Many people think that university studies should be funded by the students, because the students receive the benefits for themselves. This essay agrees with the view, arguing that students should put in full effort to pursue their studies at the university as a financial investment encourages accountability.
Individuals should bear all the cost of their studies, as this fosters a greater sense of responsibility towards their subjects. This is because if the government covers the fees, students are more likely to waste their time at university instead of seriously studying for upcoming exams. Specifically, free-tuition students are not going to feel a sense of loss when failing exams or dropping out from the university, since they do not spend a single penny for the tuition fees. As a result, they may inconsistently attend classes and prefer skipping them to hang out with their peers. For example, a student who receives free tuition may become less motivated to complete assignments on time, knowing that failing the classes carries no financial loss for them.
However, some believe that self-funded education may exclude talented students from low-income backgrounds. This is because if they spend all of their money into education, they may find it difficult to purchase essential things such as food and drink. This can result in excessive part-time work instead of studying for tests, which may significantly reduce their academic performance. For example, a student who is talented in art may end up working part-time and falling behind in classes and exams. Nevertheless, scholarships could resolve this issue because they provide opportunity for talented students while excluding unmotivated students who want to join university without any effort.
In conclusion, the responsibility of funding higher education should primarily fall on students themselves because it encourages greater commitment towards their academic performance. While financial barriers may pose challenges for talented students who come from low-income backgrounds, merit-based scholarships ensure that they can access education without worrying about financial status.