By Emily Valdez Posted December 16, 2022
It’s one of the most important factors in deciding whether someone will go to college, what college they’ll attend, and even what career field someone could pursue. College tuition is no easy thing, especially with all the difficult decisions that come with it. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that 61.8% of high school graduates enrolled in college by October 2021. That’s 1.7 million new students who will be starting college and have most likely contemplated the cost of their higher education, but what if they didn’t have to?
For a student living on campus, the average cost of tuition is about $102,828 over four years. That price is a reality check for so many students who one day hope to go to college, especially low-income students. Many students choose not to go to college because of its price. If free college were available, students could have the opportunity to continue their education on a higher level. Students wouldn’t have to worry about debt or money but instead focus on their education.
Another issue with college tuition is student debt; According to educationdata.org, “The average federal student loan debt balance is $37,787 while the total average balance (including private loan debt) may be as high as $40,780”. Students and adults all over America have to deal with student debt. Debt is not only stressful, but it also affects the quality of life. It can hinder you from reaching important life goals, lower your net worth, and even negatively affect relationships. Free college could make this entire issue disappear; it would benefit so many Americans and allow them a chance at a better, longer life.
The funding for free college would have to come from taxes so, some may argue that if free college were available then tax prices would rise just for something that people wouldn’t take seriously, but I believe that this problem can be easily solved. Free college should be available to those who work hard and take their education seriously. Therefore we could have a system where students can apply for free college.
Requirements could be something like reaching a certain score on the ACT or SAT, having a good GPA, or going into a certain major. If the students meet the requirements then they could go to college for free.
America is unique for its endless opportunities for success. Free collegiate education could grant Americans a chance to reach their potential and give them a chance at a better life.
