Why Higher education should be free

By Hajar Ouled Sebtia

Lately, the rise of the cost of college fees is comparable to that of inflation around the globe, and many students worldwide face financial constraints when it comes to attending college. And because education is such a vital part of life, there are many reasons why college should be free. Not only do the arguments for debt-free education include personal benefits, but they also show how education helps to positively impact society overall. Thankfully, progress in technology is helping to increase access to education globally through various platforms, and even universities started to give online bachelor/master/certificates, as well as financial aid and many other.

However, there is still a long way to go, and more institutions and countries are assessing the benefits and drawbacks of providing a low-cost education. As time passes, the potential to provide free education to all becomes more feasible.

The core argument for free higher education is that it would relieve many students’ financial burdens. Tuition, textbooks, and other fees compel many students to take out major loans or work several jobs simply to afford an education. This not only imposes a major financial burden on people and families, but it also results in significant disparities in the opportunities available to various socioeconomic groups. By removing these financial barriers, free higher education will foster a more egalitarian society in which everyone has equal access to possibilities for success. This would benefit not only individual students but society as a whole as  higher educational attainment eventually leads to a stronger economy and a more productive workforce.

Furthermore, free higher education would help to alleviate the student debt crisis that has plagued many countries for years. Student loan debt in the United States alone is expected to exceed $1.7 trillion by 2021, with millions of graduates struggling to repay their loans. This financial burden impacts the economy and society as a whole.

Students would no longer need to rely on loans to support their education if higher education was free, minimizing the burden of debt for graduates and allowing them to begin their jobs on a more stable financial basis. This, in turn, would promote the economy by allowing graduates to spend more money, invest in their futures, and contribute to societal prosperity.

Furthermore, free higher education would help marginalized people gain access to education. Due to the high costs of higher education, many students from low-income households or underrepresented areas are typically deterred from pursuing it. By removing these financial barriers, more students from varied backgrounds would be able to follow their academic aspirations and make meaningful contributions to society.

In conclusion, free higher education is not only a good policy, but it is also required for the creation of a fairer, more equal society. Free higher education has the ability to transform society for the better by lowering financial obstacles, eliminating student debt, improving access to education for marginalized communities, and generating a more productive workforce. It is past time for policymakers to grasp the importance of this policy and act to make it a reality.