College Cash Problem

With student debt continually on the rise, it’s time for college to be free. Here’s why.

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Ty Mazzarella

After I graduate from high school I will attend Juniata College to continue my academic and athletic career.

It’s no secret that the rising price tag for a college education makes it difficult financially for high school grads to attend college.

I’ve spent numerous nights speaking with my parents on how to graduate college with the least amount of debt possible.

I’m not alone. My close friends have also shown concern about the amount of debt they’ll receive after their college education.

In fact, a study by Fidelity Investments shows that 4 out of 10 high school seniors rank cost as the most important factor in determining their college or university.

One of the many reasons why college should be free is that education is an important part in growing a successful labor force. 

Free college benefits a society as a whole. 

“Public university graduates enrich the civic and economic life of their communities”, says an article written by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities.

The more well educated a society’s work force is, the better they can stay competitive with technology.  

This allows society to advance at a faster pace, Increase the market with the latest technology products, and allow us to stay competitive in the world market.

It would permit more students to attend college.  Resulting in an expanding work pool for employers to pick from. 

 This highly educated work pool would allow employers to keep their businesses competitive. 

Students would graduate from college without the financial burden of a large student debt.

 Without the worry of drowning in debt, they could begin their careers as contributors to our economy. 

Personally I fear about spending my twenties focused on paying off loans, not able to spend money on things I’ve wanted since a kid.

Aswell, without the worries of debt, students would be more motivated to attend college.

Debt free college isn’t a new idea.  There are many countries that have seen the benefits debt free caller provides its citizens.  

Countries where education is free for all their citizens include Germany, France, and Finland to just name a few.

“The Finnish government pays 96 percent of the total cost of providing young Finns with a college education,” said Jason D. Delisle in a 2019 article involving colleges in Europe.

The funding for free college would have to come from somewhere within the government, this would be the reason it hasn’t happened yet.  

Higher taxes, government budgets cut or spending would have to be realigned, but it would be worth it. 

As I’ve stated there are many advantages for offering free college. We just have to get our government and citizens on board.