Why College Should Not Be Free

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“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” (Nelson Mandela). A proper education is a major stepping stone in achieving the skills needed to become successful. Unfortunately, millions of teenagers across the nation are unable to attend college because they come from low-income households. Their parents are financially incapable of paying for their kids' costly education. These impoverished students should not be hindered by this disadvantage and deserve a quality education sponsored by the government. We, the future of this nation, should be given the chance to apply this “powerful weapon” of education through tuition-free college guaranteeing the continual success of our nation as a whole.
Some officials suggest college admission should not be free for students. The primary reason being financial limitations. The cost of paying for a large number of students to attend college is exceptionally high and will continue to rise at an exponential rate. Government officials have stated that “in order for a free-tuition college to happen, billions of dollars each year would be needed. This is nearly impossible as the government does not have enough money to sponsor these colleges” (Ellison). Providing free college education appears to be financially unviable. However, it will ultimately benefit the government in the long run. Each year, the government subsidizes the oil industry with 30 billion dollars. (Ellison). If they can place so much money into this industry, they can pay for the dependent teenagers incapable of paying for their education. As more students graduate from college, their income will increase since they are likely to earn more money than their non-college graduate counterparts. In turn, the government will earn more tax revenue compensating for the money put into these students’ education and allowing the government to use this money for other financial needs. Free tuition for our future generations should not be cut short due to a minor economic issue. Providing students with a free college education is possible and results in economic benefits for the nation in years to come. Many students are unable to attend university to further their education to enhance their skills since admission fees are too high. This can shatter their childhood dreams of becoming successful. Imagine having to study for countless hours each day during high school to excel and achieve the grades needed to get into your dream college. However, you cannot go because you are not able to pay for it. "An Edward Jones survey found that 83% of Americans say they cannot afford the expense of college education"(83% of Americans Say they Can’t Afford College). These disadvantaged students are unfairly penalized from attending college due to nothing but financial issues. Students should be provided with an opportunity to earn a college degree to expand their knowledge, free of cost, rather than being hindered by their lack of financial resources. A free college education will give all students an equal chance at earning a degree or diploma to join the career they aspire to be in. The small percentage of students who are able to afford a college education will have a high debt upon completion of their degree.
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The student loans debt altogether in America is at 1.2 trillion dollars (Friedman). This staggering amount is equivalent to five percent of the national debt. Not only did these college graduates experience challenges while going through college but also after graduating. Instead of saving for the down payment on a car or house, these new grads have to first worry about paying off their student loans and interest borrowed from the government. On average, it takes 21 years to fully pay off the average student loans debt. By implementing government funding of college tuition, the need to pay off student loans will be eliminated. This allows for increased economic spending power since they don’t have to worry about student loans. Graduates can use the money saved from loans to purchase consumer goods creating a higher GDP (Growth Domestic Product), ultimately benefiting our own economy. With tuition-free universities, we are helping our own country become stronger economically and safer. A greater portion of students are likely to attend and graduate from college with a degree. It

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