Free College Education in America

America’s Vast Human Capital

America boasts a vast human capital pool that possesses widely desirable abilities. This is the general opinion that is offered both to a traditional high school graduate and a college graduate. In fact, these are two clearly distinct qualification frameworks. In the present state of economic booms and recessions, graduation from college or university gives you a direct start to transforming your life through high-income opportunities. Despite this great advantage that comes with completing a four-year degree or any other degree that takes more than four years, the average American high school graduate is finding it economically challenging to soar into this prolific horizon of education. Some of the lifetime benefits of attending college include higher earnings, healthier lifestyle, improved social life and assurance of employment yet the ever increasing cost of tuition fees, reading material, accommodation, costs for having to travel long distances and from poor backgrounds have halted this academic endeavor (Perna 118). The idea of coming up with free college education seems inevitable if economic development is desired.

The Divide Among High School Graduates

High school graduates are opting more and more to stop their education at just that as it seems culturally and socially easier that way. The divide between races and ethnicity is becoming more and more tangible in America. College students would feel more socially confident when they associate with either whites or even blacks depending on the social and cultural practices dominating an institution (Wu). This divide which is deepened by the high school fees tends to instill friction among students, leaving most with only one option- dropping out. The motivation to pursue their desired degrees is shifted towards becoming socially and economically relevant. The scrapping off of high school fees would help retain students at school as this would motivate their academic endeavor which would otherwise seem futile.

Unhealthy Competition and Drop-outs

The economic difference among college students is leading to unhealthy competition in classes, causing drop-outs in schools. Politicians are claiming to make efforts towards assisting those students that cannot afford education, but the results of their work are not a clear reflection of the situation. Students tend to engage in side jobs that will generate more income for their stay in school, shifting their focus away from books. All this is done with the aim of competing with their economically stable peers who pay their fees and expenses with ease. The impact of this money-craze is reflected in their coursework where they flop in their course units. Free college education would eliminate the unhealthy status quo by spreading equality and justice to all students thus encouraging academic pursuit for better futures.

Federal and State Government Funding

The Federal and State government have been on the front line in funding higher education programs with little ripple effect being reflected in the fee structures of institutions. Grants and funding from the Federal government towards education have spiked over the last fifteen years with a thirty-six percent increase which is attributed partly to the economic success of the dollar alongside other sources of revenue (Camera). The question being posed is how the money has helped the students who are economically challenged. School fees are still rising as more and more students fail to attain college degrees. Such funding would offer great incentives for both students and teachers. It would offload the burden of tuition fees from parents, allowing students to learn for free. State governments are also contributing immensely towards these funds and grants. Virtually, the average college freshman would not be grumping with the cost of admission and any form of school expense that comes by later.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is safe to claim that college education should be free since it is the only means to achieving professionalism. For the country to continue flourishing economically, emphasis needs to be directed towards generating highly competitive human capital. This will help drive development and see more funds being channeled towards attaining free education for all.

Works Cited

Camera, Lauren. “Federal Education Funding: Where Does the Money Go.” US NEWS 14 January 2016. Web.

Perna, Laura Walter. “Differences in the decision to attend college among African Americans, Hispanics, and Whites.” The Journal of Higher Education 71.2 (2000): 117-141. Print.

Wu, Frank H. “What Most Bothered Me about Howard University.” The Huffington Post 20 October 2016. Web.