The Value Of College Degree

Over time, college has become a necessity and is almost required to get a good job. In theory, everyone should be able to attend but not everyone is able to afford it. This puts a majority of teenagers and even adults in a predicament. College is not for everyone but it gives those who want to further their education a chance in doing so. We all eventually have to do something with our lives, whether it requires a college education or not. By making the first two years of college free, we are giving those who still are trying to figure out their lives a chance, whether they are not able to afford it or indecisive about school. This allows everyone to have a chance at expanding their knowledge. Education has not only become expensive but very expensive; Students should have two years free to give those who want to further their education a chance.

With how expensive most things are in the world today, the majority of almost everyone needs a good education to become successful. Although some people still manage to become very successful without one, most jobs require some sort of degree. Making the first two years free is an excellent idea, and would make it easier for students to get the education they need to get a good job. It would also statistically increase salaries among people in the world. Unfortunately, money plays a big part in why some people simply just don’t go. Economist Barrow points that, “College is way to overpriced, it is 3.6 higher today than it was 30 years ago” (Barrow). People work extremely hard to get into the schools of their dreams or ones which excel in their major. For this reasoning, college shouldn’t come completely free; everyone must work hard in order to become successful. Having the first two years free at least gives those a chance or figure out what they are best at and want to pursue.

The first step in making college accessible again, and returning to an education system that serves every American, is addressing the student loan debt crisis. Professor Steinbaum says, “The cost of attending a four-year college has increased by 1,122 percent since 1978. Last year, 38 million American students owed more than $1.3 trillion in student loans” (Steinbaum). Krason agrees, saying “As mentioned, the student debt crisis is genuine” (Krason). Having two years free would make a tremendous impact on decreasing student debt. It would also allow time for undecided students to figure out what they want to major in, which would also play a part in saving money since they aren’t wasting money on irrelevant classes. Steinbaum also suggests, “Fewer students would feel the need to drop to part-time status or take a break from education for financial reasons” (Steinbaum). Going to college could cost an entire savings account; not going could still cost about half a million dollars. Making college free would also eliminate a reason for not graduating, which would improve college graduation rates.

Students who attend college are statistically more successful and have higher incomes versus those who do not attend. Barrow states, “The pay of people with a four-year college degree has risen compared to that of those with a high school degree but no college credit. The relative pay of people who attended college without earning a four-year degree has stayed flat” (Barrow). In the long run, going to college determines how much someone will earn the rest of his or her life. If it were free this would allow majority of the general public to have a greater opportunity to make more money. Barrow says, college graduates make more money than high school graduates and also have “better working conditions, lower rates of disability, and increased civic engagement” (Barrow). Attending college makes a difference, and is shown to be worth it so we need to guarantee everyone has a chance. A student should only have to worry about excelling him or herself to his or her best ability without worrying about the price they have to pay to get their education.

Education should be out there to inspire people's mind and not just fill their heads with others perspectives. Every individual has the right to learn and be educated and have the opportunity to view this world in a different perspective and do something of their own. If students were not stressed out over the cost, they could then focus their stress on learning and getting educated. This is why making the first two years of college free would improve the rates of success. We would reduce debt, stress, poverty, and confusion. Allowing everyone to attend college for free would increase the average income, making the majority of people more financially stable. For most Americans the path to higher future earnings involves a four-year degree. The value of a college degree remains high, and the average college graduate can recover the costs in less than twenty years. The first two years being free would guarantee to recover from debt even faster. Education is very important to our lives and for our futures, so we must use it right.