Since the 1980s, the United States higher education system has seen approximately 400% increase in costs (Govindarajan, and Desai, 2013). The industry has experienced a cost escalation that is higher than any other industry with the student loan debt exceeding the trillion-dollar mark. What happens when students accumulate debts of more than $200000 and are not guaranteed any jobs even after graduation? (Govindarajan, and Desai, 2013). The trend of rising cost, lack of jobs and the need to educate a nation’s people raises the questions whether high education should be made free. Many such as my self believe that the education should be free for all to support the context of the whole people taking it upon themselves to bear the expense of educating the whole people. This paper supports the provision of free higher education for all admitted individuals to facilitate the existence of a knowledgeable society.

Education has exceedingly many benefits for the society. Therefore, if higher education is left to uneven market forces the industry is sure to experience under provision and the entire society and economy will suffer from the lack of skilled individuals to facilitate its growth and adoptability. Additionally, in any free market, education will become a preserve of only the privileged and wealthy families. This will be the only faction in the society that will be able to send its people to universities. This means there is an exceedingly strong case for governments all around the world to provide free higher education at the point of use. One of the major points for free higher education is the positive externalities higher education offers to the society. Higher education avails educative and productive individuals to enhance a nation’s workforce. Nations with a high number of university graduates boasts of high levels of productivity and innovation (Govindarajan, and Desai, 2013).

Additionally, free or subsidized higher education guarantees some high levels of equality when it comes to opportunities. At times students dissuade from pursuing higher education due to the burden of costs and the hustle of taking on loans and part time jobs to make ends meet. This makes some to enter the job market earlier and take on low-level jobs and salaries. However, free or subsidized higher education would ensure that opportunities are available for all and provide some form of equality. Furthermore, it would ensure that there is increased and enhanced specialization in work ensuring that due to competition creativity and innovativeness aspects are boosted. This is because educated people have the freedom and willingness to contribute and try their talents and new ideas in varying aspects of life.

Offering free education ensures that students focus more on studies rather than been in constant worry of how they will get funds for their exams or coming terms (Govindarajan, and Desai, 2013). It is also imperative to note that having free education ensures that the gap between the haves and have nots does not become wider. This is because if students pursue their education in top universities, the chances of landing good jobs increase and they are able to support themselves and those around them. In a societal point of view, this means that fewer people will need public assistance since they will be financially stable.

In conclusion, education needs to be set apart from market forces as free education poses to benefit the society in many positive ways. For the world to sustain itself and become more resilient there is an urgent need for a knowledgeable population. Free higher education will ensure that the society is more formidable and sustainable promoting factors such as equality for all.

Reference

Govindarajan, V. and Desai, J. (2013). Should Higher Education be Free? Retrieved from: https://hbr.org/2013/09/higher-education-for-free