A group of individuals present the view that universities should be free of charge, whereas others believe higher education costs must be covered by learners. I strongly agree with the former opinion.
On the one hand, some people justifiably argue that all students are entitled to tuition-free tertiary education regardless of their financial background. Pupils have already been overloaded with homework. Therefore, a subsidized university education can not only reduce their financial burden but also help them focus on their lessons. From a psychological viewpoint, a 2023 study in Sweden found that debt-free graduates reported 20% satisfaction compared to their indebted peers.
On the other hand, another group of people claim that it is reasonable for universities to levy tuition fees on attendees. They insist that funding academic institutions entirely through public money could strain national finances, especially in developing economies. However, this concern can be mitigated by progressive taxation systems. For instance, countries like Germany and Norway fund free higher education by levying higher taxes on high-income earners and corporations, ensuring that those who benefit most from a skilled workforce contribute proportionally. From a social point of view, enriching academic knowledge must be prioritized over other things. Therefore, accessible higher education for all is essential for the betterment of society.
To conclude, in my view providing free access to education is a right of all as it can alleviate economic pressure on learners’ shoulders and help them avoid being distracted by student debt. Moreover, taxes can be collected to promote financial sources for governments to invest more in education.