Debate on The Moral Imperative for Free College Tuition

Whether college tuition should be free has been a contentious and polarizing issue in

educational policy debates. The concept of free college tuition raises various moral, economic,

and social concerns that demand careful consideration. This literature review aims to explore

different perspectives from various authors to answer minor research questions surrounding the

moral imperative for free college tuition.

Impact on the Value and Perception of Education:

The debate over the moral need for free college tuition has far-reaching implications on

how people value and perceive education generally. Some people oppose free college because

they believe it will lower the value of a university degree. Author and sociologist Yeager is

concerned that students will not put in the same effort in class if they do not have to pay for it

themselves. Since there is nothing for them to lose if they do not graduate, students may not put

forth the same effort if college is free. This might lead students to lose interest in their studies,

which can harm their academic performance and their appreciation for the value of a college

education.

However, proponents like Goldrick-Rab and others who support free college tuition argue

that doing so would encourage people to see higher education as a human right rather than a

privilege (Goldrick-Rab). Free tuition can potentially increase college enrollment, especially

among people who may have previously considered higher education out of reach due to cost.

According to this theory, well-educated people can only be achieved by making education

available. Eliminating monetary obstacles to higher education increases the visibility that

education is a public benefit and a way to promote social mobility.

Additionally, it is worth considering the impact of free college tuition on workforce

readiness and societal benefits. A more educated workforce often leads to increased productivity

and innovation, driving economic growth and prosperity. By removing the financial barriers to

higher education, individuals from diverse backgrounds can pursue their passions and contribute

to society in meaningful ways. This aspect highlights how free college tuition can lead to a more

inclusive and equitable society, where talent and potential are nurtured, regardless of economic

circumstances.

Furthermore, free college tuition can also contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty for

many individuals and families. By providing access to higher education without the burden of

exorbitant tuition fees, students from low-income backgrounds can envision a brighter future,

ultimately leading to better economic opportunities for themselves and their communities. This

positive cycle of educational empowerment can have cascading effects on social mobility and

reduce income inequality.

Potential Benefits and Drawbacks:

There has been a lot of study and policy debate on the pros and cons of making college

tuition free. The possible decrease in student loan loads and enhanced accessibility to higher

education for low-income students are two main advantages identified by economists Göksel and

Enyuva (Göksel and Enyuva 44). By removing the financial barriers preventing many students

from attending college, free tuition expands possibilities for underprivileged people to access

higher education. Those who would have been financially prevented from attending college now

have a better chance of achieving their educational and professional goals.

Moreover, proponents argue that free college tuition can lead to a more educated and

informed citizenry. In a society where access to knowledge and education is readily available,

individuals can make more informed decisions as responsible citizens. This, in turn, can

contribute to a more engaged and participatory democratic society, fostering a sense of social

responsibility and collective welfare.

Another significant benefit of free college tuition is the potential reduction of student

loan debt. As college tuition costs have skyrocketed over the past few decades, student loan debt

has reached unprecedented levels, leaving many graduates burdened with substantial financial

obligations. By eliminating tuition fees, students can focus on their studies and future career

paths without the fear of drowning in debt after graduation. This financial relief can lead to

increased mental well-being, enabling graduates to pursue their passions and career aspirations

without being solely driven by financial considerations.

However, critics argue that while free college education may have its benefits, it may not

be the most effective solution for reducing educational inequality. As David points out, focusing

solely on free tuition neglects the underlying issues that contribute to disparities in educational

outcomes. Economically disadvantaged students may still face challenges beyond tuition fees,

such as inadequate preparation in K-12 education, lack of guidance counseling, and financial

constraints in covering living expenses during college years. Therefore, addressing the root

causes of inequality through comprehensive educational reforms and support systems is equally

crucial to ensuring meaningful and lasting change.

Additionally, critics raise concerns about the potential strain on educational institutions

and the need for proper funding. Implementing free college tuition without sufficient financial

support could lead to overcrowded classrooms, overburdened faculty, and diminished resources

for academic and extracurricular programs. Adequate funding is essential to maintain the quality

of education and ensure that students receive the support and resources they need to succeed

academically.

Ethical Obligation and Targeted Policies:

Important ethical and practical problems arise from the debate over whether giving free

college tuition to everybody is morally obligatory or if it should be tailored to select groups.

Philosopher Martha Nussbaum is among many who have argued that access to higher education

should be guaranteed to all citizens rather than considered a luxury. According to Nussbaum,

regardless of family income, everyone should have the opportunity to pursue higher education.

From this vantage point, free college education is an issue of social justice and equitable

opportunity. Removing monetary constraints is a statement about society’s dedication to giving

people of all socioeconomic backgrounds an equal opportunity to further their education and

improve their lives.

Moreover, when considering targeted policies, it is essential to assess the effectiveness of

need-based scholarships or support programs in addressing disparities in college access and

success. Research by academics such as Carnevale, Smith, and Strohl (2013) reveals that

need-based financial aid can indeed play a vital role in improving college enrollment and

completion rates for underrepresented students. By focusing on supporting individuals with

financial needs and academic potential, targeted policies can create a more inclusive and diverse

learning environment, fostering creativity and problem-solving through a broader range of

perspectives.

Additionally, targeted policies can prioritize fields of study that are critical for societal

development and progress. For instance, providing free tuition in areas such as healthcare,

engineering, or environmental sciences can incentivize students to pursue careers in fields that

address pressing societal needs. This strategic approach aligns educational policies with broader

national and global goals, enhancing the overall impact of free college tuition on societal

advancement.

Conclusion:

Values, ethics, and practical factors all play a role in the heated discussion around the

moral need to make higher education available without cost to students. It forces us to reevaluate

our ethical responsibilities and pinpoint our intervention methods, changing how we see the

worth and purpose of education. There is no silver bullet for improving college access, but we

can get closer by looking at different approaches and gaining insight from the practices of other

countries.

By considering the impact on the value and perception of education, exploring the

potential benefits and drawbacks, and evaluating ethical obligations and targeted policies, we can

form a more comprehensive understanding of the moral imperative for free college tuition. This

multifaceted discussion serves as a catalyst for shaping educational policies that reflect our

shared commitment to equity, opportunity, and social progress. In striving for an educational

system that values inclusivity and diversity, we must continue to learn from each other, adapt our

strategies, and work collaboratively to build a brighter and more equitable future for all. By

addressing educational inequality through targeted policies, and simultaneously fostering a sense

of collective responsibility, we can pave the way.

Works Cited

Brighouse, Harry, and Adam Swift. “Parents’ Rights and the Value of the Family.”

Ethics, vol. 117, no. 1, 2006, pp. 80-108.

David, Deming, et al. “Report: For-profit colleges more concerned with executive pay

than student achievement.”.” 2020.

Goldrick-Rab et al. “Making college affordable: Rethinking voucher-driven approaches

to federal student aid.”.” UT Faculty/Researcher Works, 2013.

Göksel, Asuman, and Özgehan Şenyuva. “European Youth Cooperation Schemes in the

Southern Mediterranean Context: One for all, all for one?” SAHWA Policy Report, no. 1,

2016, pp. 1-56.

Nussbaum, Martha C. Cultivating Humanity: A Classical Defense of Reform in Liberal

Education. Harvard UP, 2008.

Yeager, David S., et al. “A national experiment reveals where a growth mindset

improves achievement.” Nature, vol. 573, no. 7774, 2019, pp. 364-369.