The United States Government Should Provide Free University Education

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According to research conducted in the United States in 2023, the heavy tuition burden in 2022 caused around $1.76 trillion in student loans, which an increasing number of students cannot afford to repay (Korhonen, 2023). This phenomenon seems to be a growing problem in recent years. Unaffordable university fees lead to high pressure on students, some even dropping out, prompting a current discussion about free university education. Some argue that free university education can reduce the student financial strain and bring high-quality future workforces, while some are concerned about the economic burden to the government and the quality of education as resources may face a scarcity situation with an increasing need. This essay argues that the United States government should provide tuition-free education as it can reduce financial barriers for students, improve workforce development, and facilitate equity in society with long-term economic improvement.

Tuition-free university education positively impacts future manpower development by reducing financial pressure. Education is crucial for worldwide skill enhancement. However, rising educational fees might hinder students from attending a college education. Research from 2011 indicates a negative correlation between instructional fee and enrollment rates. For example, a $100 increase in tuition fees, and a reduction of 0.25% in the enrollment rate appears (Hemelt & Marcotte, 2011). Moreover, 51% of students drop out due to lack of money (Scipioni, 2018). These highlight a concerning situation; the quality of future manpower is worsening; fewer students obtain higher education, resulting in skill decline and talent attrition. Currently, the US median household income has a 7.9% decrease from 2019-2022 ( US Census Bureau, 2023), while academic fees have an average of 3.5% increase above the inflation rate (Ehrenberg, 2012). Offering tuition-free college education, students would focus on their studies area rather than using their time for working part-time because of loans, and a well-equipped high-quality future workforce development.

Additionally, free university education enhances societal equity by narrowing the gap between rich and poor. Brint (2022) points out that low-income students are unable to access college education due to expensive spending. In the US, students at private universities need to pay $59710-75000 USD annually, excluding financial aid (Korhonen, 2023). The prospect for underprivileged students is limited. While public universities are typically cheaper, they are also becoming more expensive. Students often select their universities based on their financial level (Lopez, 2019). Therefore, many talented students from lower backgrounds could miss an opportunity to reach their full potential and experience high-quality learning resources at a better university. Their future job opportunities and career development might be affected because of this lack of access. A 2014 report demonstrates the real income gap between students with bachelor’s degrees and those without has increased by almost $28000(Pew Research, 2014), causing wealth disparities to be aggravated. Furthermore, students from low-income families may avoid or drop out of higher education due to the concern of risking huge tuition loans after 4-year diplomas. According to College Promise, only 12% of students from underprivileged families obtained a bachelor’s degree in 2021, compared to 70% of those from high-income families (College Promise, 2021). Another study found that 53% of students from families with a $35000 income struggle to attend university (Palmer, 2024). Since students without diplomas might earn 35% less than university students (Hanson, 2024), serious income inequalities may appear. In turn, Tuition-free education eliminates the wealth gap by providing an opportunity for talented low-income students, boosting their future earnings and facilities for social enhancement with more talent.

Intensifying government financial strain is often cited against free university education. The Century Foundation (2020) highlighted that American education is underfunded, with a $150 billion gap in necessary schooling funding. If free university education appears, not only does a possible financial crisis for the government, but it also impacts university quality regarding the allocation of resources. Undeniably, education and finances are a dilemma to invest in. However, education is never a short-term investment, economically speaking. Hershbein and Hollenbeck (2014) mentioned education in human development creates a highly profitable value. Currently, three-quarters of demanding jobs require graduates with a bachelor’s degree (Conzelmann et al., 2023), emphasizing the need for higher education for current workforces. In the long run, tuition-free education also drives economic growth and brings a rise in future earnings. Higher education graduates’ earnings are double, with a total of $1.2 million compared to high school graduates (Drozdowski&Welding, 2024). When students graduate without debt and in strong lucrative conditions, they are more likely to spend on cars, houses, and entertainment, which enhances the economy. Education is always the key part of rapid economic development (Deming, 2019). For long-term economic development and to fulfill current workforce needs, the government should consider tuition-free schooling and investigate its feasibility.

Another common argument for providing free education in the United States is the significant amount of need-based and merit-based financial aid, which lessens the cost of university tuition fees. This support may be inadequate, however, to cover the hidden costs of university. A study indicates that two-thirds of university students struggle to afford necessities (Cady et al., 2018). This shows that the current financial aid may not meet the needs of students, particularly those from low-income families. The continued rise in tuition fees can lead to limit the effectiveness of financial aid in covering the full expenses of universities. Perhaps education could be made free through increased grants and private contributions regarding charity galas, fundraising drives, and auctions by the government and universities. By increasing the financial aid amount through broadening funding sources, students could pursue higher education without the burden of overwhelming debt.

In conclusion, everyone deserves an opportunity to attend a higher education. Providing tuition-free education is fundamental to achieving societal equity. By removing economic barriers, more talented students from low-income backgrounds can attend a higher education, facilitating a skilled future workforce. The concerns about government financial strain still exist, but the long-term benefits seem to far outweigh the costs. Tuition-free education should be a valuable investment for the United States.