of higher education available to everyone is to make college tuition-free for low and middle-income students at public colleges, and the federal government should help make that happen.

Morley Winograd is president of the Campaign for Free College Tuition . Max Lubin is CEO of Rise , a student-led nonprofit organization advocating for free college.

The opinions in this commentary are those of the author. Commentaries published on EdSource represent diverse viewpoints about California’s public education systems. If you would like to submit a commentary, please review our guidelines and contact us .

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Genia Curtsinger 2 years ago 2 years ago

Making community college free to those who meet the admission requirements would help many people. First of all, it would make it easy for students and families, for instance; you go to college and have to pay thousands of dollars to get a college education, but if community college is free it would help so you could be saving money and get a college education for free, with no cost at all. It would make … Read More

Therefore I think people should have free education for those who meet the admission requirements.

nothing 2 years ago 2 years ago

I feel like colleges shouldn’t be completely free, but a lot more affordable for people so everyone can have a chance to have a good college education.

Jaden Wendover 2 years ago 2 years ago

I think all colleges should be free, because why would you pay to learn?

Samantha Cole 2 years ago 2 years ago

I think college should be free because there are a lot of people that want to go to college but they can’t pay for it so they don’t go and end up in jail or working as a waitress or in a convenience store. I know I want to go to college but I can’t because my family doesn’t make enough money to send me to college but my family makes too much for financial aid.

Nick Gurrs 2 years ago 2 years ago

I feel like this subject has a lot of answers, For me personally, I believe tuition and college, in general, should be free because it will help students get out of debt and not have debt, and because it will help people who are struggling in life to get a job and make a living off a job.

NO 2 years ago 2 years ago

I think college tuition should be free. A lot of adults want to go to college and finish their education but can’t partly because they can’t afford to. Some teens need to work at a young age just so they can save money for college which I feel they shouldn’t have to. If people don’t want to go to college then they just can work and go on with their lives.

Not saying my name 3 years ago 3 years ago

I think college tuition should be free because people drop out because they can’t pay the tuition to get into college and then they can’t graduate and live a good life and they won’t get a job because it says they dropped out of school. So it would be harder to get a job and if the tuition wasn’t a thing, people would live an awesome life because of this.

Brisa 3 years ago 3 years ago

I’m not understanding. Are we not agreeing that college should be free, or are we?

m 2 years ago 2 years ago

it shouldnt

Trevor Everhart 3 years ago 3 years ago

What do you mean by there is no such thing as free tuition?

Olga Snichernacs 3 years ago 3 years ago

Nice! I enjoyed reading.

Anonymous Cat 3 years ago 3 years ago

Tuition-Free: Free tuition, or sometimes tuition free is a phrase you have heard probably a good number of times. … Therefore, free tuition to put it simply is the opportunity provide to students by select universities around the world to received a degree from their institution without paying any sum of money for the teaching.

Mister B 3 years ago 3 years ago

There is no such thing as tuition free.

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Education Should Be Free for Everyone

In my argumentative essay, I discuss the ethical side of having a free education system. I discuss the positive sides and the negative sides of free education, and I focus mostly on having free higher education since we already have free education up to High School graduation levels. I conclude with a discussion about the actions of colleges and Universities and how they would inevitably make the ethical discussion mute from a student’s perceptive since the burden of ethics would fall upon higher education institutions in a world where they are given plenty of incentive to act immorally.

From an ethical perspective, it seems unfair that people who have less money are going to miss more opportunities. Ethically, opportunities should be open for all people. Though it may be true that the availability of an opportunity shouldn’t guarantee that a person receives that opportunity, the opportunity shouldn’t be ruled out. For example, all people should be able to become qualified to work in air traffic control, and even though a blind person is hardly guaranteed such a job position, the opportunity shouldn’t be ruled out as a default. Free education, especially free higher education, may open up a series of opportunities that some people would otherwise be unable to enjoy, and even if those opportunities are not guaranteed, they shouldn’t be ruled out by default, which is what happens when some people cannot use higher education for financial reasons. (Flood, 2014)

Some people are going to use free education as a way of getting out of work and as a way of doing nothing with their lives. Students up to the final year in High School are unable to get full-time jobs and live independently on their wages, which is why their education should be free. However, when a person is able to get a full-time job and live independently, he or she may get out of working by living on the education system. Even if the qualifications are free and not the living expenses, a person may still claim a slew of benefits and receive no incentive to ever get a job because he or she remains in the education system for years and years. (Gritz, 2010)

If all forms of education are free for students, then it becomes very easy for a person to waste his or her life on meaningless education. The decision to get into thousands upon thousands of dollars of debt in order to pursue a career should be agonizing and very difficult so as to make the student think long and hard about the decision. If all education is free, then less thought is required, and students may waste years of their life studying for qualifications that they do not need or even want. (Kamenetz, 2016)

If a student is genuinely looking for higher education and is not looking for a reason to do nothing and mess around for years by exploiting other people’s tax money through free education, then such a person may enjoy a longer education process. For example, a student taking a series of law qualifications is going to need five to seven years of education, which is also very expensive. If the cost of the qualification were removed, such a person may be able to take up jobs on an intermittent basis, stretch out his or her qualification duration, and take longer to gain said qualifications in a more comfortable manner. Instead of having to spend years as a low-income student while building debt, such a student may spend longer on a qualification and work while studying so that he or she may enjoy a more comfortable education experience. Plus, all of this would occur who the pressure of accumulating student debt. (The Leadership Institute, 2018)

Despite the ethical upsides and downsides that come with free education for students, it is sadly the Universities and colleges that will spoil it. These days, student loans are very easy to get, and this has resulted in colleges and Universities putting their prices up to almost scandalous levels, and it has resulted in colleges and Universities creating courses that add no real value for people wishing to join the workforce. If colleges and Universities were being fully funded by tax dollars, they would encourage students to join with a whole host of silly and frivolous programs because the quality of education would no longer matter or apply. (Fox, 2006).

Bibliography

Flood, Alison. “US students request ‘trigger warnings’ on literature.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 19 May 2014, www.theguardian.com/books/2014/may/19/us-students-request-trigger-warnings-in-literature.

Fox News, http://www.foxnews.com/story/2006/09/01/why-does-college-cost-so-much-and-is-it-worth-it.html 2006

Gritz, Jennie Rothenberg. “What’s Wrong with the American University System.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 28 July 2010, www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2010/07/whats-wrong-with-the-american-university-system/60458/.

Kamenetz, Anya. “How College Aid Is Like A Bad Coupon.” NPR, NPR, 17 Sept. 2016, www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/09/17/492973995/how-college-aid-is-like-a-bad-coupon.

The Leadership Institute. “Why are colleges so liberal?” Leadership Institute, www.leadershipinstitute.org/crazycolleges/. 2018

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Student Opinion

Should College Be Free?

Do you think other states should follow New Mexico in making higher education tuition-free? What would that mean for society?

By Callie Holtermann

Do you plan to go to college? Are you or your family concerned about paying for it?

In the past three decades, the average cost of attending a private college in the United States has tripled — landing at around $50,000 per year.

Should college cost this much? How would our society change if college cost nothing at all?

Amid declines in enrollment , states including Texas and Michigan are experimenting with plans to reduce or eliminate tuition for many students. Starting in July, New Mexico will go a step further: It will completely cover tuition for all state residents who attend public colleges and universities.

In “ What if College Were Free? This State Is Trying to Find Out. ,” Simon Romero writes about the state’s plan, which received bipartisan approval:

As universities across the United States face steep enrollment declines , New Mexico’s government is embarking on a pioneering experiment to fight that trend: tuition-free higher education for all state residents. After President Biden’s plan for universal free community college failed to gain traction in Congress, New Mexico, one of the nation’s poorest states, has emerged with perhaps the most ambitious plans as states scramble to come up with their own initiatives. A new state law approved in a rare show of bipartisanship allocates almost 1 percent of the state’s budget toward covering tuition and fees at public colleges and universities, community colleges and tribal colleges. All state residents from new high school graduates to adults enrolling part-time will be eligible regardless of family income. The program is also open to immigrants regardless of their immigration status. Some legislators and other critics question whether there should have been income caps, and whether the state, newly flush with oil and gas revenue, can secure long-term funding to support the program beyond its first year. The legislation, which seeks to treat college as a public resource similar to primary and secondary education, takes effect in July.

The article continues:

Other states are assembling their own programs: The University of Texas System created a $300 million endowment in February that expands tuition assistance for thousands of students. Michigan provides free college to residents who were essential workers during the pandemic, while also covering tuition at community colleges for people ages 25 or older. Reflecting challenges before and during the pandemic, some initiatives have not produced the desired results. Even after California recently expanded free tuition opportunities, enrollment at its community colleges fell by nearly 15 percent in 2021 from a year earlier. The push for tuition-free higher education comes amid a broader enrollment crisis in the United States. Total undergraduate enrollment fell by 6.6 percent from 2019 to 2021, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

Students, read the entire article , then tell us:

What do you think of New Mexico’s plan to provide tuition-free college to state residents? Do you think college should be “a public resource similar to primary and secondary education,” as New Mexico is treating it? Do you think that your state should adopt a similar plan? Why or why not?

Do you want to attend college? Why or why not? How does the cost of higher education factor into your thinking?

Do you think everyone should go to college — or do you think there should be more alternatives to higher education? If so, what should they be and why?

Why do you think universities across the United States are facing declines in enrollment? Do you think plans to make college less expensive or entirely free are the right way to increase enrollment?

Do you think making college tuition-free is worth the cost? (As the article points out, the money for the first year of the New Mexico program largely comes from pandemic relief funds. After that, legislators will need to draw funds from other sources to keep the program going.) Is it more realistic to do what states like Washington and Tennessee have done and limit tuition assistance to community colleges, exclude some residents because of family income or impose conditions requiring students to work part time?

Mr. Romero describes New Mexico’s initiative as “unusually inclusive,” given that it extends free tuition to inmates, unauthorized immigrants and some Native Americans from neighboring states. Why do you think New Mexico’s legislators decided it was important to make members of these groups eligible for free tuition? What might be some of the long-term effects of free college for all?

Want more writing prompts? You can find all of our questions in our Student Opinion column . Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate them into your classroom.

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.

Callie Holtermann joined The Learning Network as a senior news assistant in 2020. More about Callie Holtermann

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Free College Education

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Access to education, reducing student debt, economic impact, counterarguments.

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A Guarantee of Tuition-Free College Can Have Life-Changing Effects

A mailer sent to low-income students with that promise led to a major jump in enrollment at the University of Michigan, according to a new study.

Highly selective colleges have long struggled with racial and economic diversity. At 38 such institutions in the United States , more students come from households in the top 1 percent than from those in the bottom 60 percent. That is in part due to who applies to the universities: Many high-achieving students from a low-income or minority background don’t think they can get in to a prestigious institution, let alone pay for it—despite the fact that many such colleges have generous financial-aid packages—so they end up not applying.

A new study , however, found that a few extra dollars on a university’s part might go a long way in terms of changing that calculus for low-income students. The working paper, published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, examined the effects of a targeted-outreach campaign for low-income students at the University of Michigan.

Read: The missing black students at elite American universities

The campaign, known as the High Achieving Involved Leader ( HAIL ) Scholarship, encourages highly qualified, low-income students to apply to the university, promising them four years of education free of tuition and fees. Students are sent a personalized mailing with all of the information, which costs the university less than $10 each to produce and send out; the students’ parents and school principals are also contacted separately. And the offer of free tuition isn’t contingent upon filling out financial-aid forms such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA ).

The researchers, led by the University of Michigan economist Susan Dynarski, found “very large effects of the HAIL scholarship offer on application and enrollment rates at the University of Michigan and more generally on college choice.” Students who received the mailing were more than twice as likely to apply to the University of Michigan compared with a control group. The percentage of low-income students enrolling at the university more than doubled as well—from 13 percent in the control group to 28 percent in the group of students who received the mailer.

The HAIL Scholarship is a new program, but even without it the students would likely have been able to attend the University of Michigan free of charge—90 percent of similarly situated high-achieving, low-income students receive full-tuition scholarships. But HAIL makes that fact explicit: It isn’t that students can apply and have the chance to afford the college—if they apply and are accepted, it is guaranteed .

The study shows one way to tackle the phenomenon known as “ undermatching ,” which is when high-achieving students don’t attend the most selective college they could get into. It’s something researchers have studied and worried about for several years now, since it tends to occur most frequently among low-income students. While it has been argued that there’s too much attention being focused on getting low-income students into a small number of elite colleges, as I’ve previously written, students who undermatch are less likely to graduate than their peers who don’t, and they forgo a range of social benefits accrued from attending an elite college.

Read: When disadvantaged students overlook elite colleges

In some cases, the students enrolling at Michigan wouldn’t have gone to college at all had they not had been contacted. “One-quarter of the enrollment effect (four percentage points) is driven by students who would not have attended any college in the absence of the treatment,” the authors of the report wrote. “The balance would have attended a community college or a less selective four-year college in the absence of the treatment.”

For the researchers, the next step in evaluating the program is to track its effects on students’ choice of major, graduation rates, and, in the long term, lifetime earnings. But for now, the results “show that a low-cost, low-touch intervention can strongly affect student application and enrollment at selective colleges.”

This is the second study in the past week showing the positive effects of a guarantee for low-income and minority students. A study published by the American Educational Research Association found that undermatching is reduced when low-income students know that their admission is ensured through state policy. The study examined the University of Texas system and its “top 10 percent plan,” which guarantees admission to students in the top 10 percent of their high-school class.

In both the Michigan and Texas studies, the students were given clear information that going to college—and to an elite college, at that—was a real possibility. As Kalena Cortes, an associate professor at Texas A&M and one of the Texas study’s authors, said , “Demystifying college-admissions policy is a pathway to greater inclusion.”

What Does Free College Really Mean?

Posted January 17, 2017
By Casey Bayer

Free college sounds great as an idea, but how do states actually finance it?

Most states propose to fund free college plans as “last-dollar” scholarships. This means that the state commits to covering unmet financial aid after all other eligible funds — such as the federal Pell grant — are exhausted. Additionally, most plans cover tuition and fees but not additional expenses such as room and board or textbooks.

This “last-dollar” approach helps keeps program costs low, but it is only possible because of the generosity of existing financial aid programs.

Why is free college appealing from a state’s perspective?

College is expensive, and the process of applying for and receiving financial is complicated and stressful. Many families do not realize that they will likely pay only a fraction of the sticker price of college. In contrast to the byzantine system of federal and state financial aid programs, free college is a very easy concept to understand.

The political appeal is obvious as well. Nearly all families want their children to attend college, yet they are deeply concerned about whether they can afford it. Policymakers who commit to providing “free college” are easing the minds of their constituents, even those who have very young children and thus are many years away from the actual expense.

What are some of the concerns around free college tuition plans?

I support the goal of free college. More than ever, a college degree is a ticket to the middle class. The question is how to get there.

One concern — raised by others such as Matt Chingos at the Urban Institute — is that most of the benefits of free college plans accrue to higher-income families. The reason goes back again to the “last dollar” design. Low-income students already receive a lot of need-based financial aid from the federal government. Many states also already have need-based aid programs. The additional value of a last dollar scholarship is relatively low for these students — they are already paying close to zero in tuition and fees. In contrast, families that make too much money to be eligible for need-based programs will see a much larger price reduction from free college. This is not a bad thing! College is a financial burden for nearly every family. But it is worth clarifying that the biggest beneficiaries of free college plans are usually middle-class families.

A second more fundamental concern is about the single-minded focus on costs. The value of a college degree depends on its price, but also on the quality of the education itself — the benefits as well as the costs. My main concern with free college plans is that focusing solely on college costs will push us toward an outcome where college is cheap but also relatively low quality. If you lower the price of college to zero, you are going to get a lot more students enrolling. Absent significant increases in state funding for higher education, the same pool of resources will then be spread across many more students. This could lead to larger classes, less guidance and mentoring, and a generally lower quality experience. It is not at all clear that lower prices and lower levels of spending will be a good thing overall for students.

It sounds like you are saying that prices don’t matter.

Not at all. Lower prices are always better from the student’s perspective! On the other hand, state higher education budgets are under enormous pressure. My concern is that states will pay for “free college” by cutting the subsidies that they currently send directly to the public colleges in the state. This raises the question: Is it better to subsidize education on the supply side (by funding public institutions out of tax revenues) or on the demand side (by giving financial aid to students directly)?

Let me make this very specific. Every public college in the U.S. currently spends more on a student’s education than they charge in tuition. For example, a public university might charge $10,000 per year in tuition and fees but actually spend $20,000 per student. The difference comes mostly from subsidies — called appropriations — coming directly from state taxpayers through the legislature. Suppose an extra $1,000 per student suddenly becomes available. The university has two choices. First, they can pass that $1,000 on to the student as a price reduction — charging $9,000 per year and still spending $20,000. Alternatively, they can keep the price at $10,000 but now spend $21,000 per student, with the extra money going to things like smaller classes, more student advising and mentoring, or perhaps climbing walls and nap pods.

Which choice will do more to help a student complete their college degree? Free college — and most of the existing federal financial aid system — assumes that price reduction is most important. But a growing body of work — including a recent paper I’ve written with Chris Walters — suggests that spending may be a more important factor for degree attainment.

We see this is a recent study of the Adams scholarship in Massachusetts. The Adams scholarship provided four years of tuition and fees in a Massachusetts public college or university to students who met a minimum MCAS score standard. The study found that these students took up the offer of “free college,” opting to attend a Massachusetts public institution instead of a private college. Strikingly, the authors found that students who took up the Adams scholarship were less likely to graduate from college. They show persuasively that this is due to differences in college quality. The private colleges had higher levels of per-student spending and higher graduation rates, but students were lured to lower quality public institutions by the offer of “free college.”

I am not saying that “free college” plans will lower graduation rates. In particular, there are many more high-quality private institutions in Massachusetts than elsewhere in the U.S. But this study underscores the perils of a singular focus on lowering costs. College quality matters, and public policy ought to focus equally on improving and maintaining quality so that more students can ultimately earn a degree and go on to succeed in the labor market and in life.

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Policy Brief 14

The Economics of Free College

David J. Deming

Despite growing public concern about the cost of college, higher education is still the best investment a young person can make. The American public understands that college is both increasingly necessary and increasingly unaffordable. This dynamic explains the growing public conversation around the idea of “free college”.

This policy brief discusses the economics of free college. An important cause of current levels of economic inequality is growing demand for college-level skills that began in the 1980s, combined with slow growth in the number of young people receiving degrees. A high-quality college education teaches critical thinking and abstract problem-solving, and also helps students think seriously about values and ethics. Technological change will make these skills more valuable than ever. Thus expanding access to higher education is an urgent national priority .

The short-run cost of expanding access to higher education is potentially large. Yet the long-run cost is much smaller. This is because education is an investment that requires up-front spending, but pays back benefits over time. Policies that increase college attainment can pay for themselves – or even yield net benefits to the taxpayer – because college-goers earn more after graduation and pay higher taxes.

All this means that free college policies should be designed to achieve the goal of universal college completion. Free college is a means to an end. A policy that pushes the U.S. toward universal college completion would pay for itself many times over.

Not all free college plans are well-designed to achieve this goal. In fact, a poorly designed free college plan could make the problem worse. For example, free tuition would do little to solve another important problem in higher education – low rates of degree completion. Lower prices do nothing to help overcrowded and underfunded public institutions.

A major concern is that states lowering tuition to zero will balance their budgets by cutting spending. Research suggests that this would lower graduation rates, making the completion problem worse. Thus the right path is a “grand bargain” that greatly increases funding in public postsecondary institutions , while also holding them accountable for graduation rates and labor market outcomes.

As I discuss below, one promising idea is a Federal matching grant. This would provide Federal funds to public institutions in states that commit to making college tuition-free.

Introduction

American higher education is facing a crisis of public legitimacy, and rising college costs are a key reason. The price of a four-year college education has risen faster than inflation for thirty consecutive years . A 2018 Pew survey found that 61 percent of US adults now think that “higher education is going in the wrong direction”. Of those, 84 percent identified rising tuition prices as a reason, higher than any other explanation by far.

Yet despite the growing economic burden of paying for college, attendance rates have continued to rise. This is because – despite all its faults – a college education is one of the best investments a young person can make. The economic return to a college degree is still near an all-time high of around 14 percent per year – double the long-term return on stocks. While student loan burdens are growing rapidly, debt is still low relative to the long-run economic payoff of a college degree (motivating some economists to call for a stronger income-based repayment system).

One reason college pays off is that the bottom has dropped out of earnings for the less-educated. In fact, rising economic inequality over the last several decades closely tracks the rising return to education. Since 1980, inflation-adjusted weekly earnings for US college graduates have grown by about 35 percent. In contrast, real wages have declined for workers with only a high school education. This basic pattern of widening earnings gaps by education holds for both men and women, for all racial groups, for immigrants as well as natives, and in nearly all countries in the developed world.

Popular attention has focused on wealth concentration among the “top 1 percent” as a source of rising inequality. Others have focused on globalization and the rise of multinational corporations. Yet few understand just how important education has been in contributing to rising inequality among the “ other 99 percent ”. The inflation-adjusted earnings gap between two-earner households with a high school education and a college education grew by about $28,000 between 1979 and 2012. This increase is four times larger than the redistribution of income that has occurred from the bottom 99 percent to the top 1 percent over the same period.

Looking beyond earnings, all of today’s most pressing social problems – from declining male labor force participation to falling marriage rates and increases in single parenthood to rising mortality and opioid addiction – disproportionately afflict people without college degrees.

The American public understands that college is both increasingly necessary and increasingly unaffordable. This dynamic has rapidly increased political support for “free college” plans. Eleven states have passed or pending “free college” legislation as of early 2019. Dozens of cities – ranging from Kalamazoo to Pittsburgh to New Haven – have enacted “college promise” programs, which offer free college tuition to students attending city public high schools. While most free college plans are restricted to community colleges and to full-time, traditional students, some states such as New York and Tennessee have expanded “college promise” plans to the four-year sector and to adult students. President Barack Obama proposed a national free college program in 2015, and this year Democratic presidential candidates such as Bernie Sanders , Elizabeth Warren and Joe Biden have followed with plans of their own.

The Economic Case for Investment in Higher Education

Economists primarily think of education as “human capital”. Obtaining more education is like digging a hole with a bulldozer rather than a shovel. More education allows one to get more done in the same amount of time, increasing productivity and thus market wages.

Some economists argue that education doesn’t actually increase productivity – rather, it is a signaling mechanism that provides employers with information about your ability. However, the best evidence suggests that most of the economic return to education is human capital. A number of papers find that increases in the quantity and quality of schooling boost earnings, even when these increases are not observed by employers. One example is compulsory schooling reforms. In studies such as Angrist and Krueger (1991), Meghir and Palme (2005), Oreopoulos (2006) and Aryal, Bhuller and Lange (2019), young people are legally required to stay in school longer, and this increases their earnings years later even when it does not lead to increases in degree attainment. Another example comes from Arteaga (2018), who finds that a reduction in coursework requirements for economics and business degrees at a university in Colombia reduced wages. Since employers were not aware of this curricular reform and it did not affect selection into university or graduation rates, the earnings losses are almost certainly due to learning losses. Overall, there is strong evidence that education increases productivity directly.

Another important benefit of education is that it helps you “learn how to learn”, a skill that is especially helpful in times of rapid change. There is a wealth of historical evidence suggesting that education helps workers learn new technologies. The Industrial Revolutions in 19 th century England and early 20 th century America were fueled by rapid increases in formal schooling in both populations. New industrial processes were made possible by the diffusion of electricity, and they required workers with basic literacy and numeracy skills who could decode manuals and blueprints, solve formulas and communicate with highly skilled professionals. Educated farmers are more likely to adopt new technologies .

The information age – often dated to the introduction of the IBM-PC in 1981 – has also changed the labor market in ways that favor the highly skilled. Computers specialize in information processing and categorization tasks that were formerly the domain of payroll clerks, typists and other middle class workers. While computers replace humans in routine information processing tasks, the value of workers who use this information to make decisions and solve problems has dramatically increased.

Recent developments such as machine learning (ML) methods can be understood as a continuation of this trend. ML and Artificial Intelligence techniques use information to make predictions . Better predictions can be used to make better decisions and set priorities, but that requires an understanding of the technology and its limitations. A high-quality college education teaches critical thinking and abstract problem-solving, and also helps students think seriously about values and ethics. Technological change will make these skills more valuable than ever.

Other countries understand this, and have invested much more than the US in higher education. 41 percent of the baby boomer generation in the US (those ages 55-64 in 2014) has completed some tertiary education. This ranks 3 rd among OECD countries, behind only Israel and Canada. However, tertiary education rates have increased only 5 percentage points – to 46 percent – for young people age 25-34. In contrast, the average growth rate among other OECD nations over the same period was 16 percentage points. The US has fallen from 3 rd to 10 th among OECD nations in the last 30 years, and its tertiary education growth rate of 5 percentage points ranks 32 nd out of 35 countries.

Common Objections

Why should the government fund students to attend college.

If college is such a good investment, why don’t students finance a college education out of their own pockets? There are three broad reasons for the government to subsidize higher education. First, students and their families may not be able to afford college. In other private markets, the solution is to offer a loan where the item itself (e.g. a house, or a car) becomes collateral in the event of default. Unlike a house, investments in education have no obvious source of collateral since students cannot contractually commit to pay their future wages. Thus private lenders are reluctant to offer unsecured loans. This is why educational loans in the U.S. and many other countries are mostly offered (or at least guaranteed) by the government. Borrowing constraints have become quite important in the U.S. in recent years, and can affect the quality of school attended as well as the quantity (Lochner and Monge-Naranjo 2012, Sun and Yannelis 2016).

A second reason for government involvement is a lack of information about the costs and benefits of investment in higher education. Survey data consistently show that college-age youth and their parents are misinformed about the average returns to a college degree and to specific college majors (Betts 1996, Avery and Kane 2004, Grodsky and Jones 2007, Hoxby and Turner 2015, Wiswall and Zafar 2015). Students are unlikely to know with certainty whether college will benefit them until long after the investment decision is made. Thus risk aversion and misperceptions about the returns to education may prevent some youth from attending college.

A final reason for government intervention in higher education is that the benefits of a more educated populace are widely shared. Education increases civic participation and decreases crime, both of which have spillover impacts on one’s fellow citizens. Workers earn more when they live in cities with more college-educated workers, and employers that locate in these cities are more productive (Moretti 2004). A recent historical study found that increasing the number of universities in a country led to higher GDP growth (Valero and Van Reenen 2016).

What would happen if we expanded access to higher education? Wouldn’t the least-prepared students struggle to succeed?

The market for higher education may fail to work well on its own for a number of reasons. However, even if we solved the market failures described above, the impact of expanding college access might still be small. While many studies show that the average return to college is high, the return to college for marginal students could be lower. Cameron and Heckman (2001) estimate a structural model of educational choice and find that long-run factors such as family environment are more important than financial constraints in determining college attainment. Their results – and similar findings reviewed in Lochner and Monge-Naranjo (2012) – imply that the return to college for marginal students is low.

However, a number of recent quasi-experimental studies reach the opposite conclusion. Zimmerman (2014) compares applicants on either side of a test score cutoff for admission to a Florida public university. About a decade after high school completion, students who are barely admitted earn 22 percent more than those who are barely denied. Importantly, most of the students who are denied admission end up attending a local community college. Several other studies find high economic returns for students whose test scores barely exceed an admissions cutoff (Hoekstra 2009, Anelli 2018, Canaan and Mouganie 2018, Ost, Pan and Webber 2018).

This evidence is important because it answers an important policy question – “what would happen if we expanded the number of seats at a moderately selective public university?” Admissions cutoffs are designed with capacity constraints in mind. An obvious policy implication is that admitting more students by lowering the threshold for academic preparation would yield higher returns for marginal students – the opposite of what earlier research predicts.

Can we afford it?

The country has many competing priorities, and it could be very expensive for cash-strapped governments to increase higher education subsidies. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that well-targeted education spending can pay for itself and actually yield net benefits to citizens in the long-run. The reason is that education – unlike many transfer and social assistance programs – is an investment that yields returns later in life. Education seems expensive, because the costs are easy to measure and are paid up-front. The benefits of education, while large, are long-run and diffuse.

Using a discontinuous change in the Pell Grant funding formula, Denning, Marx and Turner (2019) find that financial aid significantly increases degree completion and postgraduate earnings for students beginning at a four-year public university in Texas. They estimate that a cumulative increase in financial aid of about $1,100 increases earnings by about $3,800 seven years after grant receipt. This increase in earnings leads to an increase in tax payments – which economists call a fiscal externality . According to the authors’ calculations, the fiscal externality impact of increasing college attainment through financial aid allows the government to completely recover its costs within 10 years and likely pays for itself many times over.

Most policy choices involve tradeoffs of some kind. Hendren and Sprung-Keyser (2019) conduct a comprehensive analysis of the welfare impacts of nearly 150 U.S. government programs. They use causal estimates of policy changes from existing studies to construct – for each class of policy – a statistic called the Marginal Value of Public Funds (MVPF). The MVPF starts with the value that beneficiaries place on the benefits of the policy, and then divides that value by the cost to the government of providing the benefit. An MVPF of one represents a pure transfer of money from taxpayers to an individual. The MVPF can be less than one if the policy changes behavior in a way that reduces revenue (for example, by causing individuals to work less). Conversely, the MVPF can be greater than one if spending a dollar on a program like financial aid increases earnings potential and thus tax revenues, as in the case of Pell Grant aid.

Hendren and Sprung-Keyser (2019) produce a striking finding – MVPFs are highest for policies that invest in the health or education of low-income children. This includes early childhood education, but also a number of policies that increase access to higher education. In many cases, the MVPF is infinite , which corresponds to the case above, where financial aid fully pays for itself. This is the rare example in economics of a “free lunch”.

In contrast, policies that target adults have MVPFs around 1, meaning they are transfers from taxpayers to different groups of beneficiaries. These transfers might still be desirable (for example, providing health insurance to low-income adults), but they do have tradeoffs.

The key insight is that unlike many other social policies, education is an investment in the future . Rather than asking whether we can afford to expand access to higher education, we should be asking whether we can afford NOT to do it.

Wouldn’t a free college program be regressive, because the wealthy are more likely to attend college?

In a narrow sense, yes. Students from poor families are less likely to attend college at all, and they also attend lower-priced colleges than their wealthier peers. Thus the benefits of free college in terms of lower tuition would be regressive, relative to a policy that distributes dollars equally across families.

Another concern with the design of most free college policies is that they are “last dollar” scholarships, meaning they cover unmet need only after accounting for other sources of financial aid such as the Pell grant. Thus students who qualify for need-based financial aid are often already attending public institutions tuition-free. Chingos (2017) and Baum and Tilsley (2019) calculate that the benefits of free college proposals – in terms of dollars saved – are greater for higher-income families, because they attend higher-priced institutions and do not receive Federal aid.

However, there are three reasons that free college is less regressive than it appears. First, the financing mechanism matters. Any free college plan that is paid for by taxing the rich – as in several of the plans put out by Democratic candidates for President – will probably be progressive. On the other hand, several states such as Georgia, Arkansas and West Virginia have “merit aid” scholarship programs that allow students meeting minimal academic qualifications to attend state universities tuition-free. These scholarships are funded through the state lottery, so they are transfer from lottery ticket purchasers to college-goers and are most likely regressive. The bottom line is that you can make any free college plan progressive or regressive depending on how you pay for it.

Second, the calculation of who benefits from tuition reduction assumes that that the population of college-goers stays fixed. But the goal of free college plans is to increase college attendance and completion, especially for poor students. If that were to happen, the impact of free college would become much more progressive. Wealthier students are already mostly going to college, and so free college might shift them from the private sector to the public sector. They would save a lot of money on tuition, but in either state of the world they would get a college education.

However, making college free could shift many more poor students into college in the first place. In that case, they wouldn’t save any money on tuition (it would be zero in both cases), but they would have much higher lifetime earnings. Since the value of even a small increase in lifetime earnings is much higher than the value of a few years of lower tuition, behavioral impacts of free college policies would likely make them much more progressive.

Third, part of the argument for free college is about the political economy of universal programs. Proponents rightly argue that programs such as Social Security and Medicare have had more staying power precisely because they are available to everyone. In a broader sense, judgments about a program’s progressivity are always relative to the status quo. One could imagine that the same argument was made about high school in the US 100 years ago, before we decided to publicly fund and universally provide K-12 education.

Design Principles for Free College Plans

Expanding college access could yield large economic benefits, both for individual students and for society. Moreover, such an expansion is unlikely to happen through individual action only – government intervention is necessary. Perhaps most importantly, policies that increase college attainment would be affordable in the short-term, and pay for themselves in the long-term.

Design Principle #1 – Increase college access

The ultimate goal of any free college policy should be to increase the number of students who complete a four-year college degree. Making college free is a means to an end. It is important to ease the financial burden of students who are already going to attend college. But lowering prices for students who already plan to attend should be secondary to the goal of getting more students through school.

Broadly speaking, the ideal policy should seek to generate the largest amount of educational attainment – including degree completion – per dollar spent . Some free college policies increase attainment by inducing students to go to college who would otherwise not enroll. Others mostly shift students across schools of different types (public vs. private, two-year vs. four-year).

“Merit Aid” is one example of a free college policy that mostly subsidizes inframarginal students. Merit aid programs offer free or reduced in-state tuition to students meeting broad eligibility criteria, including academic qualifications. Several studies have found small positive impacts of merit aid on initial enrollment, but weaker and inconsistent impacts on college completion (Dynarski 2000, Fitzpatrick and Jones 2012, Sjoquist and Winters 2012, Cohodes and Goodman 2014, Scott-Clayton and Zafar 2016). One reason is that most students who receive merit aid are already planning to attend college, and so the net impacts on college attainment are relatively small. Fitzpatrick and Jones (2012) argue that “nearly all of the spending on these programs is transferred to individuals who do not alter educational or migration behavior.”

The free college programs in most states apply only to the two-year sector. One concern with community college “promise” programs in states like Oregon and Tennessee is that students will be diverted away from higher-quality four-year colleges. Carruthers, Fox and Jepsen (2018) find that a pilot version of the Tennessee Promise program in Knox County, Tennessee increased associate’s degree attainment by about 10 percentage points while decreasing bachelor’s degree attainment by 6 percentage points. Given the large difference in mean earnings between AA and BA degree holders, the net impact of the policy on earnings is ambiguous.

The important point is that focusing on particular sectors or colleges subsidizes switching based on relative prices. A statewide – or nationwide – plan would lead to fewer distortions of this type.

How can we design free college policies so that they increase attendance? One way is to focus on underserved populations, and on students with fewer outside options. This includes students from rural areas and first generation college students.

Design Principle #2 – Focus on the supply side

The impact of any free college policy should not just be measured in terms of increased attendance, but also persistence and degree completion. College completion rates are relatively low in the US, especially for low-income students. In a cohort born between 1979 and 1982, only 9 percent of youth from the bottom quartile of the family income distribution completed a four-year college degree, compared to 54 percent of youth in the top family income quartile (Bailey and Dynarski 2012).

Increasing college completion rates will require more than just free tuition. Scholarships and tuition reduction address the financial burden of college attendance, but they do not directly increase the quality of the educational experience. In fact, lowering prices dramatically without allocating additional resources to colleges receiving an influx of students could lower college quality, perhaps substantially.

A larger concern with free college plans is that states will make college free by making it cheap – lowering the price to zero, but spending very little on the educational experience itself. For this reason, free college policies should provide tuition support as part of a broader package of reforms that directly address the funding and governance of public institutions .

Rates of degree completion are strongly correlated with per-student spending. Figure 1 shows the strong correlation between per-student spending and bachelor’s degree completion within six years, among less-selective four-year public institutions. [1] Recent research shows that students who attend colleges with higher rates of per-pupil spending are more likely to graduate (e.g. Cohodes and Goodman 2014, Goodman, Hurwitz and Smith 2017).

Figure 1: Bachelor‘s Degree Completion and Per-Student Spending.

There is also strong evidence that declines in college quality within institutions over time have led to lower rates of college completion. Degree attainment is lower – and takes longer – when states have larger cohorts of college students, suggesting that lower public subsidies per student negatively affect completion rates as well as time to degree (Bound and Turner 2006, Bound, Lovenheim and Turner 2012).

A few papers hone in specifically on the role of resources in college attainment. Bound, Lovenheim and Turner (2010) show that declines in resources per student – rather than changes in the academic preparation of students – have led to declining completion rates over time. Deming and Walters (2018) study the causal impact of changes in state appropriations on student enrollment and degree completion. They find that state higher education budget cuts have a large impact on postsecondary attainment.

Increased spending can boost degree completion if the money is wisely spent. Contrary to popular perception, most students attend public colleges and universities that are minimally selective and close to home. These schools are heavily reliant on state funding, which has declined markedly in recent years. The quality of students’ educational experiences reflects this belt-tightening. Due to budgetary restrictions, less-selective public institutions often have large classes and provide little in the way of academic counseling, mentoring and other student supports.

Programs that provide counseling, tutoring and other supports to students entering college have large impacts on persistence and degree completion (Angrist, Lang and Oreopoulos 2009, Carrell and Sacerdote 2017, Barrow et al 2014, Bettinger and Baker 2014, Scrivener et al 2015, Page, Castleman and Sahadewo 2016, Clotlfelter, Hemelt and Ladd 2018). One program – the CUNY Accelerated Study in Associate’s Program (ASAP) nearly doubled graduation rates by providing comprehensive academic and support service to students entering community colleges (Scrivener et al 2015).

The success of student support interventions is not surprising, because they essentially replicate the services provided by better-resourced colleges .

Design Principle #3 –Federal funding should flow directly to institutions, but with strings attached

Historically, public universities have been funded primarily through state legislative appropriations that are distributed directly to institutions. State and local funding allows public colleges and universities to provide education at a sticker price that is much lower than its true cost. In 1990, inflation-adjusted net tuition per student was $2,896 in public institutions, yet educational revenue per student totaled $11,583 (SHEEO, 2016). Nearly all U.S. public postsecondary institutions spend more – sometimes much more – per student than they charge in tuition. This “subsidy” allows colleges to provide a higher quality education at a lower price . This could be in the form of smaller classes, more qualified instructors, or additional tutoring and counseling services. When students receive a larger subsidy, they are getting a better deal.

Even though tuition prices have risen steadily, per-student state funding has declined. This means that students are paying higher prices, but getting a worse deal . In 1990, the subsidy in public institutions was $7.26 for every $1 paid in tuition. By 2014, that figure had fallen to $3.87 (Deming 2017).

State support for higher education is in long-term structural decline. However, the Federal role in higher education is growing. Unlike state money, Federal funding mostly flows directly to students. The Pell Grant, for example, is a voucher that gives low-income students a discount to attend a college of their choice. Subsidized loans and tax credits operate in the same way.

Price subsidies lower student costs, but have at least two problems. First, they do not address quality directly. In fact, price subsidies can create strong incentives for state institutions to spend less . For example, consider a public institution that is currently charging $5,000 per year in tuition and providing an additional $10,000 subsidy, for a total of $15,000 of per-student spending. Suppose that student receive a price subsidy in the form of a $2,000 financial aid grant, changing their net price to $3,000.

How do colleges respond to increases in financial aid? One way is by increasing tuition to capture some of the aid – this possibility was famously raised by former Secretary of Education William Bennett as a reason for rising college costs. However, tuition prices are very visible – both to the public and to state legislatures – and colleges are under a lot of pressure to keep prices low. An easier way to capture some of the increase in Federal dollars is to lower per-student subsidies, keeping tuition constant. In the example above, a college could still charge $5,000 in tuition, of which $3,000 is paid by the student, but could then save money by lowering per-student spending (say to $9,000). Concretely, this would mean laying off faculty (or not hiring replacements), replacing tenure line faculty with adjuncts, increasing class sizes, or increasing guidance counselor caseloads.

Free college programs – if poorly designed – could make this “race to the bottom” in spending worse . Requiring colleges to be tuition free eliminates one margin of adjustment. When state budgets get cut, all of the cut must happen on the spending side. In the example above, asking colleges to lower tuition from $5,000 to $0 without providing any additional resources would force them to balance their budgets by cutting per-student spending from $15,000 to $10,000. Many free college proposals provide additional resources for exactly this reason.

The second problem with price subsidies is that they are hard to embed into a system of accountability. Existing Federal regulations hold out eligibility to distribute Title IV financial aid (Pell Grants and Stafford Loans) as the main threat for violating performance standards. Withholding Title IV funds is effectively a death sentence for most colleges, and so sanctions are infrequently used. When money flows directly to institutions, performance standards can be much more flexible. For example, many states provide extra funding to colleges that meet benchmarks related to student graduation rates or postgraduate earnings.

The idea behind Pell Grants and other demand-side subsidies is that accountability is provided by the market. Colleges are supposed to compete for students – and thus funding – by improving quality. Yet the market for higher education is not very competitive. Most students attend nonselective public colleges that are very close to home and have few competitors. Elite colleges – which compete fiercely within a nationwide pool for the very best students – are an exception. But very few students attend these schools.

A clear example of the failure of market discipline in higher education is the rise of for-profit colleges . In principle, for-profit colleges can increase competition in higher education by responding nimbly to changing employer demands and better serving student needs. In practice, the for-profit sector has been overtaken by large, publicly-traded corporations who game the Federal financial aid system by socializing losses and privatizing profits. In 2012, the 23 largest for-profit colleges enrolled more than 1.1 million students and accounted for 20 percent of the growth in bachelor’s degrees over the previous decades. These programs charge very high tuition, enroll students almost exclusively online, and students who attend them have extremely poor postgraduate labor market outcomes (Deming et al 2016, Cellini and Turner 2019).

The term “for profit” disguises the fact that these institutions are almost entirely dependent on taxpayer funds for survival. Federal Title IV grants and loans accounted for 71 percent of revenue at for-profit colleges in the 2016-2017 academic year. And these figures understate the important of Federal student aid to for-profits, because they do not include military benefits such as the post-9/11 GI bill. A Federal regulation capping Title IV funds at 90 percent of revenue for for-profits (the 90/10 rule) prevents their revenue share in taxpayer funds from being even higher.

The point is that price subsidies have not introduced market discipline into higher education. If we want to increase college attainment, we must greatly increasing spending levels – and quality – in public colleges and universities across America . This will require more resources, but also careful government regulation of the institutions receiving funds.

A Federal Matching Grant for States that Implement Free College

In a 2017 paper, I proposed a Federal matching grant for public institutions in states that implement “free college” proposals. The plan calls for a Federal match on the first $5,000 of net per-student spending in all public postsecondary institutions that commit to making college tuition-free. This means that the Federal government would pay public postsecondary institutions $1 (or more, some plans propose $2) for every $1 in state spending per full-time student, after subtracting any revenue from tuition and fees obtained from ineligible students. Cost estimates for the program range widely depending on the number of states that commit to making college tuition-free. Yet even if the program were adopted in all 50 states, the cost would be no more than one-third of current spending on Federal financial aid programs.

The purpose of a Federal matching grant is to increase the return on state investment in higher education, while also reigning in costs. The matching grant would be restricted to the core spending categories of instruction and academic support, and would also include a rule that restricts the growth of administrative spending to pre-program levels.

Unlike “last dollar” free college proposals, the design of this matching grant would disproportionately benefit low-income students. This is true because of the strong correlation between parental income and college selectivity (e.g. Carnevale and Stroh 2010, Greenstone, Looney, Patashnik and Yu 2013). Highly selective institutions already have high rates of per-student spending, and they disproportionately enroll wealthier students. Matching the first $5,000 would matter most for less-selective public institutions with low current levels of spending. Another big benefit of a Federal matching grant comes through fiscal stabilization. As the largest source of discretionary spending, higher education is often referred to as the “balance wheel” of state budgets (Delaney and Doyle 2011). The existence of a Federal matching grant would blunt legislators’ incentives to enact deep budget cuts to higher education during recessions.

This matching grant proposal share some common features with other plans released by Democratic members of Congress and candidates for President. Bernie Sanders’ proposed College for All Act would eliminate undergraduate tuition at four-year public institutions by providing two-thirds of the funds required to bring every school’s tuition from its current level down to zero. Elizabeth Warren recently released a plan that would make all public institutions tuition-free and would expand Pell Grant funding to cover the cost of college attendance (including housing, transportation and other expenses)

Closest to my proposal, Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Representative Mark Pocan (D-WI) introduced a bill with 40 co-sponsors called the Debt Free College Act . This bill would establish a dollar-for-dollar Federal match to higher education appropriations in states that commit to helping students pay for the full cost of attendance without having to take on any debt. Finally, Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) recently released a plan for Higher Education Act (HEA) reauthorization that focused on holding schools accountable for graduation rates and other outcomes.

While the design details can vary, a successful free college plan should have many of the features described above. This includes reaching students who would otherwise not attend college at all, a focus on completion as well as access, careful attention to increasing funding and quality in public institutions, and prudent regulation of colleges that receive Federal and state funds.

[1] Figure 1 presents a scatterplot of the relationship between the natural log of per-student spending and the share of an initial entry cohort in 2008 that completes a bachelor’s degree within 6 years. The sample is restricted to four-year public institutions, excluding the most selective universities (defined as either “Most Competitive” or “Highly Competitive” by the 2009 Barron’s Profile of American Colleges and Universities).

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Essay on Importance of Education for Students

500 words essay on importance of education.

To say Education is important is an understatement. Education is a weapon to improve one’s life. It is probably the most important tool to change one’s life. Education for a child begins at home. It is a lifelong process that ends with death. Education certainly determines the quality of an individual’s life. Education improves one’s knowledge, skills and develops the personality and attitude. Most noteworthy, Education affects the chances of employment for people. A highly educated individual is probably very likely to get a good job. In this essay on importance of education, we will tell you about the value of education in life and society.

Importance of Education in Life

First of all, Education teaches the ability to read and write. Reading and writing is the first step in Education. Most information is done by writing. Hence, the lack of writing skill means missing out on a lot of information. Consequently, Education makes people literate.

Above all, Education is extremely important for employment. It certainly is a great opportunity to make a decent living. This is due to the skills of a high paying job that Education provides. Uneducated people are probably at a huge disadvantage when it comes to jobs. It seems like many poor people improve their lives with the help of Education.

Better Communication is yet another role in Education. Education improves and refines the speech of a person. Furthermore, individuals also improve other means of communication with Education.

Education makes an individual a better user of technology. Education certainly provides the technical skills necessary for using technology . Hence, without Education, it would probably be difficult to handle modern machines.

People become more mature with the help of Education. Sophistication enters the life of educated people. Above all, Education teaches the value of discipline to individuals. Educated people also realize the value of time much more. To educated people, time is equal to money.

Finally, Educations enables individuals to express their views efficiently. Educated individuals can explain their opinions in a clear manner. Hence, educated people are quite likely to convince people to their point of view.

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Importance of Education in Society

First of all, Education helps in spreading knowledge in society. This is perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of Education. There is a quick propagation of knowledge in an educated society. Furthermore, there is a transfer of knowledge from generation to another by Education.

Education helps in the development and innovation of technology. Most noteworthy, the more the education, the more technology will spread. Important developments in war equipment, medicine , computers, take place due to Education.

Education is a ray of light in the darkness. It certainly is a hope for a good life. Education is a basic right of every Human on this Planet. To deny this right is evil. Uneducated youth is the worst thing for Humanity. Above all, the governments of all countries must ensure to spread Education.

FAQs on Essay on Importance of Education

Q.1 How Education helps in Employment?

A.1 Education helps in Employment by providing necessary skills. These skills are important for doing a high paying job.

Q.2 Mention one way in Education helps a society?

A.2 Education helps society by spreading knowledge. This certainly is one excellent contribution to Education.

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Advantages of free education essay 3 Models

Last updated Friday , 15-03-2024 on 11:03 am

Advantages of free education essay, there is no doubt that education is the way for nations to advance and progress, and therefore education must be made available to all members of society, and we will present several models such as a short essay on the importance of free education, and a paragraph, a long essay, research on education in general and the importance of free education, an easy subject suitable for the fifth and sixth grades of primary school, and a variety of topics (150-500) words suitable for first, second, and third graders of middle and high school, in which we discuss the pros and cons of free education, and what are the benefits of free education.

Advantages of free education essay

There is no doubt that education is the locomotive that carries goodness, progress and well-being for society, and therefore we will present several models of advantages of free education essay.

If we want to eliminate ignorance, we must resort to education, and if we want to spread good morals, we must take care of education.

Likewise, if we want to raise the economic, cultural and health level of citizens, we must pay attention to education.

Education is the most important factor for the progress of nations and the prosperity of their people.

The importance of education

Education is the lifeboat for nations, and therefore all countries are interested in providing education to their citizens, and laws differ from one country to another. But there is a minimum level of education that all members of society must obtain. In most cases, basic education is free, so that there are no obstacles for the poor to prevent them from learning.

In addition, the opinions of philosophers, wise men, and scholars all point to the importance of education, and that education is the path to the progress of nations and the well-being of peoples.

It is important for rulers to be convinced that investing in education is the best investment. At first glance, it may seem that education drains the state’s resources, as it requires a lot of financial expenditures, and there are no benefits in the short term.

But in the long run, there will be great benefits from the quality education that children and youth receive. Today’s children are the men of the future, and when we prepare them well, and arm them with science, they will advance their homeland and present amazing inventions in all areas of life.

What we plant today will bear fruit tomorrow. Every country must take care of education and provide it for its children.

Advantages of free education

Equal opportunities for all, and intelligence and talent are the criterion for discrimination, not poverty or wealth.
The value of a person is determined by his scientific and intellectual abilities, and is not determined by the money he possesses.
Free education provides good job opportunities for young people, regardless of their economic status, and they are employed according to their skills and abilities.
Free education provides a better standard of living for a large number of people.
Free education helps a comprehensive renaissance in society, as knowledge is the first step in scientific thinking and correct problem-solving.
Education is the perfect solution to solve social problems and reduce wrong behaviors.
Education saves the state many expenses in other fields, such as the field of health.
Educated people are more likely to follow health guidelines.
Education is a cure for the problem of poverty and ignorance, and therefore it must be made available to all citizens without discrimination.

Disadvantages of free education

There are some negatives that exist in free education and we can summarize them in the advantages of free education essay as follows:

Overcrowding of students in classrooms, where the number of students in a class is too large, and this negatively affects the learning process.
Employing incompetent teachers in free schools, which makes education not useful enough.
Lack of interest in practicing activities in free schools.
There may be discrimination in obtaining jobs after graduation.
The lack of the necessary facilities for schools, such as laboratories, computers, sports equipment, and others.
There is little concern for the child’s health.
The use of non-pedagogical methods in teaching children.
Not doing recreational activities due to lack of capabilities.

Why should education be free?

Education addresses societal problems, and this is the opinion of philosophers, wise men and scholars. Education gives us strength, and from the sayings of Francis Bacon: “Knowledge is power.” Therefore, we should not limit education to the rich only, but all children should receive basic education, so that society is strong and interdependent.
Intelligence and talent are not exclusive to the rich, and if the poor do not learn, we will lose brilliant minds.
Without free education, we will bury the talents and abilities of poor people who may be distinguished from other rich people.
The development and progress of society requires the efforts of all its children, and therefore we must provide everyone with equal educational opportunities.
Spreading science among the groups of society makes there is homogeneity among the groups of society, and this reduces extremism and strange ideas.
Free education helps achieve community peace, and not feel injustice and contempt.

Scholarships

Scholarships are one of the manifestations of the state’s interest in providing free education to distinguished students, and scholarships are often in prestigious universities, whether internal or external.

The scholarship may be in a university outside the country, and the grant includes providing tuition, accommodation, transportation, and so on. But when this scholarship is for an outstanding student, he will return to his homeland having gained a lot of modern science and experience.

Thus, he can provide great services to his community, and benefit and train his colleagues at work. And all of this works to spread knowledge and not monopolize it over one group over another.

At the end of the advantages of free education essay, we talked about the importance of education, the pros and cons of free education, and what are the benefits of free education for the individual and society. All this in an interesting and easy way to suit all students and researchers.

We explained the importance of free education to provide equal opportunities among the groups of society, because this helps to spread community peace and reject hatred and differences between groups of society.

I hope you have benefited from this topic.

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Education Should Be Free Essay: Why It’s Time to Make Education Accessible to All

Education Should Be Free Essay: Education is the foundation of a strong and prosperous society. It is the key to unlocking opportunities and creating a more equitable world. Unfortunately, education is not accessible to everyone, and many individuals and families are struggling to afford the costs associated with pursuing higher education. In this essay, we will explore the benefits of free education, the costs of education and funding, potential criticisms of free education, and the importance of making education accessible to all.

In this blog, we include Education Should Be Free Essay, in 100, 200, 250, and 300 words. Also cover Education Should Be Free Essay for classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and up to the 12th class. You can read more Essay Writing in 10 lines, and Essay Writing about sports, events, occasions, festivals, etc… The Education Should Be Free Essay is available in different languages.

Table of Contents

The Benefits Of Free Education

There are numerous benefits to making education free for all. Perhaps the most significant benefit is increased accessibility. Free education eliminates financial barriers that prevent individuals and families from pursuing higher education. It ensures that everyone, regardless of their economic background, has an equal opportunity to succeed and achieve their goals. This can help reduce poverty and promote social mobility, as more individuals are able to access education and secure better-paying jobs.

Another benefit of free education is that it promotes equity. Currently, students from wealthier families have a significant advantage when it comes to pursuing higher education, as they have the financial means to pay for tuition, books, and other expenses. This puts students from lower-income families at a disadvantage, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. By making education free, we can level the playing field and ensure that everyone has an equal chance to succeed.

There are also many examples of countries that have successfully implemented free education policies. In Germany, for example, higher education is free for all students, including international students. The country believes that education is a fundamental right, and therefore it should be accessible to all. This policy has been hugely successful, with more individuals than ever before pursuing higher education.

The Costs Of Education And Funding

One of the most significant challenges associated with free education is funding. Education is expensive, and someone has to pay for it. There are several ways that education can be funded, including government funding, private funding, and philanthropy.

Government funding is perhaps the most promising option, as it ensures that education is accessible to all. However, there are still challenges associated with this approach, such as concerns about where the funding will come from and how it will be distributed. Additionally, government-funded education can be susceptible to political interference, which could compromise the quality of education.

Private funding is another option, but it comes with its own challenges. Private funding can be unpredictable, and there is no guarantee that it will be sustainable in the long term. Additionally, private funding can come with strings attached, which could compromise the quality of education.

Philanthropy is another option, but it is not a sustainable solution. While philanthropy can be helpful in the short term, it is not a long-term solution to the problem of education funding.

Addressing Potential Criticisms Of Free Education

There are several potential criticisms of free education, such as concerns about quality and sustainability. Some argue that free education could lead to a decrease in the quality of education, as universities may be forced to cut costs in order to stay afloat. Additionally, there are concerns about whether free education is sustainable in the long term, as it requires a significant amount of funding.

These criticisms are valid, but they can be addressed. First, it is important to note that making education free does not necessarily mean that quality will suffer. In fact, many countries with free education policies have some of the best universities in the world. Additionally, there are ways to ensure that education remains of high quality even when it is free, such as investing in infrastructure, technology, and faculty.

As for sustainability, there are several ways to ensure that free education remains sustainable in the long term. For example, governments can invest in the education system and ensure that it is adequately funded. Additionally, universities

In conclusion, making education accessible to all is a fundamental aspect of creating a fair and prosperous society. Free education has numerous benefits, including increased accessibility, equity, and social mobility. While funding remains a significant challenge, there are ways to ensure that education remains adequately funded and of high quality. Ultimately, making education free is not only the right thing to do, but it is also a smart investment in the future of our society. By ensuring that everyone has access to education, we can create a brighter and more equitable world for generations to come. It is time to make education accessible to all.

Read More: National Education Policy 2020 Essay

FAQs On Education Should Be Free Essay

Question 1. Why should education be free?

Education is a basic human right and should be accessible to all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
By providing free education, we can ensure that everyone has equal opportunities to learn and succeed.
Investing in education can lead to a more prosperous and developed society.
Free education can help reduce inequality and improve social mobility, ultimately benefiting the entire community.

Question 2. How do you write an essay about whether education should be free?

Start with a strong introduction that outlines the importance of education and the benefits of making it free.
Use evidence and examples to support your argument, such as statistics on the economic and social benefits of education.
Address potential counterarguments and refute them with persuasive reasoning.
End with a compelling conclusion that summarizes your main points and emphasizes the urgency of making education accessible to all.

Question 3. Why education should be free in India?

Answer: Education should be free in India for several reasons:

Education is a fundamental human right and should be accessible to all, regardless of their financial background.
India is a developing country where a significant portion of the population lives in poverty. Providing free education can help break the cycle of poverty and improve social mobility.
Education is essential for economic growth and development. By investing in education, India can build a skilled workforce and foster innovation and entrepreneurship, which can contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Education is critical for social progress and can help promote equality and reduce discrimination. By making education free, India can ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.
Overall, free education is not only a matter of social justice but also an investment in India’s future prosperity and development.

Question 4. What is free education in simple words?

Answer: Free education refers to the provision of education to individuals without any cost or financial burden. This means that students are not required to pay tuition fees or any other associated costs, such as books, uniforms, or transportation. Free education is often provided by the government or other public institutions and is typically available to students of all ages and backgrounds. The goal of free education is to make learning accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation or socio-economic status.

Question 5. How can we benefit from free education?

Free education can help reduce poverty and promote social mobility by providing equal access to education for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Investing in education can lead to economic growth and development, as it helps build a skilled workforce and fosters innovation and entrepreneurship.
Free education can also promote equality and reduce discrimination, by ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to learn and succeed.
Overall, free education can benefit society as a whole, by promoting social and economic progress, reducing inequality, and improving the well-being of individuals and communities.

Journey to the Top Summary

Benefits of Education

Education has been regarded as a foundation for human progress and development, whereby many people feel like it is the key needed to unlock socio-economic opportunities. Yet, some individuals question the value of education and suggest that it is harmful or overrated. This disagreement reflects extensive debates about the importance of education and its impacts on society and individuals. This essay narrates some of the arguments for and against the benefits of education.

Sources Supporting the Topic

Education enhances knowledge and understanding. It is essential for improving a person’s knowledge and experience of different subjects and topics (Ball pg, 33). Also, it exposes learners to different perspectives and viewpoints that help them to expand their perception and learn about the different cultures, languages, beliefs, values, science, and technology in the world around them. Education enhances knowledge by allowing individuals to extensively learn about topics and various subjects. This enables individuals to have a broad understanding of the subject matter and develop a careful reasoning approach. Education enhances knowledge and experience by helping individuals to access updated information (Ball pg, 35). This information allows learners to increase their levels of comprehension about the latest topics and developments in their field of study and stay updated with the latest advancements and trends. Furthermore, education enhances knowledge in career advancement. It is a significant step in helping individuals remain competitive. Education enables individuals to possess strong work ethics and be committed to their goals; hence the top management finds potential in the individual and hopes that they continue to be successful in the organization.

Education helps individuals develop essential skills. It equips them with critical skills that encourage them to evaluate and analyze information, make informed and independent decisions. These skills are essential in problem-solving and decision-making both in professional and personal lives. In problem-solving, education enables learners to approach problems efficiently and logically to succeed in any field. Also, education enhances communication skills (Ball pg, 36). It helps individuals to articulate thoughts and ideas effectively. In digital communication, individuals can connect with people around them and worldwide. Due to contact with people around the globe, individuals can share opinions smoothly with people from different cultures and widen their horizons, helping them understand and appreciate each other. This skill is beneficial professionally and personally as it enables individuals to communicate their opinions, ideas, and thoughts effectively.

Furthermore, education improves creativity among individuals. With education, people can think outside the box and develop innovative solutions and creativity vital for success in fields such as design, art, and technology. Also, education teaches learners about time management. A learner can stamp out distractions. It is tough to deviate learners’ focus due to limitless lucrative issues. Education enables them to manage their time effectively by allowing them to set a goal that eradicates anything that comes in between, be it mobile phones or other forms of amusement, their motivation to succeed (Mitra, pg, 7). Also, an individual learns to stay organized through education. Due to an organized mindset, a person can plan schedules to ensure effective work results. A disorganized perspective creates brawls during the last minutes, spoiling the job’s essence.

Education builds character (Mitra pg, 6). It is an essential tool for instilling discipline among individuals. It enables individuals to know the importance of self-discipline and helps them to remain focused on their goals. Also, it allows learners to develop a sense of accountability and responsibility for their actions. With discipline, people can effectively manage their time, set goals, and work towards achieving them. Education also instills the value of responsibility in individuals. It teaches them the essence of taking responsibility for their actions and decisions. Through this, individuals develop a sense of accountability, empowerment, and self-confidence, which is vital in their personal and professional lives. Also, education instills honesty which is a crucial value in individuals. It teaches them to be truthful and honest when dealing with others and develop a sense of integrity and moral courage. Honesty helps individuals respect others and build trust, establishing strong relationships.

Education creates opportunities. It is widely discovered as one of the most critical investments an individual can make in their future. Education enables learners to access a broader range of job opportunities with reasonable wages (Mitra pg, 6). Highly competent individuals with higher levels of education tend to have specialized knowledge and skills needed in the job market. Furthermore, these individuals are more likely to be considered for positions that require specific qualifications like advanced degrees and professional certificates. In addition, education provides individuals with valuable skills such as communication which is essential in most professional fields. This exposes them to potential employers and increases their chances of being promoted to higher ranks. Also, individuals with higher levels of education are often correlated with higher salaries. This is because their higher qualifications enable them to negotiate better wages.

Also, education serves as a tool for improving the economy and reducing inequalities. Education equips individuals with the skills needed to be successful entrepreneurs, marketers, and business owners (Loveday pg 94). When an individual grasps the knowledge of marketing strategies, business practices, and financial management, they can start and develop their businesses leading to financial independence and mobility. Furthermore, education breaks the cycle of poverty by offering individuals the tools needed to build better lives. It teaches them how to maintain finances, make sound decisions and gain control over their lives to overcome obstacles hindering them from achieving their goals. Also, through education, an individual can become more engaged in the community. Education enables them to learn about different cultures and perspectives that help them to develop greater apprehension for diversity (Ball pg, 38). This, therefore, helps in breaking social barriers and promotes greater social unity.

Sources opposing the topic

Some opposing sources argue against the value of formal education. Some say that formal education is unnecessary to achieve success (Beghetto pg, 13). This is based on the notion that one can achieve success through hard work, determination, and talent, not academic credentials. People supporting this notion point out successful individuals who either did not complete their formal education or dropped out of school, such as Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, and Steve Jobs, to prove that a college degree is not essential achieving success. Instead, these people argue that practical skills and willingness to learn, innovate and adapt are required to succeed. Also, these individuals believe that practical skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking can be learned through real-world challenges and hands-on experiences, not academic coursework.

In addition, some argue that formal education sometimes blocks success in fields such as entrepreneurship and arts, where innovation and creativity are valued. They propose that traditional education systems can be fixed and regulated, limiting one’s expression and creativity. Even though some of these arguments are advantageous, it is essential to note that success can not only be determined by practical skills or academic credentials. It offers individuals skills and knowledge that can enable them to succeed in their careers and gives them the opportunities for networking, personal growth and mentorship.

Some people argue that education is too expensive (Caplan pg, 23). This based on the arguments that education cost id too high, especially in the United States which makes it beyond reach for low-income families. Due to the high tuition fees and costly textbooks, low-income families experience a significant burden which leads to an increase in student debts and financial stress. However, people who argue that the cost of education is too high, suggest that alternative means such as apprenticeships might be more affordable and practical for some individuals. These alternatives provide a hand-on training better suited for people who do not want to suffer the high costs of college education. However, despite the high cost of education which might be challenging for some people, it is critical to note that education offers valuable opportunities. In most circumstances, the benefits of education, such as career advancement and increasing knowledge and skills may counterbalance the initial costs. Also, there are numerous resources that can help students finance their education, such as grants, scholarships, and student loans which bring education closer to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Some individuals argue that traditional education stifles creativity (Beghetto pg, 13). This argument is based on the concept that traditional educational systems encourage standardized testing which discourages independent thinking and free expression. Individuals who advocate for this view suggest that if we focus on memorization and follow rules, it leads to lack of imagination and innovation in the process of education. They therefore suggest that the present education systems are designed to teach students to comply with established standards and norms instead of encouraging expression and individuality. Also, these individuals believe that the emphasis on grades and rankings create a culture of conformity and competition instead of creating exploration and creativity. Although it is true that sometimes the education systems limit personal creativity and expression, it is critical to know that it provides opportunities for growth and intellectual development. An all-round education helps people to gain a deeper understanding of the world, and educators are increasingly noting the essence of creativity in learning and are exploring new ways to incorporate it in the curriculum.

In conclusion, the argument between individuals who support education and those who oppose education is complex and multifaceted. While some see it as harmful or overrated, some view it as an essential tool for development. Eventually, the value of education is built upon a range of factors such as educational approaches, individual circumstances and societal values. We can explore new means to offer equitable access to quality education if we engage in open debates and dialogues about the role of education. This will in turn help to enhance the benefits of education for the individuals and to the society.

Ball, Stephen J. The education debate . Policy Press, 2021.

Beghetto, Ronald A., and Yong Zhao. “Democratizing Creative Educational Experiences.” Review of Research in Education 46.1 (2022): vii-xv. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3102/0091732X221089872?journalCode=rrea

Caplan, Bryan. The case against education: Why the education system is a waste of time and money . Princeton University Press, 2018.

Loveday, Vik. “The Case against Education: Why the Education System Is a Waste of Time and Money, by Brian Caplan.” (2019): 93-97. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17530350.2018.1503612.

Mitra, Dana. “The social and economic benefits of public education.” Pennsylvania State University (2011). https://www.elc-pa.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/BestInvestment_Full_Report_6.27.11.pdf

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