Higher education at state colleges and universities should be free for all American citizens. American citizens who attend State Colleges and Universities at no cost, will not solved all of the nation’s problems that we face today, but maybe a good start.
Supplying our citizens with free higher education is one of the best investments that our nation can make; these students will become the next generation of leaders, engineers, doctors, intellects, musicians and artists. They will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and abilities to keep our nation prosperous and innovative. If America wants to continue our supremacy, as the leader of the free world, our government better take a serious look at this issue.
“In 2016 the total outstanding student loan debt in the US was $1.2 trillion dollars, that’s the second highest level of consumer debt behind mortgages; the debt owe to the federal government is $40 million”; (Denhart 08/07/13) “70 percent of the students, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2015, were in debt; the average student debt exceeding over $37,172; that’s the most in history”. (Glum, 5/16/16)
The most important resource that a government has is their human resources, which is the person. If we keep indebting the people; it is going to be detrimental to our society. It is only be in a matter of time; when those resources will no longer be a resource. To keep passing the debt through generations is not wise. Eliminating the debt associated with education should be our highest priority.
The argument over free higher education as you know is a highly debated topic in this Country. I am for having free higher education for all American citizens. I will argue my position, where I stand on this topic.
I will first argue my position to those who are against free education, because of the tax issue; the major concern is that we will have to increase taxes. Free higher education can be achieved without having to raise taxes. According to the US Department of Education, the federal government spent over 62.1 billion in federal grants; 30.3 billion in Pell grants; 13.6 billion in veteran and military grants; that’s a total of 104 billion dollars, of tax payer dollars spent in 2015 for educational cost.
Bernie Sanders argue during a Democratic debate that his campaign estimates that a plan for free college would cost 75 billion per year. The data shows that we will be savings billions of tax payer’s dollars, if we would initiate a plan for free college. With education being free, the money allotted by the government for grants and scholarships will no longer be needed, the money that is used for these individual grants, can now go directly to the colleges and universities to offset the cost of the tuition.
Some say we would increase the national debt by making college free; I do not support this opinion. I know we can decrease the national debt and also remove the financial burdens for our young adults. Once the student graduates from college; the money that would have been going to the student debt, can go back into the economy, helping with the national debt. Let’s look at a common scenario that a large percentage of our young adults are facing, once they graduate from college.
As discussed earlier, the average student debt for 2015 was $35, 051 for a bachelor degree. For instance, if a student attends college to obtain a specific degree and has difficulties finding a job in that career field, due to a competitive job market. The chances of the undergraduate landing a career in their field is very slim. However, the chance of the undergraduate being unemployed is very high.
The unemployment rate for undergraduates in 2015 is 7.2″. (Kroeger, 04/2016) That leads me to believe a majority of the graduates are taking jobs, just to make end meets. The debt along with not being able to find a job in their career field can be very intimidation for a graduate. I believe by removing this debt, it will be easier for them adjust to life after college.
Why do our leaders make it hard for future generations? Children that come from wealthy upbringing do not encounter this burden. They usually attend the best colleges in the country and upon graduation they land their dream career without the stress of debt. They can live burden free, to make it better for their family and future generations. The under privileged students just pass the debt off to their children and the cycle continues. This is a major problem and the playing field should be leveled out, so the future will be brighter for the rich and poor. I believe by doing this now, within the next few generations the debt will be decreased and possibly eliminated.
