Why College Tuition Should Be Free

According to The National Center for Education Statistics, “Public institutions averaged $9,700, while private nonprofit institutions averaged $38,800, and private for-profit institutions averaged $17,800. While these amounts represented an increase of between 6 and 14 percent over amounts in 2010–11, the latter average—for private for-profit institutions—was actually 8 percent lower than the 2010–11 figure.” (Driscoll and Clapp). As previously implied, over the year, the profit of the public has increased, while the private sector has decreased in the one year span. This is why college should be free for all students; it creates a more of an equal opportunity for all individuals, reduces student debt, and helps to reduce large populations of poverty.

I strongly believe that college tuition should be free in the United States because it creates a more equal opportunity for all individuals, by taking off exceeding costs that may put stress on students, and eventually lead them to inopportune events, like dropping out. In an overview article provided by authors Sally Driscoll and Marlene Clapp, they stated, “The 2022 Report on the Economic Well-Being of US Households conducted by the Federal Reserve Board found that 30 percent of adults had taken out student loans to pay for their education. Loan amounts include not only interest but also fees based upon the amount of the loan, and therefore the total amount borrowed can be more than initially apparent. The average amount of student loan debt owed in 2022 was nearly $29,000.” (Driscoll and Clapp). This only verifies my original claim by providing critical data that relates to the devlopement of education versus student loans. By providing said critical data, a college degree must be obtained by an individual for many high end positions.

Furthermore, college tuition should be free in the United States because it reduces student debt by allowing the student to focus on their education without the burden of potential student debt. “‘As a university, Husson wants to ensure that capable, driven students here in Maine can afford a quality education that prepares them for the future. Enabling local students to attend Husson without incurring debt is an investment in our future, their future and the future of our local economy,’" Husson President Lynne Coy-Ogan added.” (Bangor Daily News). This proves how some opportunities like Husson University have already implemented procedures such as this.“‘We're pleased to be the main supporter for this incredible new opportunity for local students that will enable more young people to experience a quality Husson education like we received," (Bangor Daily News). However a small start, this university is growing their trend of decreased tuition.

Lastly, college tuition should be significantly decreased as it will help improve the population and economy of many stereotypical populations. “Moreover, experts point out that this investment in education can help reduce inequities in the US population by increasing college enrollment, especially among people of color and lower-income households. This has been proven in existing free college programs, such as the Tennessee Promise program, which offered free tuition at a state community college or technical school to Tennesseeresidents. In the first year of that program, the percentage of Black students at Tennessee community colleges increased from 14 percent to 19 percent,” (D.S Kingley and Noelle Vance). Confirming that when college tuition is lowered, many minorities such as people of color and lower income households, this data shows there will be dramatic increase in college enrollment, as the opportunity of being able to afford a higher education is now available. “This is not a particularly radical idea; thirty-two states already have a tuition- free college program. In some cases, states have introduced the idea gradually, starting with free junior college.” (D.S Kingley and Noelle Vance).

In culmination, colleges across the country should be free in tuition as it creates equal opportunity for all individuals, reduces student debt, and helps to reduce large populations of poverty. I leave you with this idea; is the decrease in work related to an increase in college tuition, and will students not being able to fulfill their educational needs? If so, will society continue to falter?