Free Public Higher Education

We live in a time where having a college education is becoming increasingly necessary, but at the same time, increasingly more expensive. Most Americans are drowning in college debt for decades after they graduate and then find themselves wondering, “was my bachelor’s degree worth the expense?”

Why is this important?

Making public higher education free is something important to think about because so many Americans have been affected by debt. Taking away this huge cost would mean removing a burden from many students’ lives, allowing them to focus fully on their studies instead of having to worry about their finances. Eliminating the cost of attending a public college would allow all individuals, regardless of their background, a chance at a higher education. This is an issue of education as a personal right.

What are the facts?

  • The federal government generally spends $139 billion per year on grants and K Stoeckerloans.
  • The cost of making all public universities free, including community colleges, would be $128 billion.
  • The current financial aid system is uneven and makes low income students very conscious of their status.
  • Making public higher education free would take the added financial stress out of the already taxing lives of K Stoecker 2college students and make the playing field more equal.

 

 

 

Conclusion

Aside from a small adjustment period, the federal government would not be spending more money than they currently do if public higher education were free. The federal government could take the money it spends on higher education tax credits, grants, and loans, and put it towards something new, like making education free at all public colleges.

What can you do?

Our country is still quite a ways away from implementing free public higher education. But with your active help, we can take steps towards one day being able to send our children to college without having to pay a cent.