What would make America great again? "It is having a well-educated population that can compete in the global economy, and making it possible that every American, regardless of income, has the opportunity to get the education they need to thrive." Was the answer that Bernie Sanders gave to the question regarding free education (CNBC, 2017).
Free education is good because it creates educational freedom and gives an equal opportunity for every individual to reach their potential and dreams in life. The positive effects of higher education are many. It gives rise to creativity, is a natural gatekeeper for intelligent civilians and generate jobs (Trade-schools, 2019).
Free education would benefit both the individual and the whole nation. If higher education was free, more people would be educated. A higher education provides opportunities for people to innovate in technology and gives knowledge and facilities to science. It also creates more knowledge-based jobs and help maintaining the national economy, and make it grow faster. People that work, pay taxes, which add to the cycle of welfare (Trade-schools, 2019).
A drawback from free education is the lack of motivation of students in a free educational system. Knowing that your education is funded by the government could lead to carelessness and to not take the education you are provided serious. However, to get accepted into a university that doesn’t come with expensive tuition fees is based on effort and dedication rather than parent’s income. Furthermore, free education doesn’t come without sacrifice, people need to be willing to pay higher taxes in order for everyone to enjoy the benefits from free education.
Take the Swedish and Norwegian education system for example, two examples that the free education system works and prosper. Although, Swedish and Norwegian students still have high students’ debts. The average student loan debt in Norway is $9,381 compare to the average U.S student loan debt, which is $15,510 (Economics of Education in Europe, 2015). The outcome of having less student loan creates a better starting point in life after university. Having more debt has been proved to reduce a person’s chances of a successful life regarding having a family and accumulating wealth.
In conclusion, free education is the key to innovation and strengthens the nation. It also gives equal opportunities and even the chances for a successful career for the individual person. Which is why free post-secondary education would be beneficial in British Colombia.
Comments
Post a Comment