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Why Education Should Be Free: Exploring the Benefits for a Progressive Society

Written by Dan

Last updated February 13, 2024

The question of whether education, particularly higher education, should be free is a continuing debate marked by a multitude of opinions and perspectives.

Education stands as one of the most powerful tools for personal and societal advancement, and making it accessible to all could have profound impacts on a nation’s economic growth and social fabric.

Proponents of tuition-free education argue that it could create a better-educated workforce, improve the livelihoods of individuals, and contribute to overall economic prosperity.

However, the implementation of such a system carries complexity and considerations that spark considerable discourse among policymakers, educators, and the public.

Related : For more, check out our article on  The #1 Problem In Education  here.

Within the debate on free education lies a range of considerations, including the significant economic benefits it might confer.

A well-educated populace can be the driving force behind innovation, entrepreneurship, and a competitive global stance, according to research.

Moreover, social and cultural benefits are also cited by advocates, who see free higher education as a stepping stone towards greater societal well-being and equality.

Nevertheless, the challenges in implementing free higher education often center around fiscal sustainability, the potential for increased taxes, and the restructuring of existing educational frameworks.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Free higher education could serve as a critical driver of economic growth and innovation.
• It may contribute to social equality and cultural enrichment across communities.
• Implementation of tuition-free higher education requires careful consideration of economic and structural challenges.

Related : For more, check out our article on  AI In Education  here.

The Economic Benefits of Free Education

Free education carries the potential for significant economic impact, notably by fostering a more qualified workforce and alleviating financial strains associated with higher education.

Boosting the Workforce with Skilled Workers

Free education initiatives can lead to a rise in college enrollment and graduation rates, as seen in various studies and practical implementations.

This translates into a larger pool of skilled workers entering the workforce, which is critical for the sustained growth of the economy. With more educated individuals, industries can innovate faster and remain competitive on a global scale.

The subsequent increase in productivity and creative problem-solving bolsters the country’s economic profile.

Reducing Student Loan Debt and Financial Insecurity

One of the most immediate effects of tuition-free education is the reduction of student loan debt . Students who graduate without the burden of debt have more financial freedom and security, enabling them to contribute economically through higher consumer spending and investments.

This financial relief also means that graduates can potentially enter the housing market earlier and save for retirement, both of which are beneficial for long-term economic stability.

Reducing this financial insecurity not only benefits individual lives but also creates a positive ripple effect throughout the economy.

Related : For more, check out our article on  Teaching For Understanding  here.

Social and Cultural Impacts

Free education stands as a cornerstone for a more equitable society, providing a foundation for individuals to reach their full potential without the barrier of cost.

It fosters an inclusive culture where access to knowledge and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society are viewed as inalienable rights.

Creating Equality and Expanding Choices

Free education mitigates the socioeconomic disparities that often dictate the quality and level of education one can attain.

When tuition fees are eliminated, individuals from lower-income families are afforded the same educational opportunities as their wealthier counterparts, leading to a more level playing field .

Expanding educational access enables all members of society to pursue a wider array of careers and life paths, broadening personal choices and promoting a diverse workforce.

Free Education as a Human Right

Recognizing education as a human right underpins the movement for free education. Human Rights Watch emphasizes that all children should have access to a quality, inclusive, and free education.

This aligns with international agreements and the belief that education is not a privilege but a right that should be safeguarded for all, regardless of one’s socioeconomic status.

Redistributions within society can function to finance the institutions necessary to uphold this right, leading to long-term cultural and social benefits.

Challenges and Considerations for Implementation

Implementing free education systems presents a complex interplay of economic and academic factors. Policymakers must confront these critical issues to develop sustainable and effective programs.

Balancing Funding and Taxpayer Impact

Funding for free education programs primarily depends on the allocation of government resources, which often requires tax adjustments .

Legislators need to strike a balance between providing sufficient funding for education and maintaining a level of taxation that does not overburden the taxpayers .

Studies like those from The Balance provide insight into the economic implications, indicating a need for careful analysis to avoid unintended financial consequences.

Ensuring Quality in Free Higher Education Programs

Merit and quality assurance become paramount in free college programs to ensure that the value of education does not diminish. Programs need structured oversight and performance metrics to maintain high academic standards.

Free college systems, by extending access, may risk over-enrollment, which can strain resources and reduce educational quality if not managed correctly.

Global Perspectives and Trends in Free Education

In the realm of education, several countries have adopted policies to make learning accessible at no cost to the student. These efforts often aim to enhance social mobility and create a more educated workforce.

Case Studies: Argentina and Sweden

Argentina has long upheld the principle of free university education for its citizens. Public universities in Argentina do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate courses, emphasizing the country’s commitment to accessible education.

This policy supports a key tenet of social justice, allowing a wide range of individuals to pursue higher education regardless of their financial situation.

In comparison, Sweden represents a prime example of advanced free education within Europe. Swedish universities offer free education not only to Swedish students but also to those from other countries within the European Union (EU).

For Swedes, this extends to include secondary education, which is also offered at no cost. Sweden’s approach exemplifies a commitment to educational equality and a well-informed citizenry.

International Approaches to Tuition-Free College

Examining the broader international landscape , there are diverse approaches to implementing tuition-free higher education.

For instance, some European countries like Spain have not entirely eliminated tuition fees but have kept them relatively low compared to the global average. These measures still align with the overarching goal of making education more accessible.

In contrast, there have been discussions and proposals in the United States about adopting tuition-free college programs, reflecting a growing global trend.

While the United States has not federally mandated free college education, there are initiatives, such as the Promise Programs, that offer tuition-free community college to eligible students in certain states, showcasing a step towards more inclusive educational opportunities.

Policy and Politics of Tuition-Free Education

The debate surrounding tuition-free education encompasses a complex interplay of bipartisan support and legislative efforts, with community colleges frequently at the policy’s epicenter.

Both ideological and financial considerations shape the trajectory of higher education policy in this context.

Bipartisan Support and Political Challenges

Bipartisan support for tuition-free education emerges from a recognition of community colleges as vital access points for higher education, particularly for lower-income families.

Initiatives such as the College Promise campaign reflect this shared commitment to removing economic barriers to education. However, political challenges persist, with Republicans often skeptical about the long-term feasibility and impact on the federal budget.

Such divisions underscore the politicized nature of the education discourse, situating it as a central issue in policy-making endeavors.

Legislative Framework and Higher Education Policy

The legislative framework for tuition-free education gained momentum under President Biden with the introduction of the American Families Plan .

This plan proposed substantial investments in higher education, particularly aimed at bolstering the role of community colleges. Central to this policy is the pledge to cover up to two years of tuition for eligible students.

The proposal reflects a significant step in reimagining higher education policy, though it requires navigating the intricacies of legislative procedures and fiscally conservative opposition to translate into actionable policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common queries regarding the prospect of free college education, its impact, and practical considerations for implementation.

What are the most compelling arguments for making college education free?

The most compelling arguments for tuition-free college highlight the removal of financial barriers, potential to increase social mobility, and a long-term investment in a more educated workforce , which can lead to economic growth.

How could the government implement free education policies without sacrificing quality?

To implement free education without compromising quality, governments need to ensure sustainable funding, invest in faculty, and enable effective administration. Such measures aim to maintain high standards while extending access.

In countries with free college education, what has been the impact on their economies and societies?

Countries with free college education have observed various impacts, including a more educated populace , increased rates of innovation, and in some instances, stronger economic growth due to a skilled workforce.

How does free education affect the accessibility and inclusivity of higher education?

Free education enhances accessibility and inclusivity by leveling the educational playing field, allowing students from all socioeconomic backgrounds to pursue higher education regardless of their financial capability.

What potential downsides exist to providing free college education to all students?

Potential downsides include the strain on governmental budgets, the risk of oversaturating certain job markets, and the possibility that the value of a degree may diminish if too many people obtain one without a corresponding increase in jobs requiring higher education.

How might free education be funded, and what are the financial implications for taxpayers?

Free education would likely be funded through taxation, and its financial implications for taxpayers could range from increased taxes to reprioritization of existing budget funds. The scale of any potential tax increase would depend on the cost of the education programs and the economic benefits they’re anticipated to produce.

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About The Author

I'm Dan Higgins, one of the faces behind The Teaching Couple. With 15 years in the education sector and a decade as a teacher, I've witnessed the highs and lows of school life. Over the years, my passion for supporting fellow teachers and making school more bearable has grown. The Teaching Couple is my platform to share strategies, tips, and insights from my journey. Together, we can shape a better school experience for all.

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Education Should be Free Essay | Essay on Education Should be Free for Students and Children

February 13, 2024 by Prasanna

Essay on Education Should be Free:  Education can be an effective weapon for the people, but nowadays, it is mostly governed by corruption. To improve the development of a country, all the citizens of that country should be educated. Still, in many circumstances, they are not able to achieve it due to financial differences.

If education is made free, then the country will start developing the country, which will lead the country in the right direction. Education should be accessible to everyone because an educated citizen acts as a more productive citizen. Nearly every country in the developed world provides free primary and secondary education to its citizens.

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Long and Short Essays on Education Should be Free for Students and Kids in English

We provide the students with essay samples on an extended essay of 500 words and a short essay of 150 words on this topic.

Long Essay on Education Should be Free 500 Words in English

Long Essay on Education Should be Free is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.

Education becomes crucial for anyone to survive their academic, social, and political career. Education worldwide requires a lot of money, but it should not be monopolized so that the entire globe can move at the same pace, solving problems like world poverty or world starvation. Otherwise, the world’s future will inevitably go nowhere, unable to make its talent any harder. At least, with more knowledge, you stand a chance against the crowd and easily face significant obstacles in the world today.

In today’s society, education plays an even more critical role in developing our world. Nowadays, students pay money to study and learn to be part of the Institute. Unfortunately, not every student can do so, for most of them do not have strong financial support to both enter the schools they want and continue their future studies. When it comes to education, learning should be free from all charges for everyone.

First, free education encourages students to do better. When a student is relieved from the education charges, he thoroughly appreciates that he no longer has to think about it again. Therefore, he, too, tries to study better as a way of appreciating this opportunity. Second, students are not the only ones who develop here, even society too. By offering students the opportunity to continue their studies, society will gain a reliable, productive workforce to improve results. Generally, statistics show that the countries that support their students’ education are the most advanced ones in innovation and creativity.

Sometimes free education may lead to having the opposite results on students. With everything being easy, students would not find it difficult to give up their schools and studies because they didn’t earn it in the first place. Students usually value the worth of things based on their difficulty, and offering them this chance will only cause them to waste it. Free education can degrade the quality of teaching too. Most schools today tend to rely on students’ fees to improve the school’s facilities and material. However, without that, schools will not be able to move forward and stop progressing since it will only depend on the money it receives from the government.

In conclusion, education should stay equally available to everyone, regardless of their income. This is fair, but this will also make sure that countries can prosper and develop into future evolution with a well-educated workforce.

Read More: Education Should Be Free Essay

Short Essay on Education Should be Free 150 Words in English

Short Essay on Education Should be Free is usually given to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

A child should get an education to increase the fundamental knowledge that develops their social awareness, better decision-making skills, and increased work competency, thus making oneself a better citizen. Today, most of the jobs around the globe require candidates who are well-qualified in education.

Every society in the world has citizens of different economic sectors. Those from low economic backgrounds may not be able to support education for their children, so they send them for labour to support their lives. Today, governments worldwide have accepted that child labour is wrong, and it is the right of every child to get educated. To solve these issues, the government should deliberately offer free education to children, thus supporting children belonging to low-income families and preventing child labour.

10 Lines on Education Should be Free in English

• Guaranteed Education: Free education is crucial because it guarantees an equal education level for every student in the country. This means that every student will have an equal opportunity to reach an equal level of education.
• Safe Life: Education is a crucial key to live a safe life. For example, when a student is educated compared to a non-educated student, it is easier to succeed in the future.
• Better outlook on life: Education gives the students the ability to think positively and have a more positive attitude towards life and goals. Free education guarantees that the outlook of life for most of the students will be the same.
• Increased employment: Free education means that most students will have access to education and increase their employment opportunities.
• Creates equality: Free education means that any student from where they come will be able to use the same quality of education as every other student. It plays a vital role in building equality among the students in the school.
• Promotes fairness: Free education plays a vital role in promoting fairness in schools and societies. This is because all children are guaranteed access to the same quality of education.
• Density in the classroom: Free education somehow promotes an increased number of learners in the classroom. This is because students do not have to worry about their next school or tuition fees. Instead, they will stay more focused on their education.
• Student-loan loans: Students do not have to worry about their college fees by getting student loans in university to facilitate their education altogether. This ensures that students remain in a debt-free situation.
• Open Access to College: Free education plays a vital role as it opens access to a college education. All children will be guaranteed a degree of education until they go for higher studies.
• Students can pursue their interests: Free education allows the student with flexibility in their choices in pursuing their desired career.

FAQ’s on Education Should be Free Essay

Question 1. Why should education be free for all?

Answer: Free education guarantees that the overview of the life of all children will be the same. Candidates will experience increased employment: Free education means that most students will have access to education and increase their chances of getting employment.

Question 2. Why is education so important?

Answer: Education helps people become better citizens, get a better-paid job, and shows the difference between good and evil. Education also shows us the importance of hard work and, at the same time, helps us grow and develop internally as well as socially. Thus, we can create a better society to live in by understanding and respecting laws and regulations.

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — Importance of Education — The Arguments Why Education Should Be Free For Everyone

The Arguments Why Education Should Be Free for Everyone

• Categories: College Tuition Importance of Education

About this sample

Words: 854 |

Published: Mar 18, 2021

Words: 854 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Works Cited:

• Alpha History. (n.d.). Nationalism as a cause of World War I.
• Bernhardi, F. von. (1914). Germany and the Next War. London: Edward Arnold.
• Cawley, J. (n.d.). Nationalism as the cause of European competitiveness that led to World War I.
• History Home. (n.d.). The causes of World War One. Retrieved from https://www.historyhome.co.uk/europe/causeww1.htm
• Rosenthal, L. (2016). The great war, nationalism and the decline of the West. Retrieved from https://lawrencerosenthal.net/2016/05/16/the-great-war-nationalism-and-the-decline-of-the-west/
• Bloy, M. (n.d.). Nationalism in the 19th century. Retrieved from https://www.historyhome.co.uk/europe/natquest.htm

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Essay on Education Should Be Free

Students are often asked to write an essay on Education Should Be Free in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Education Should Be Free

Introduction.

Education is a fundamental right for everyone. It shapes our future, helps us develop skills, and broadens our perspectives. Therefore, education should be free for all.

The Importance of Free Education

Free education ensures everyone gets a fair chance to learn. It reduces inequality as it’s accessible to all, regardless of financial status.

Benefits to Society

A society with educated individuals thrives better. They contribute to the economy, innovation, and progress. Free education can fuel this growth.

In conclusion, free education is a powerful tool for societal progress and individual growth. It should be a priority for all nations.

250 Words Essay on Education Should Be Free

The concept of free education.

Education, a fundamental human right, is often considered a stepping stone towards personal development and societal progress. The concept of free education is an appealing proposition, particularly when considering the vast disparities in educational access and quality worldwide.

Economic Perspectives

From an economic viewpoint, free education can be seen as an investment in human capital. It could potentially stimulate economic growth by creating a more educated, skilled workforce. Additionally, it can help reduce the socioeconomic gap, enabling individuals from all backgrounds to secure better employment opportunities and contribute more effectively to the economy.

Societal Implications

On a societal level, free education can foster equality, inclusivity, and social mobility. It provides everyone, irrespective of their financial status, with equal opportunities to learn, grow, and advance. Moreover, it has the potential to mitigate social issues such as crime and poverty, which are often linked to educational inequality.

Potential Challenges

However, implementing free education presents its own set of challenges. It requires significant public funding, which could strain national budgets. Furthermore, it necessitates careful planning and execution to ensure quality and efficiency are not compromised.

In conclusion, while free education is an ideal worth striving for, it demands careful consideration of its economic implications and potential societal impacts. A balanced approach, considering both the benefits and challenges, is crucial for its successful implementation.

500 Words Essay on Education Should Be Free

The essence of free education.

Education is a fundamental human right, a path to personal growth, and a stepping stone towards societal development. It is the key to creating, applying, and disseminating knowledge, thereby contributing to the cultural, social, and economic advancement of a society. The proposition of free education, however, is a contentious one, sparking debates globally.

The Social Perspective

Economic implications.

From an economic standpoint, free education can be a significant investment in human capital. Education is directly linked to economic growth – a more educated workforce tends to be more productive, innovative, and capable of adapting to new technologies and challenges. Free education can lead to a larger, more skilled labor pool, potentially boosting economic productivity and competitiveness.

The Question of Quality

However, a significant concern is the potential compromise on the quality of education. With no tuition fees, the financial resources available to educational institutions may be limited, potentially affecting the quality of education. To counter this, governments can explore alternative funding mechanisms, such as progressive taxation. Additionally, investment in education should not be viewed as a cost but as a long-term investment that will yield substantial societal returns.

The Role of Digital Technology

Conclusion: a paradigm shift.

In conclusion, making education free is not just about removing financial barriers; it’s about a paradigm shift in how we view education. It’s about recognizing education as a public good, a collective responsibility, and a cornerstone of a fair society. It’s about investing in our future, knowing that the returns – a more equitable society, a more robust economy, and a more informed citizenry – are well worth it.

While the road to free education is fraught with challenges, the potential benefits to society are immense. It is an idea worth exploring, debating, and, if possible, implementing. The journey may be long and arduous, but the destination – a world where every individual has an equal chance to learn and grow – is a vision worth striving for.

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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EducationalWave

50 Pros and Cons of Free Education

In today’s educational landscape, the concept of free education stirs passionate debates among educators, policymakers, and citizens alike.

The pros of free education are heightened accessibility for underserved students, economic upliftment and narrowed wage gaps, a decrease in student debt, and an enhancement in academic output. It promises a more inclusive educational landscape and could spur economic growth through a more educated workforce.

The cons of free education include financial pressure on government budgets, potential dilution of educational quality, increased tax burdens, and the possibility of overcrowded academic institutions. Additionally, there could be a devaluation of college degrees and a change in student attitudes, potentially leading to less engagement and seriousness towards college education. These factors may compromise the integrity and perceived value of higher education.

This comprehensive exploration dives into the multifaceted benefits of free education and the drawbacks of offering free education to all .

Free Education: Quick Facts & Insights

• Public School Evolution: The concept of free, nonsectarian public schools spread across America in the 19th century.
• Achievement Gap: The gap between minority and white students was narrowing until 1990 but has been difficult to close since then.
• Mainstream Shift: In recent years, free college has moved from a radical idea to mainstream thinking.
• Political Support: President Biden made free college one of his core campaign planks.
• Funding Approach: Most states propose to fund free college plans as “last-dollar” scholarships.
• Beneficiary Concerns: Most benefits of free college plans accrue to higher-income families.
• Average Spending: In 2019–20, public schools spent an average of $14,789 per pupil on current expenditures.
• Free Education Countries: Countries offering free or highly subsidized education include Germany, Austria, Finland, Czech Republic, France, and Spain.

Table of Contents

Pros of Free Education

• Broadened Educational Reach: Offering free education extends opportunities to a vast array of individuals, especially from economically strained backgrounds. For instance, in countries that adopted free tertiary education, there was a noticeable increase in college enrollments. Students from marginalized communities, who might have opted out of educational pursuits due to financial constraints, now have doors open for them. These opportunities empower them to break the generational cycle of poverty. A level educational field results in a society rich in diverse knowledge and skills.
• Leveling the Playing Field: Removing financial barriers to education ensures that all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic standing, have equitable educational chances. In a world where job opportunities are closely tied to educational qualifications, this move is pivotal. For example, in Scandinavian countries with free higher education systems, there’s a lesser gap between rich and poor in terms of educational achievements. This not only fosters a sense of societal unity but also diminishes class-based disparities in the job market.
• Mitigation of Poverty: An educated individual has higher chances of securing stable employment. By providing free education, we’re investing in equipping people with the tools to uplift themselves from economic challenges. For instance, many developing nations emphasize free primary education to combat poverty at grassroots levels. An educated citizen is more likely to contribute positively to the economy, leading to a cycle of prosperity that can uplift entire communities.
• Boost in Literacy Levels: A society offering free education naturally sees a rise in its literacy levels. Historically, nations that have emphasized free public education, like Cuba, have achieved nearly universal literacy rates. Such an achievement not only boosts national pride but also ensures that a vast majority of the population can engage in informed discussions, read vital information, and contribute intellectually to societal progress.
• Elevated Employment Opportunities: With education directly linked to employability, free educational access implies a workforce ready for diverse sectors. Countries with a focus on vocational training, for example, Germany, see that even free or subsidized education can lead to specialization in various fields. This diversity ensures that various sectors of the economy benefit from a steady stream of qualified professionals.
• Economic Flourishing: A nation’s economic prowess is often tied to the educational qualifications of its populace. When more citizens are educated, they contribute to sectors that drive economic growth. Japan’s post-WWII emphasis on education, even at subsidized rates, played a part in its rapid economic recovery and growth. An educated workforce attracts international businesses, boosting the national economy.
• Enriched Living Standards: Education directly influences one’s decision-making, affecting health, finances, and overall lifestyle. In communities where free education has been prioritized, there’s often a noticeable uplift in living conditions. Better informed decisions lead to healthier lives, stable financial conditions, and a more harmonious coexistence within communities.
• Augmented Social Upward Movement: Free education acts as a catalyst for social mobility. By equipping individuals with skills and knowledge, it paves their path out of socio-economic constraints. For instance, first-generation college students, courtesy of free education initiatives, often witness a marked improvement in their socio-economic standings, serving as inspirations for their communities.
• Diminution of Criminal Activities: Higher education levels often correlate with lower crime rates. For instance, regions with accessible educational opportunities often report fewer instances of juvenile delinquency. An educated individual, having a broader perspective and better job opportunities, is less likely to resort to criminal activities, ensuring safer communities.
• Nurturing Innovation: Societies emphasizing free education often become hubs for innovation. By removing financial barriers, creative minds get the space to explore and innovate. Silicon Valley, while not solely a product of free education, boasts many immigrants from countries with strong free educational systems, showcasing that broadened educational access can lead to groundbreaking innovations.
• Narrowing Wage Gaps: Universal access to education helps in reducing income disparities. When everyone gets a chance to educate themselves, they’re better placed in negotiating wages. For instance, countries with a greater emphasis on universal education often witness a more even distribution of income across various sectors.
• Positive Health Outcomes: An educated individual is better informed about health and hygiene. Communities with better educational access often report lower instances of preventable diseases. Such communities also tend to have lower mortality rates and better overall health infrastructures, leading to longer, healthier lives.
• Creating Informed Electorate: A society that prioritizes education produces well-informed citizens. This ensures active participation in democratic processes, with citizens making choices based on well-researched information. For instance, nations with high literacy rates often witness more active participation during elections, referendums, and other civic activities.
• Active Civic Participation: Educated individuals often feel a deeper connection and responsibility towards their communities. This sense of duty, instilled through education, sees more people volunteering, participating in community services, and contributing to the betterment of society at large.
• Strengthened Community Ties: Societies where education is accessible to all often exhibit strong community bonds. These societies, understanding the value of unity and collective growth, work harmoniously, fostering environments of mutual respect and coexistence.
• Personal Empowerment: Education doesn’t just equip individuals with academic knowledge. It nurtures self-confidence, critical thinking, and a sense of purpose. This personal growth ensures that individuals not only contribute positively to society but also lead fulfilling personal lives.
• Bridging Gender Gaps: In many societies, gender disparities in education are a pressing concern. By making education free, we’re taking a significant step towards bridging this divide. For instance, countries that have emphasized free education for girls often witness rapid socio-economic growth and a decline in societal gender biases.
• Efficient Workforce: An educated workforce is naturally more efficient and adept. They bring a range of skills to the table, ensuring that tasks are completed with precision and expertise. This not only boosts productivity but also ensures a competitive edge in the global market.
• Technological Progression: As the world rapidly evolves technologically, an educated populace ensures that a nation remains at the forefront of such advancements. Countries emphasizing STEM education, even if free or subsidized, often lead the charts in technological innovations.
• Cultural and Environmental Consciousness: An educated individual often showcases heightened cultural sensitivity and environmental responsibility. For instance, countries with strong environmental education curricula often have citizens who actively participate in sustainability initiatives.
• National Reputation: A nation offering free education to its citizens often gains respect on the international stage. Such countries are seen as valuing human potential and are often cited as examples in international forums.
• Reduced Student Debts: The burden of student loans has been a pressing concern for many. By offering free education, a nation ensures that its youth starts their professional lives without the looming cloud of debt, leading to better financial health for the entire populace.
• Motivated Learners: Financial constraints often dampen a student’s passion for learning. By eliminating such worries, free education ensures a conducive environment where learners can pursue knowledge without distractions.
• Wider Range of Skill Development: With education being free, students often explore varied courses, leading to holistic skill development. For instance, someone might delve into both arts and sciences, leading to a diversified skill set beneficial for interdisciplinary jobs.
• Long-Term Societal Benefits: The ripple effects of free education touch various aspects of society. Over generations, such societies often showcase higher living standards, advanced technologies, and a general sense of communal harmony, creating a legacy of progress and unity.

Cons of Free Education

• Increased Burden on Taxpayers : While free education might sound enticing, it could necessitate significant tax hikes. This could particularly strain individuals who may never take advantage of the free education themselves but still have to contribute towards its costs, potentially causing socio-economic disparities.
• Potential Decline in Educational Quality : Without the financial competition that comes with tuition fees, there’s a risk that the quality of education could decline. This could lead to institutions becoming complacent, not investing in necessary resources, or not striving for excellence.
• Overuse or Misuse of Educational Resources : When education is free, students might not value the resources as much, potentially leading to overuse or misuse. This includes wasting materials, not returning borrowed items, or using educational tools for unrelated activities.
• Funding Diverted from Other Critical Areas : Offering free education might divert government funds from other crucial sectors like healthcare, infrastructure, or social welfare. This could result in underfunded and subpar services in these areas.
• Potential Decrease in Teacher Salaries : With budget constraints, teacher salaries might not be as competitive as they should be. This could deter qualified individuals from entering the profession, affecting the overall quality of education.
• Unfair Benefits to the Wealthy : By offering free education for everyone, the wealthy, who can afford tuition, would also benefit. This means public funds would be used to subsidize the education of those who don’t necessarily need financial assistance.
• Limited Academic Freedom : With federal or state funding comes potential government oversight, which might limit academic freedom. Institutions might be forced to teach certain curriculums or adhere to specific standards that might not necessarily be in the best interest of the students.
• Devaluation of Degrees : If everyone has access to higher education, the market could be flooded with degrees, leading to a potential devaluation. This could result in degree holders struggling to find jobs that match their qualifications.
• Potential for Wastage : When students don’t have a financial stake in their education, there’s a risk they might not take their studies seriously. This could lead to increased dropout rates or students extending their time in educational institutions without clear objectives.
• Overcrowding of Institutions : Free education could result in a surge of enrollments, leading to overcrowded classrooms, strained resources, and potentially reduced one-on-one attention from educators.
• Decreased Motivation to Excel : Without the pressure of tuition fees, students might lack motivation to perform at their best, potentially affecting their overall achievements and future career prospects.
• Rise in Bureaucracy : Managing free education might require more administrators, leading to an increase in bureaucracy. This could result in slower decision-making processes and potential inefficiencies in the system.
• Risk of Educational Inflation : Similar to the devaluation of degrees, there could be an “educational inflation,” where higher degrees become the new norm. This could result in students feeling pressured to pursue further studies to stand out.
• Shift Away from Vocational Training : With a push towards free higher education, vocational and technical training might be sidelined. This could be detrimental to industries that rely on skilled labor and to students who might excel in these fields.
• Budgetary Strains on Government : Offering free education might strain government budgets, potentially leading to national debts or budgetary deficits. This could impact a nation’s economy in the long term.
• Reduced Investment in Infrastructure : With significant funds directed towards free education, there might be reduced investment in educational infrastructure, such as labs, libraries, or sports facilities, affecting the overall learning environment.
• Loss of Revenue for Institutions : Without tuition fees, institutions might struggle to generate revenue, potentially affecting their ability to fund research, offer scholarships, or maintain their campuses.
• Decreased Personal Responsibility : When students aren’t paying for their education, there might be a decreased sense of personal responsibility, potentially affecting their behavior, attendance, or commitment.
• Less Diversity in Educational Options : A focus on free public education might impact private and charter schools. This could lead to fewer educational options for students and a potential decline in innovative educational models.
• Increased Reliance on Government : Institutions might become overly reliant on government funding, making them vulnerable to any changes in governmental policies or budgetary decisions.
• Potential for Overqualification : With more individuals holding degrees, there’s a risk of overqualification for certain job roles. This could lead to dissatisfaction among workers and inefficiencies in the labor market.
• Longer Graduation Times : Without financial pressures, students might take longer to complete their studies, occupying spaces that could be utilized by other potential students.
• Strains on Housing and Facilities : Increased enrollments could put a strain on housing, dining, and other student facilities, potentially reducing the quality of student life.
• Potential for Course Redundancies : To accommodate larger student populations, institutions might offer multiple similar courses, leading to redundancies and inefficiencies in the curriculum.
• Loss of Competitive Edge Internationally : If the quality of education declines due to any of the aforementioned reasons, it could result in a loss of competitive edge on the international stage, potentially affecting the nation’s reputation in global education rankings.

Benefits of Free Education

Discussing free education inevitably highlights the concept of Educational Access . At its core are issues of equity and the broader economic ramifications.

Offering free education promises to level the playing field, enabling students from all walks of life—regardless of socioeconomic or racial backgrounds—to access higher education without financial constraints. Yet, there’s a cost involved. Governments might grapple with budgetary pressures and resource allocation challenges to keep such programs running.

Equity in Education

Within the free education debate, the quest for Equity in Education stands out. Despite the noble intention to democratize access, glaring disparities persist. Those from lower-income brackets or marginalized sections still grapple with resource scarcity, insufficient facilities, and limited support. Mere policy implementation won’t suffice. It’s imperative to tailor free education initiatives, ensuring resources and aid directly target and uplift these disadvantaged learners.

Economic Implications

Accessibility vs. Resource Strain: While free education ensures wider access, it may also strain educational resources if not adequately funded.

Enrollment vs. Quality: A surge in students can enhance the workforce’s education level, but it might dilute educational quality if institutions aren’t prepared.

Student Debt vs. Government Burden: While students could graduate debt-free, it transfers the financial onus onto the government, potentially leading to higher taxes.

Economic Growth vs. Degree Devaluation: An educated population can spur growth, but widespread accessibility might diminish the exclusivity and perceived value of degrees.

Financial Burden

The financial burden of free education can be a significant concern for both individuals and governments. While the idea of free education may seem appealing, it is important to consider the costs associated with implementing such a system. Here is a table highlighting the pros and cons of the financial burden of free education:

It is crucial to weigh these factors when considering the feasibility and sustainability of free education. While it may provide opportunities for many, it is important to ensure that the financial burden is manageable for all parties involved.

Quality of Education

Access: While free education allows more students in, it might also strain resources if not managed well.

Investment: While governments could allocate more funds, there’s a risk of misallocation or budget constraints .

Equality: It aims to bridge the educational divide, but quality consistency is a concern across regions.

Accountability: Intense scrutiny ensures standards, but it may also lead to over-regulation and reduced autonomy for institutions.

Economic Impact

Proponents view: Free education can foster an educated workforce, enhancing economic productivity and innovation . It reduces financial strains on families, allowing for economic diversification and promoting social mobility.

Critics’ concerns: The financial implications could be hefty, leading to possible higher taxes, increased government debt , and a potential hit to the private education sector.

Social Equality

Primary Objective: Promote social equality by ensuring equal access to education. Free education brings about a merit-based system, allowing individuals to rise based on potential and not monetary capabilities. It offers tools to individuals, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, to overcome the poverty cycle, aiming for better employment and improved community standards. It’s a path to upward social mobility, opening doors to better opportunities.

Government Funding

The role is pivotal: Adequate government funding is the backbone of free education, ensuring quality without financial burdens on families. It supports institutions in maintaining teaching standards and updating resources. However, efficient usage of these funds is crucial, addressing specific needs and ensuring maximum benefits.

Drawbacks of Free Education

Free education, while promising in its goal of universal access, raises concerns in two primary areas:

Economic Sustainability

• Funding Strains: Introducing free education requires substantial government spending which might increase taxes or divert resources from other sectors.
• Decline in Private Investment: If education is state-funded, private sector contributions could decrease, potentially impacting quality and innovation.
• Resource Overstretch: The demand for free education can strain infrastructure, leading to crowded classrooms and diminished quality.
• Access Inequality: Despite being “free,” some students might still encounter barriers, like transportation issues or inadequate home support.

Quality Concerns

• Teacher Motivation: Absence of financial incentives might reduce teachers’ motivation to excel.
• Resource Limitations: Funding constraints could affect the availability of quality resources and facilities.
• Overcrowding: Increased student enrollment could strain facilities, reducing individual attention and overall quality.

In sum, while free education has its merits, these potential challenges warrant thorough evaluation to maintain educational integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How might free education impact quality and the value of degrees.

While it can enhance access, free education may strain resources, affecting quality, and make degrees more common, potentially reducing their prestige.

What Are the Major Concerns with Implementing Free Education?

There’s a risk of overburdening government budgets, leading to potential cutbacks in other sectors and diluting the overall educational experience.

How Can Free Education Address Achievement Disparities?

By providing equal access, free education might help bridge the achievement gap, offering opportunities for success to all students.

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Education Should Be Free for Everyone

In my argumentative essay, I discuss the ethical side of having a free education system. I discuss the positive sides and the negative sides of free education, and I focus mostly on having free higher education since we already have free education up to High School graduation levels. I conclude with a discussion about the actions of colleges and Universities and how they would inevitably make the ethical discussion mute from a student’s perceptive since the burden of ethics would fall upon higher education institutions in a world where they are given plenty of incentive to act immorally.

From an ethical perspective, it seems unfair that people who have less money are going to miss more opportunities. Ethically, opportunities should be open for all people. Though it may be true that the availability of an opportunity shouldn’t guarantee that a person receives that opportunity, the opportunity shouldn’t be ruled out. For example, all people should be able to become qualified to work in air traffic control, and even though a blind person is hardly guaranteed such a job position, the opportunity shouldn’t be ruled out as a default. Free education, especially free higher education, may open up a series of opportunities that some people would otherwise be unable to enjoy, and even if those opportunities are not guaranteed, they shouldn’t be ruled out by default, which is what happens when some people cannot use higher education for financial reasons. (Flood, 2014)

Some people are going to use free education as a way of getting out of work and as a way of doing nothing with their lives. Students up to the final year in High School are unable to get full-time jobs and live independently on their wages, which is why their education should be free. However, when a person is able to get a full-time job and live independently, he or she may get out of working by living on the education system. Even if the qualifications are free and not the living expenses, a person may still claim a slew of benefits and receive no incentive to ever get a job because he or she remains in the education system for years and years. (Gritz, 2010)

If all forms of education are free for students, then it becomes very easy for a person to waste his or her life on meaningless education. The decision to get into thousands upon thousands of dollars of debt in order to pursue a career should be agonizing and very difficult so as to make the student think long and hard about the decision. If all education is free, then less thought is required, and students may waste years of their life studying for qualifications that they do not need or even want. (Kamenetz, 2016)

If a student is genuinely looking for higher education and is not looking for a reason to do nothing and mess around for years by exploiting other people’s tax money through free education, then such a person may enjoy a longer education process. For example, a student taking a series of law qualifications is going to need five to seven years of education, which is also very expensive. If the cost of the qualification were removed, such a person may be able to take up jobs on an intermittent basis, stretch out his or her qualification duration, and take longer to gain said qualifications in a more comfortable manner. Instead of having to spend years as a low-income student while building debt, such a student may spend longer on a qualification and work while studying so that he or she may enjoy a more comfortable education experience. Plus, all of this would occur who the pressure of accumulating student debt. (The Leadership Institute, 2018)

Despite the ethical upsides and downsides that come with free education for students, it is sadly the Universities and colleges that will spoil it. These days, student loans are very easy to get, and this has resulted in colleges and Universities putting their prices up to almost scandalous levels, and it has resulted in colleges and Universities creating courses that add no real value for people wishing to join the workforce. If colleges and Universities were being fully funded by tax dollars, they would encourage students to join with a whole host of silly and frivolous programs because the quality of education would no longer matter or apply. (Fox, 2006).

Bibliography

Flood, Alison. “US students request ‘trigger warnings’ on literature.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 19 May 2014, www.theguardian.com/books/2014/may/19/us-students-request-trigger-warnings-in-literature.

Fox News, http://www.foxnews.com/story/2006/09/01/why-does-college-cost-so-much-and-is-it-worth-it.html 2006

Gritz, Jennie Rothenberg. “What’s Wrong with the American University System.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 28 July 2010, www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2010/07/whats-wrong-with-the-american-university-system/60458/.

Kamenetz, Anya. “How College Aid Is Like A Bad Coupon.” NPR, NPR, 17 Sept. 2016, www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/09/17/492973995/how-college-aid-is-like-a-bad-coupon.

The Leadership Institute. “Why are colleges so liberal?” Leadership Institute, www.leadershipinstitute.org/crazycolleges/. 2018

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Should College Be Free? The Pros and Cons

Types of Publicly Funded College Tuition Programs

Pros: why college should be free, cons: why college should not be free, what the free college debate means for students, how to cut your college costs now, frequently asked questions (faqs).

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Americans have been debating the wisdom of free college for decades, and more than 30 states now offer some type of free college program. But it wasn't until 2021 that a nationwide free college program came close to becoming reality, re-energizing a longstanding debate over whether or not free college is a good idea. 

And despite a setback for the free-college advocates, the idea is still in play. The Biden administration's free community college proposal was scrapped from the American Families Plan . But close observers say that similar proposals promoting free community college have drawn solid bipartisan support in the past. "Community colleges are one of the relatively few areas where there's support from both Republicans and Democrats," said Tulane economics professor Douglas N. Harris, who has previously consulted with the Biden administration on free college, in an interview with The Balance. 

To get a sense of the various arguments for and against free college, as well as the potential impacts on U.S. students and taxpayers, The Balance combed through studies investigating the design and implementation of publicly funded free tuition programs and spoke with several higher education policy experts. Here's what we learned about the current debate over free college in the U.S.—and more about how you can cut your college costs or even get free tuition through existing programs.

Key Takeaways

• Research shows free tuition programs encourage more students to attend college and increase graduation rates, which creates a better-educated workforce and higher-earning consumers who can help boost the economy. 
• Some programs are criticized for not paying students’ non-tuition expenses, not benefiting students who need assistance most, or steering students toward community college instead of four-year programs.  
• If you want to find out about free programs in your area, the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education has a searchable database. You’ll find the link further down in this article. 

Before diving into the weeds of the free college debate, it's important to note that not all free college programs are alike. Most publicly funded tuition assistance programs are restricted to the first two years of study, typically at community colleges. Free college programs also vary widely in the ways they’re designed, funded, and structured:

• Last-dollar tuition-free programs : These programs cover any remaining tuition after a student has used up other financial aid , such as Pell Grants. Most state-run free college programs fall into this category. However, these programs don’t typically help with room and board or other expenses.
• First-dollar tuition-free programs : These programs pay for students' tuition upfront, although they’re much rarer than last-dollar programs. Any remaining financial aid that a student receives can then be applied to other expenses, such as books and fees. The California College Promise Grant is a first-dollar program because it waives enrollment fees for eligible students.
• Debt-free programs : These programs pay for all of a student's college expenses , including room and board, guaranteeing that they can graduate debt-free. But they’re also much less common, likely due to their expense.  

Proponents often argue that publicly funded college tuition programs eventually pay for themselves, in part by giving students the tools they need to find better jobs and earn higher incomes than they would with a high school education. The anticipated economic impact, they suggest, should help ease concerns about the costs of public financing education. Here’s a closer look at the arguments for free college programs.

A More Educated Workforce Benefits the Economy

Morley Winograd, President of the Campaign for Free College Tuition, points to the economic and tax benefits that result from the higher wages of college grads. "For government, it means more revenue," said Winograd in an interview with The Balance—the more a person earns, the more they will likely pay in taxes . In addition, "the country's economy gets better because the more skilled the workforce this country has, the better [it’s] able to compete globally." Similarly, local economies benefit from a more highly educated, better-paid workforce because higher earners have more to spend. "That's how the economy grows," Winograd explained, “by increasing disposable income."

According to Harris, the return on a government’s investment in free college can be substantial. "The additional finding of our analysis was that these things seem to consistently pass a cost-benefit analysis," he said. "The benefits seem to be at least double the cost in the long run when we look at the increased college attainment and the earnings that go along with that, relative to the cost and the additional funding and resources that go into them." 

Free College Programs Encourage More Students to Attend

Convincing students from underprivileged backgrounds to take a chance on college can be a challenge, particularly when students are worried about overextending themselves financially. But free college programs tend to have more success in persuading students to consider going, said Winograd, in part because they address students' fears that they can't afford higher education . "People who wouldn't otherwise think that they could go to college, or who think the reason they can't is [that] it's too expensive, [will] stop, pay attention, listen, decide it's an opportunity they want to take advantage of, and enroll," he said.

According to Harris, students also appear to like the certainty and simplicity of the free college message. "They didn't want to have to worry that next year they were not going to have enough money to pay their tuition bill," he said. "They don't know what their finances are going to look like a few months down the road, let alone next year, and it takes a while to get a degree. So that matters." 

Free college programs can also help send "a clear and tangible message" to students and their families that a college education is attainable for them, said Michelle Dimino, an Education Director with Third Way. This kind of messaging is especially important to first-generation and low-income students, she said. 

Free College Increases Graduation Rates and Financial Security

Free tuition programs appear to improve students’ chances of completing college. For example, Harris noted that his research found a meaningful link between free college tuition and higher graduation rates. "What we found is that it did increase college graduation at the two-year college level, so more students graduated than otherwise would have." 

Free college tuition programs also give people a better shot at living a richer, more comfortable life, say advocates. "It's almost an economic necessity to have some college education," noted Winograd. Similar to the way a high school diploma was viewed as crucial in the 20th century, employees are now learning that they need at least two years of college to compete in a global, information-driven economy. "Free community college is a way of making that happen quickly, effectively, and essentially," he explained. 

Free community college isn’t a universally popular idea. While many critics point to the potential costs of funding such programs, others identify issues with the effectiveness and fairness of current attempts to cover students’ college tuition. Here’s a closer look at the concerns about free college programs.

It Would Be Too Expensive

The idea of free community college has come under particular fire from critics who worry about the cost of social spending. Since community colleges aren't nearly as expensive as four-year colleges—often costing thousands of dollars a year—critics argue that individuals can often cover their costs using other forms of financial aid . But, they point out, community college costs would quickly add up when paid for in bulk through a free college program: Biden’s proposed free college plan would have cost $49.6 billion in its first year, according to an analysis from Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. Some opponents argue that the funds could be put to better use in other ways, particularly by helping students complete their degrees.

Free College Isn't Really Free

One of the most consistent concerns that people have voiced about free college programs is that they don’t go far enough. Even if a program offers free tuition, students will need to find a way to pay for other college-related expenses , such as books, room and board, transportation, high-speed internet, and, potentially, child care. "Messaging is such a key part of this," said Dimino. Students "may apply or enroll in college, understanding it's going to be free, but then face other unexpected charges along the way." 

It's important for policymakers to consider these factors when designing future free college programs. Otherwise, Dimino and other observers fear that students could potentially wind up worse off if they enroll and invest in attending college and then are forced to drop out due to financial pressures. 

Free College Programs Don’t Help the Students Who Need Them Most

Critics point out that many free college programs are limited by a variety of quirks and restrictions, which can unintentionally shut out deserving students or reward wealthier ones. Most state-funded free college programs are last-dollar programs, which don’t kick in until students have applied financial aid to their tuition. That means these programs offer less support to low-income students who qualify for need-based aid—and more support for higher-income students who don’t.

Community College May Not Be the Best Path for All Students

Some critics also worry that all students will be encouraged to attend community college when some would have been better off at a four-year institution. Four-year colleges tend to have more resources than community colleges and can therefore offer more support to high-need students. 

In addition, some research has shown that students at community colleges are less likely to be academically successful than students at four-year colleges, said Dimino. "Statistically, the data show that there are poorer outcomes for students at community colleges […] such as lower graduation rates and sometimes low transfer rates from two- to four-year schools." 

With Congress focused on other priorities, a nationwide free college program is unlikely to happen anytime soon. However, some states and municipalities offer free tuition programs, so students may be able to access some form of free college, depending on where they live. A good resource is the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education’s searchable database of Promise Programs , which lists more than 100 free community college programs, though the majority are limited to California residents.

In the meantime, school leaders and policymakers may shift their focus to other access and equity interventions for low-income students. For example, higher education experts Eileen Strempel and Stephen Handel published a book in 2021 titled "Beyond Free College: Making Higher Education Work for 21st Century Students." The book argues that policymakers should focus more strongly on college completion, not just college access. "There hasn't been enough laser-focus on how we actually get people to complete their degrees," noted Strempel in an interview with The Balance. 

Rather than just improving access for low-income college students, Strempel and Handel argue that decision-makers should instead look more closely at the social and economic issues that affect students , such as food and housing insecurity, child care, transportation, and personal technology. For example, "If you don't have a computer, you don't have access to your education anymore," said Strempel. "It's like today's pencil."

Saving money on college costs can be challenging, but you can take steps to reduce your cost of living. For example, if you're interested in a college but haven't yet enrolled, pay close attention to where it's located and how much residents typically pay for major expenses, such as housing, utilities, and food. If the college is located in a high-cost area, it could be tough to justify the living expenses you'll incur. Similarly, if you plan to commute, take the time to check gas or public transportation prices and calculate how much you'll likely have to spend per month to go to and from campus several times a week. 

Now that more colleges offer classes online, it may also be worth looking at lower-cost programs in areas that are farther from where you live, particularly if they allow you to graduate without setting foot on campus. Also, check out state and federal financial aid programs that can help you slim down your expenses, or, in some cases, pay for them completely. Finally, look into need-based and merit-based grants and scholarships that can help you cover even more of your expenses. Also, consider applying to no-loan colleges , which promise to help students graduate without going into debt.

Should community college be free?

It’s a big question with varying viewpoints. Supporters of free community college cite the economic contributions of a more educated workforce and the individual benefit of financial security, while critics caution against the potential expense and the inefficiency of last-dollar free college programs. 

What states offer free college?

More than 30 states offer some type of tuition-free college program, including Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington State. The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education lists over 100 last-dollar community college programs and 16 first-dollar community college programs, though the majority are limited to California residents.

Is there a free college?

There is no such thing as a truly free college education. But some colleges offer free tuition programs for students, and more than 30 states offer some type of tuition-free college program. In addition, students may also want to check out employer-based programs. A number of big employers now offer to pay for their employees' college tuition . Finally, some students may qualify for enough financial aid or scholarships to cover most of their college costs.

Scholarships360. " Which States Offer Tuition-Free Community College? "

The White House. “ Build Back Better Framework ,” see “Bringing Down Costs, Reducing Inflationary Pressures, and Strengthening the Middle Class.”

The White House. “ Fact Sheet: How the Build Back Better Plan Will Create a Better Future for Young Americans ,” see “Education and Workforce Opportunities.”

Coast Community College District. “ California College Promise Grant .”

Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. “ The Dollars and Cents of Free College ,” see “Biden’s Free College Plan Would Pay for Itself Within 10 Years.”

Third Way. “ Why Free College Could Increase Inequality .”

Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. “ The Dollars and Cents of Free College ,” see “Free-College Programs Have Different Effects on Race and Class Equity.”

University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. “ College Promise Programs: A Comprehensive Catalog of College Promise Programs in the United States .”

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College & Careers

Tuition-free college is critical to our economy

Morley Winograd and Max Lubin

November 2, 2020, 13 comments.

To rebuild America’s economy in a way that offers everyone an equal chance to get ahead, federal support for free college tuition should be a priority in any economic recovery plan in 2021.

Research shows that the private and public economic benefit of free community college tuition would outweigh the cost. That’s why half of the states in the country already have some form of free college tuition.

The Democratic Party 2020 platform calls for making two years of community college tuition free for all students with a federal/state partnership similar to the Obama administration’s 2015 plan .

It envisions a program as universal and free as K-12 education is today, with all the sustainable benefits such programs (including Social Security and Medicare) enjoy. It also calls for making four years of public college tuition free, again in partnership with states, for students from families making less than $125,000 per year.

The Republican Party didn’t adopt a platform for the 2020 election, deferring to President Trump’s policies, which among other things, stand in opposition to free college. Congressional Republicans, unlike many of their state counterparts, also have not supported free college tuition in the past.

However, it should be noted that the very first state free college tuition program was initiated in 2015 by former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, a Republican. Subsequently, such deep red states with Republican majorities in their state legislature such as West Virginia, Kentucky and Arkansas have adopted similar programs.

Establishing free college tuition benefits for more Americans would be the 21st-century equivalent of the Depression-era Works Progress Administration initiative.

That program not only created immediate work for the unemployed, but also offered skills training for nearly 8 million unskilled workers in the 1930s. Just as we did in the 20th century, by laying the foundation for our current system of universal free high school education and rewarding our World War II veterans with free college tuition to help ease their way back into the workforce, the 21st century system of higher education we build must include the opportunity to attend college tuition-free.

California already has taken big steps to make its community college system, the largest in the nation, tuition free by fully funding its California Promise grant program. But community college is not yet free to all students. Tuition costs — just more than $1,500 for a full course load — are waived for low-income students. Colleges don’t have to spend the Promise funds to cover tuition costs for other students so, at many colleges, students still have to pay tuition.

At the state’s four-year universities, about 60% of students at the California State University and the same share of in-state undergraduates at the 10-campus University of California, attend tuition-free as well, as a result of Cal grants , federal Pell grants and other forms of financial aid.

But making the CSU and UC systems tuition-free for even more students will require funding on a scale that only the federal government is capable of supporting, even if the benefit is only available to students from families that makes less than $125,000 a year.

It is estimated that even without this family income limitation, eliminating tuition for four years at all public colleges and universities for all students would cost taxpayers $79 billion a year, according to U.S. Department of Education data . Consider, however, that the federal government  spent $91 billion  in 2016 on policies that subsidized college attendance. At least some of that could be used to help make public higher education institutions tuition-free in partnership with the states.

Free college tuition programs have proved effective in helping mitigate the system’s current inequities by increasing college enrollment, lowering dependence on student loan debt and improving completion rates , especially among students of color and lower-income students who are often the first in their family to attend college.

In the first year of the TN Promise , community college enrollment in Tennessee increased by 24.7%, causing 4,000 more students to enroll. The percentage of Black students in that state’s community college population increased from 14% to 19% and the proportion of Hispanic students increased from 4% to 5%.

Students who attend community college tuition-free also graduate at higher rates. Tennessee’s first Promise student cohort had a 52.6% success rate compared to only a 38.9% success rate for their non-Promise peers. After two years of free college tuition, Rhode Island’s college-promise program saw its community college graduation rate triple and the graduation rate among students of color increase ninefold.

The impact on student debt is more obvious. Tennessee, for instance, saw its applications for student loans decrease by 17% in the first year of its program, with loan amounts decreasing by 12%. At the same time, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications soared, with 40% of the entire nation’s increase in applications originating in that state in the first year of their Promise program.

Wage inequality by education, already dreadful before the pandemic, is getting worse. In May, the unemployment rate among workers without a high school diploma was nearly triple the rate of workers with a bachelor’s degree. No matter what Congress does to provide support to those affected by the pandemic and the ensuing recession, employment prospects for far too many people in our workforce will remain bleak after the pandemic recedes. Today, the fastest growing sectors of the economy are in health care, computers and information technology. To have a real shot at a job in those sectors, workers need a college credential of some form such as an industry-recognized skills certificate or an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

The surest way to make the proven benefits of higher education available to everyone is to make college tuition-free for low and middle-income students at public colleges, and the federal government should help make that happen.

Morley Winograd is president of the Campaign for Free College Tuition . Max Lubin is CEO of Rise , a student-led nonprofit organization advocating for free college.  

The opinions in this commentary are those of the author. Commentaries published on EdSource represent diverse viewpoints about California’s public education systems. If you would like to submit a commentary, please review our  guidelines  and  contact us .

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Genia Curtsinger 2 years ago 2 years ago

Making community college free to those who meet the admission requirements would help many people. First of all, it would make it easy for students and families, for instance; you go to college and have to pay thousands of dollars to get a college education, but if community college is free it would help so you could be saving money and get a college education for free, with no cost at all. It would make … Read More

Making community college free to those who meet the admission requirements would help many people. First of all, it would make it easy for students and families, for instance; you go to college and have to pay thousands of dollars to get a college education, but if community college is free it would help so you could be saving money and get a college education for free, with no cost at all. It would make it more affordable to the student and their families.

Therefore I think people should have free education for those who meet the admission requirements.

nothing 2 years ago 2 years ago

I feel like colleges shouldn’t be completely free, but a lot more affordable for people so everyone can have a chance to have a good college education.

Jaden Wendover 2 years ago 2 years ago

I think all colleges should be free, because why would you pay to learn?

Samantha Cole 2 years ago 2 years ago

I think college should be free because there are a lot of people that want to go to college but they can’t pay for it so they don’t go and end up in jail or working as a waitress or in a convenience store. I know I want to go to college but I can’t because my family doesn’t make enough money to send me to college but my family makes too much for financial aid.

Nick Gurrs 3 years ago 3 years ago

I feel like this subject has a lot of answers, For me personally, I believe tuition and college, in general, should be free because it will help students get out of debt and not have debt, and because it will help people who are struggling in life to get a job and make a living off a job.

NO 3 years ago 3 years ago

I think college tuition should be free. A lot of adults want to go to college and finish their education but can’t partly because they can’t afford to. Some teens need to work at a young age just so they can save money for college which I feel they shouldn’t have to. If people don’t want to go to college then they just can work and go on with their lives.

Not saying my name 3 years ago 3 years ago

I think college tuition should be free because people drop out because they can’t pay the tuition to get into college and then they can’t graduate and live a good life and they won’t get a job because it says they dropped out of school. So it would be harder to get a job and if the tuition wasn’t a thing, people would live an awesome life because of this.

Brisa 3 years ago 3 years ago

I’m not understanding. Are we not agreeing that college should be free, or are we?

m 3 years ago 3 years ago

it shouldnt

Trevor Everhart 3 years ago 3 years ago

What do you mean by there is no such thing as free tuition?

Olga Snichernacs 3 years ago 3 years ago

Nice! I enjoyed reading.

Anonymous Cat 4 years ago 4 years ago

Tuition-Free: Free tuition, or sometimes tuition free is a phrase you have heard probably a good number of times. … Therefore, free tuition to put it simply is the opportunity provide to students by select universities around the world to received a degree from their institution without paying any sum of money for the teaching.

Mister B 4 years ago 4 years ago

There is no such thing as tuition free.

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Is free college a good idea? Increasingly, evidence says yes

Subscribe to the brown center on education policy newsletter, douglas n. harris douglas n. harris nonresident senior fellow - governance studies , brown center on education policy , professor and chair, department of economics - tulane university.

May 10, 2021

• 10 min read

In just a few short years, the idea of free college has moved from a radical idea to mainstream Democratic thinking. President Biden made free college one of his core campaign planks , and one that the first lady has been promoting for years. In his recent address to Congress, the president also signaled that he is ready for legislative action on a scaled-back version of the idea as part of his American Families Plan .

Two weeks ago, the nonprofit College Promise (CP)—led by Martha Kanter, who served as President Obama’s undersecretary for education—also released a proposal that will influence the free college debate. (Full disclosure: I previously advised the Biden campaign and presently advise CP, but have received no compensation for these efforts.)

In today’s polarized environment, the free college idea stands out for its bipartisan support. A majority of self-identified Republicans has supported the notion of free college in some polls. In fact, one of the first such statewide programs was put in place by Bill Haslam, the former Republican governor of Tennessee. While this could go the way of Obamacare, which faced strong GOP congressional opposition despite the law’s origins with Republican Mitt Romney, free college seems different. Biden’s latest plan only applies to community colleges, which focus on career and vocational education of the sort Republicans support, as opposed to universities, which many Republicans view as hostile battlegrounds in a culture war.

But I am less interested in the politics than the evidence of effectiveness. I have studied college access for many years and run two randomized control trials of financial aid , which produced some of the first causal evidence on free college in Milwaukee. Two years ago, Brookings released the first installment of the Milwaukee work, which I carried out with a team of researchers. Since then, we have collected more data and learned more about how students responded over time. Below, I summarize our just-released study (co-authored with Jonathan Mills), compare our results to other financial aid programs, and then discuss implications for the Biden and CP proposals. Consequently, I conclude that the evidence increasingly favors free college and “open access aid” more generally.

What Did We Learn in Milwaukee?

I developed The Degree Project (TDP) in 2009 as a demonstration program in partnership between the nonprofit Ascendium (then known as the Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation and Affiliates) and Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). TDP offered all first-time 9 th graders in half of MPS high schools $12,000 for college as “last-dollar” aid. Students could use the funds for college if they graduated from high school on time with a GPA of 2.5 and a class attendance rate of 90%. Also, as is the norm with free college programs, students had to fill out the FAFSA and have at least one dollar of unmet need. The aid could be used to attend any of the 66 public, in-state, two- or four-year colleges in Wisconsin. Ascendium provided up to $31 million to fund the grant and, as the main program administrator, sent regular letters to remind students about the program and its requirements. The organization also worked with school counselors to support students becoming eligible for the funds and preparing for college.

TDP was announced to students in the fall of 2011. Using anonymized data, we then tracked students’ high school, college, and life outcomes for eight years, and we recently received data extending through when students were roughly 22 years old. As a rare randomized trial, we could estimate the effects by comparing the control and treatment group outcomes. Here is what we found:

• For students who met the performance requirements, the program increased graduation from two-year colleges by 3 percentage points . This might seem small, but the denominator here is comprised of low-income 9 th graders. Half of the control group did not even graduate from high school, let alone college. The effect amounts to a 25% increase in two-year degrees.
• The framing and design of the program as free two-year college changed student decisions in ways consistent with what free college advocates suggest. The $12,000 maximum award amount was selected because it was sufficient to cover tuition and fees for a two-year college degree. The fact that TDP made two-year college free, but only reduced the cost of four-year college, was clearly communicated to students. This appears to explain one of our main results: Student enrollments shifted from four-year to two-year colleges. This is noteworthy given that students could use the funds at either two- or four-year colleges. In fact, students likely would have been able to use more of the $12,000 if they had shifted to four-year colleges. The only plausible reason for shifting to two-year colleges is that they were really attracted to the idea of free college.
• The “early commitment” nature of the program had some modest positive effects on some high school outcomes . Students learned about TDP in their 9 th grade year, giving them time to change their high school behaviors and college plans. Although it did not improve high school academic achievement, we find that TDP increased college expectations and the steps students took to prepare for college. TDP recipients also reported working harder because of the program (even though this did not show up in the academic measures). This highlights the fact that free college might also help address not only college-going rates, but the long-term stagnancy in high school outcomes.
• The merit requirements undermined the program’s effectiveness . Though the 2.5 GPA and 90% attendance and other requirements were arguably modest, only 21% of eligible students ended up meeting them. So, they ended up excluding many students. We also tested the two main ways that the merit requirements could have been helpful: (a) merit requirements might provide incentives for students to work hard during high school and better prepare for college, and (b) merit requirements might target aid to students who respond to it most. We find no evidence of either benefit. While students did work harder (see point [3] above), this appears to be due to other elements of the program, not the merit requirements.

Overall, these results suggest that aid is most effective when it is “open access”—that is, aid with early commitment and free college framing, but no merit requirements.

What about the evidence beyond Milwaukee?

Our study also reviews other research on financial aid, including federal aid, state merit aid programs, and the newer “promise scholarship” programs that mimic free college. Our study is not alone in finding that financial aid improves student outcomes. In fact, the vast majority of the most rigorous studies find positive effects on college attendance and college graduation. Given the strong average benefits of college, we can expect follow-up studies to show effects on employment earnings, voting, and other outcomes.

What about the costs? Open access aid is more expensive to be sure. More students receive aid and the aid levels per students are larger than traditional financial aid. Is it worth it? Our analysis suggests it is. We carried out new cost-benefit analyses of multiple programs, including TDP, but also other actively studied programs in: Kalamazoo, Michigan; Knox County, Tennessee; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and one statewide program in Nebraska. We also used estimates of the average effects of aid taken from prior literature reviews. All of these programs pass a cost-benefit test. That is, the effects on college outcomes, and the effects of college outcomes on future earnings, is much larger than the cost to the government and society as a whole. Moreover, it appears that benefits-per-dollar-of-cost are at least as high with open access aid as with more restricted programs. This means that open access aid provides greater total benefits to the community as a whole.

Back to the Free College Proposals

What do these results mean for President Biden’s and CP’s proposals? The table below provides a side-by-side comparison. The main difference is the level of detail. This reflects that the CP plan was designed to align with, and flesh out, the Biden campaign proposal. Perhaps the only substantive difference is that the CP proposal (and the Milwaukee program) includes private colleges. The Biden campaign documents exclude private colleges, though the American Families Plan just says “free community college,” signaling alignment with the CP plan. Both proposals are clearly in the category of open access aid.

There are numerous similarities between these provisions and the Milwaukee program that my team and I studied. All three programs make two-year college free (or nearly so) for all students without income requirements and through early commitment of aid. All three require the FAFSA and high school graduation. Importantly, unlike both the Biden and CP proposals, the Milwaukee program had merit requirements, which undermined its success. This is partly why our evidence is so relevant to the current debate.

Some might wonder why the president has scaled back the proposal to just free community college. This reflects that the idea of free college—even the “scaled back” version—is such a marked departure from past policy, especially at the federal level. Free community college alone would still be arguably the largest shift in federal higher education policy in the past half-century.

Caveats and Concluding Thoughts

We cannot make policy from evidence alone, but it can and should play a key role. Sometimes, policy ideas have such limited evidence of effectiveness that it is difficult to make any plausible case for a large-scale, national program. In other cases, there is enough promise for pilot studies and competitive grants to establish efficacy. With free college, we seem to be well beyond that point. In addition to decades of results on general financial aid programs, we have a growing number of studies on state and local programs that all show positive evidence—the “laboratory of democracy” at work. The idea of a large, federal free-college program therefore has more and more credibility.

A decade ago, it was not at all obvious that this is what the evidence would show. There was really no evidence on free college programs when we started this project back in 2009. Also, there were good reasons to expect that such a large increase in aid would suffer from “diminishing returns”—the idea that the next dollar is less effective than the previous one. This could have made free college more costly than the benefits could justify. Now, we know better.

I do still worry a bit about other factors and challenges. For example, the above analyses can only capture the immediate effects of financial aid, yet a federal free college program is such a marked departure in policy that it could alter political and market forces operating on higher education in unpredictable ways, perhaps even lowering college spending and quality. Also, if the proposal remains focused on community colleges, then this will shift students out of four-year colleges and into colleges that currently have very low completion rates. There are also other ways to increase college affordability and access that do not require free college (e.g., increased Pell Grants and income-based loan repayment), some of which target funds more narrowly to the most disadvantaged students. And there are many details to be worked out as the president’s allies in Congress try to generate sufficient support without (a) sacrificing core principles, or (b) creating new problems that can arise when grafting new federal programs on to widely varying state contexts.

Still, it is not often that an idea comes around that addresses a widely acknowledged problem and has both research support and a fair degree of bipartisan political support. The stars seem aligned to make some form of national free college a reality. The more evidence we see, the more that would seem to be a step forward.

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Home > 5 Reasons Why College Should Be Free: The Case for Debt-Free Education

Getting Into College , Is UoPeople Worth it , Paying for School , Tuition Free , Why UoPeople

5 Reasons Why College Should Be Free: The Case for Debt-Free Education

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: January 30, 2020

The cost of college is rising even faster than inflation in the U.S. Many students around the world face financial constraints when it comes to attending college. Because education is such a vital part of life, there are many reasons why college should be free .

Not only do the arguments for debt-free education include personal benefits, but they also show how education helps to positively impact society overall.

Thankfully, the progression in technology is making it possible to increase access to education globally.

However, there is still a long way to go and more schools and countries are weighing the pros and cons of offering an affordable education . The ability to provide free education for all is becoming more of a possibility as time progresses.

Photo by  Good Free Photos  on  Unsplash

5 reasons why college should be free.

Here are 5 reasons that support the case for debt-free education:

1. Improves Society

When people are more educated, they can solve problems better. This means that society can progress at a faster rate. Additionally, people with education can better understand the history of their society and its current economic conditions. As such, they may be more inclined to participate in politics and improve their country. Also, when more people have access to a college education, the number of employable people for high-skilled jobs increases. This means that more people will join the workforce, which could help lessen the wealth gap between the upper, middle, and lower classes.

2. Widened Workforce

Along with technological progressions comes a shift in the workforce. Most automated jobs are replacing low-skill workers. Automation is spreading quickly across positions that require repetition, like back-office tasks. However, automation is not meant to replace the entire workforce. Instead, the needs of most economies are shifting to require a more skilled workforce, with people who have good analytical skills and creative thinking abilities. These skills are both taught and honed with a college education. If more people could attend college for free , then the workforce will expand. The workforce will also be more agile. In the case of an economic downturn when one industry falters, another generally rises to replace it. Then, workers need to be retrained and taught skills for the job. If more people could enter school and gear their studies towards booming industries, then the population will be more equipped to cope with economic changes.

3. A Boosted Economy

Most students graduate with a massive amount of debt. For example, in the U.S., the average student debt per person is $28,950.

Graduating with significant debt is common in the U.S., where the average student debt is $28,950 per person. This debt can take years to pay off, delaying major life purchases like homes and cars. Without debt, graduates could earn, save, and spend more quickly, stimulating the economy. 

Increased consumer spending boosts demand and creates more employment opportunities, creating a positive economic cycle. Additionally, the fear of debt often deters students from pursuing higher education, so debt-free education could encourage more people to attend college.

4. Increase Equality

Since affordability is a major issue for so many people when it comes to attending college, the playing field has not always been equal. A lot of the brightest minds in the world stem from low-income households, but that shouldn’t hold them back from continuing their education. If there was an equal opportunity to attend school, then everyone would have the chance to go to school. Affordable education is a major step towards equality.

5. More Focus

When students are not worried about money, they can focus better on their studies. Even when students have loans and financial aid, they may find themselves stuck worrying about how they will have to pay them back in the future. This added stress can negatively impact their focus during the time when they are supposed to be learning.

Photo by  Christian Wiediger  on  Unsplash

Countries that offer free college.

Many countries understand how debt-free education provides positive outcomes. Therefore, they made tuition-free universities a reality.

Here’s a look at some countries where education is free for everyone, free for just their residents or highly subsidized by the government for foreign exchange students:

• Free University of Berlin – Known for its programs in humanities and political sciences.
• Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich – Offers a wide range of programs in arts and humanities, and physical sciences.
• Technical University of Munich – Renowned for its engineering and technology programs.
• Humboldt University of Berlin – Famous for its research and diverse study programs.

Austria (free for EU residents, low cost for non-EU residents)

• University of Vienna – Known for its rich history and diverse programs, offering low-cost tuition for non-EU students and free for EU residents.
• Graz University of Technology – Offers various technology and engineering courses with affordable tuition.
• Johannes Kepler University Linz – Provides a range of programs with low tuition fees for international students.
• University of Salzburg – Offers comprehensive programs in various fields with affordable tuition fees.
• University of Helsinki – Offers a broad range of programs and is known for high-quality research.
• Aalto University – Focuses on engineering, business, and arts.
• University of Turku – Offers diverse programs and has strong research output.
• Tampere University – Known for its social sciences and technology programs.

Czech Republic

• Charles University – One of the oldest universities in Europe, known for its diverse programs.
• Masaryk University – Offers a wide range of programs and is located in Brno.
• Czech Technical University in Prague – Specializes in engineering and technology.
• Palacký University Olomouc – Known for its humanities and social sciences programs.

Spain (free for EU residents, low cost for non-EU residents)

• University of Granada – Known for its affordable tuition fees and diverse programs.
• University of Salamanca – Offers a variety of programs with low tuition fees.
• University of Zaragoza – Known for its affordable education in various fields.
• University of Valencia – Provides a wide range of programs at affordable costs.

Are There Reasons Why College Shouldn’t Be Free?

While free college education has many benefits, there are also arguments against it. Here are some reasons why college shouldn’t be free:

1 . Increased Strain on Government Budgets: Free college would require significant funding from the government, which could lead to higher taxes or cuts in other important areas like healthcare and infrastructure. Maintaining the quality of education with limited resources can be challenging.

2. Devaluation of Degrees: If everyone can attend college for free, the value of a college degree might decrease. This could lead to an oversupply of graduates, making it harder for individuals to stand out in the job market.

3. Reduced Accountability for Academic Performance: When students don’t pay for their education, they might take it less seriously. Paying tuition can motivate students to perform better academically, as they have a financial stake in their education.

4. Implementation and Sustainability Challenges: Implementing free college programs is complex and requires careful planning. Some countries or institutions that have tried free college faced financial difficulties or had to limit enrollment due to budget constraints.

The Advantages of Online University

With technological advances, online universities are proliferating. Online universities require less overhead costs. Therefore, they are almost always cheaper than traditional schools. However, there are even some that are totally tuition-free.

Founded in 2009, Shai Reshef started the University of the People with the mission to offer an affordable and quality education to anyone around the world. Students from over 200 countries and territories have been in attendance of the online programs.

We have degree programs in Computer Science, Health Science, Education, and Business Administration.

Thanks to a wide network of volunteers and professors from renowned institutions around the world, the education offered parallels that of a traditional American university and is accredited as such.

The Takeaway

T he money for tuition-free or cheaper universities will have to come from somewhere. Arguments against free education include potential tax increases on individuals or businesses, or reallocating funds from other areas like military spending. 

Despite these political considerations, making tuition-free education more widespread offers significant advantages. It promotes equality, stimulates the economy, and creates a more skilled workforce.

At the University of the People, we are dedicated to providing quality, tuition-free education to students globally, embodying the future of accessible and inclusive higher education.

FAQ Section

What are the potential benefits of free college education.

Free college education can increase access to higher education, reduce student debt, and promote social equality. It can also lead to a more educated workforce, driving economic growth and innovation.

Can free college increase access to higher education for all?

Yes, free college can remove financial barriers, making higher education accessible to more people, especially those from low-income backgrounds.

Can free college stimulate economic growth and innovation?

Yes, free college can lead to a more educated workforce, boosting productivity, driving innovation, and stimulating economic growth by filling high-skill job positions.

What are the potential drawbacks of free college education?

Drawbacks include increased strain on government budgets, potential degree devaluation, and reduced academic performance accountability. Implementing and sustaining such programs can be complex and financially challenging.

How does free college impact the job market and workforce?

Free college can lead to a more skilled and educated workforce, but it might also result in an oversupply of graduates, making it harder for individuals to stand out in the job market.

How does free college align with other educational reforms?

Free college can complement other educational reforms aimed at increasing access, reducing inequality, and improving the quality of education. It should be part of a broader strategy that includes vocational training and lifelong learning opportunities.

What are the long-term implications of implementing free college?

Long-term implications include potential changes in government spending priorities, the need for sustainable funding models, and possible shifts in the value and perception of college degrees.

Can free college address the skills gap in certain industries?

Yes, free college can help address skills gaps by making it easier for students to pursue education and training in high-demand fields, thus aligning the workforce with industry needs.

In this article

At UoPeople, our blog writers are thinkers, researchers, and experts dedicated to curating articles relevant to our mission: making higher education accessible to everyone.

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Ielts essay # 86 - education should be free to all and paid by the government, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, all education (primary, secondary and further education) should be free to all people and paid and managed by the government..

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Free secondary education in African countries is on the rise - but is it the best policy? What the evidence says

Associate Professor in Education & International Development, University of Cambridge

Disclosure statement

The research project on which this article is based was funded by the British Academy.

University of Cambridge provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK.

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When President Salva Kiir announced the abolition of secondary school fees in South Sudan in February 2023, he was following several fellow African leaders.

Ghana , Madagascar , Malawi , Sierra Leone , Togo , and Zambia have all announced free secondary education policies in the last five years. Rwanda, Kenya and South Africa were early trendsetters in this regard.

Despite its popularity with policymakers, parents and other stakeholders, the abolition of secondary school fees in resource-constrained contexts is still a subject of debate.

The African Union , global NGOs like Human Rights Watch and various United Nations agencies are in favour.

Others are sceptical. They highlight financial sustainability and equity implications, especially at the upper secondary level. A report by the Malala Fund, a global education NGO, argued that free upper secondary education “would be regressive in nature” and might not be affordable for low-income countries.

We conducted a systematic review to take stock of the evidence. We conclude that free secondary education can be costly and inequitable in the short run, especially if it diverts resources from primary education. Based on these findings, we recommend a policy of “progressive universalism”: free education should be introduced gradually, starting with the lowest levels.

Setting the scene

Many African countries abolished primary school fees in the 1990s and early 2000s. This led to a major rise in enrolment . But secondary school enrolment rates still lag far behind those in other world regions. Less than half of children in sub-Saharan Africa complete lower secondary education, compared to around 80% in South Asia and Latin America. High fees and related costs are a major impediment , particularly for children from low-income backgrounds.

The number of sub-Saharan Africa countries with free secondary education policies in place has increased rapidly over the last two decades. Almost half of all African countries now offer fee-free education at the lower secondary level. Almost one in three does so at the upper secondary level. The aim of the recent wave of free secondary education policies is to raise overall education levels – and, ultimately, countries’ broader prosperity and social conditions .

Abolishing school fees is also popular with voters . This may have been on the minds of politicians seeking to win or maintain power.

The cost of free education

There are two major problems with secondary school fee abolition in resource-constrained states. The first is that, in most African countries, the majority of children from poor households would be ineligible for free secondary education. In Somalia, Niger and Mozambique, less than one in five of the poorest children complete primary school .

Read more: Only 1 in 3 girls makes it to secondary school in Senegal: here's why and how to fix it

Moreover, even those eligible for free secondary education are often unable to attend. School fees constitute less than half of households’ education spending in most African countries. Most free secondary education policies do not cover the cost of essential non-fee expenses such as textbooks, school uniforms, meals and transport. Nominally “free” secondary education can therefore be unaffordable for low-income households . This means the benefits of fee abolition would mainly accrue to children from relatively privileged households and not help those who needed it most.

The second problem is that enacting these policies is very expensive. Empirical evidence from Ghana , The Gambia , Kenya and other countries shows that free secondary education policies can substantially increase secondary school enrolment and completion rates in the short run. But they do so at a very high cost: the average expense per senior secondary student is equivalent to that of five primary school pupils .

Considering the precarious financial position of many African states, providing free secondary schooling to the entire population is likely to be fiscally unsustainable.

It may also divert scarce resources away from basic education, which is already chronically underfunded. In Malawi for example, which recently abolished secondary school fees, there are more than 70 students per primary school teacher.

What is to be done?

Access to education is a human right . In an ideal world, the global community would ensure that all children could enjoy a full cycle of free, high-quality education.

Most African countries are far removed from this scenario, however. Policymakers must balance the potential benefits of abolishing secondary school fees against the urgent need for investment in basic education.

In many cases, this would suggest a phased approach to introducing free education, which prioritises public spending on basic education in the short run, while asking wealthier households to contribute to the cost of higher levels of education. A good example is South Africa’s fee-free schools policy, which was designed to increase enrolment in the poorest districts.

Mohammed Alhassan Abango and Leslie Casely-Hayford of Associates for Change, Ghana co-authored this article and the research it is based upon.

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Include an introduction and conclusion

A conclusion is essential for IELTS writing task 2. It is more important than most people realise. You will be penalised for missing a conclusion in your IELTS essay.

The easiest paragraph to write in an essay is the conclusion paragraph. This is because the paragraph mostly contains information that has already been presented in the essay – it is just the repetition of some information written in the introduction paragraph and supporting paragraphs.

The conclusion paragraph only has 3 sentences:

• Restatement of thesis
• Prediction or recommendation

To summarize, a robotic teacher does not have the necessary disciple to properly give instructions to students and actually works to retard the ability of a student to comprehend new lessons. Therefore, it is clear that the idea of running a classroom completely by a machine cannot be supported. After thorough analysis on this subject, it is predicted that the adverse effects of the debate over technology-driven teaching will always be greater than the positive effects, and because of this, classroom teachers will never be substituted for technology.

Start your conclusion with a linking phrase. Here are some examples:

• In conclusion
• To conclude
• To summarize
• In a nutshell

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Some people believe that children that commit crimes should be punished. Others think the parents should be punished instead. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

The plans below show a student room for two people and a student for one person at an australian university., the graph below showes the differences in wheat exports over three different areas, some people think that men and women have different qualities, therefore certain jobs are suitable for men and others for women. to what extent do you agree of disagree, the growth of online shopping will one day lead to all shops and cities closing. do you agree or disagree.

Undocumented kids have a right to attend public schools. This coalition wants to keep it that way.

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A new coalition is on high alert for violations of a landmark Supreme Court ruling that guarantees children the right to a free public education regardless of their immigration status.

Known as Education for All , the campaign is working to counteract anti-immigrant rhetoric and conservative policy proposals seeking to limit the educational rights of undocumented children, which are protected by the 1982 Supreme Court decision Plyler v. Doe .

The campaign, which launched in May , comes as The Heritage Foundation, a think tank with ties to former President Donald Trump, is pushing states to charge undocumented children tuition to attend public school. Doing so, Heritage says, could lead the Supreme Court to reconsider the Plyler ruling.

Supporters of the idea say the costs of educating undocumented children have grown too high and that migrant students are drawing resources from U.S. citizens. Critics argue these policies would deny hundreds of thousands of kids the fundamental right to an education — and send shockwaves through the nation’s economy, social safety net, and criminal justice system.

Lawmakers in at least four states have tried to pass such measures since 2022. Already, some districts have thrown up barriers that prevent newcomers from enrolling, while some school board members have suggested collecting data on students’ immigration status .

“We want to take everything seriously,” said Will Dempster, the vice president of strategic communications for the National Immigration Law Center, which is leading the coalition. “They’re testing the boundaries of what’s possible.”

Three dozen organizations have joined the coalition, including immigrant rights groups, education and legal advocates, and the nation’s two largest teachers unions. Their work spans border states like Arizona and Texas, and states that have enrolled a large share of migrant students in recent years, such as New York, California, Colorado, and Illinois.

Together they will be watchdogging school board meetings, lobbying state lawmakers, educating families about their rights, and making sure school officials understand the Plyler decision. The goal is to “coordinate when things pop up in different states and be ready to mobilize,” Dempster said.

Amid cost concerns, schools support migrant students

The coalition is also pushing back against claims from Trump and other conservative politicians about newly arrived migrant children.

“They’re taking over our schools,” Trump said last month during the presidential debate. Earlier this year, Trump falsely claimed that migrant children had displaced other students in New York City schools, though the district actually has empty seats it’s trying to fill.

Similarly, in June, U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean, a Florida Republican, held an education hearing titled “The Consequences of Biden’s Border Chaos for K-12 Schools” where he spoke about the “staggering” cost of educating undocumented kids.

“Educating illegal immigrant children requires substantial resources, altering the learning environment for all students,” Bean said. “Overcrowded classrooms, the need for new facilities, and strained student-to-teacher ratios are just some of the challenges.”

He pointed to Colorado giving schools an extra $24 million this year to help offset the costs of educating newcomer students, and a pair of schools in Austin, Texas where teachers taught classes in hallways after a big uptick in refugee students.

Some schools have struggled to meet the needs of newly arrived immigrant students. That’s often because they do not have enough bilingual staff or receive limited funding to educate immigrant students.

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In 2022, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the Plyler ruling should be revisited “because the expenses are extraordinary” and he called on the federal government to pay states’ costs. A lawmaker in his state tried to bar undocumented children from enrolling in public schools unless the federal government did just that, but the bill didn’t go anywhere.

Similar proposals were floated in Utah , Oklahoma , and Tennessee , but none passed — suggesting the idea remains controversial, even among conservatives .

Newly arrived students’ needs aren’t unique. Many U.S.-born children also need language support, trauma-informed counseling, or help catching up after interrupted schooling. And some schools have stepped up by training staff to provide additional mental health support or adding summer programs to help kids adjust to life in the U.S .

The coalition plans to highlight the many benefits immigrant students can bring to their classmates and school communities , too.

“Part of what we can do is show that immigrant students can succeed when given the right supports,” said Liza Schwartzwald, the director of economic justice and family empowerment at the New York Immigration Coalition, which belongs to Education for All. “These are not kids that are throwing our education system into turmoil.”

Enrollment barriers, data collection could violate student rights

Still, even without official state restrictions, undocumented children commonly face barriers to school enrollment, including in Democratic-led states.

• Last summer, New York’s attorney general said the state had learned of school policies that made it “difficult or impossible” for undocumented students to enroll — likely in violation of state or federal protections. Some districts required students or their parents to provide voter registration cards, which aren’t available to non-citizens, or threatened to make home visits if a student couldn’t establish residency with a lease, which can be difficult for undocumented families to obtain.
• Throughout New York City, newly arrived immigrant youth have encountered wait lists or been told there are no spots as they sought to enroll in school, City Limits reported . On the flip side, some newcomer high schoolers have been pressured to leave their school when they needed more support to graduate.
• In Massachusetts, some districts said they didn’t plan to enroll migrant children who were housed in temporary shelters, until the state told them they had to.
• Hundreds of schools in dozens of states recently told The 74 they wouldn’t admit a 19-year-old Venezuelan student with limited English skills, even though he was legally entitled to enroll.

Coalition members are alert to these and other examples of schools potentially violating the rights laid out in Plyler.

Alejandra Vázquez Baur, who directs the National Newcomer Network , which includes 250 teachers, school leaders, community advocates, and researchers from across the country, said members share possible infringements when they meet every other month.

Her organization has filed federal civil rights complaints on behalf of students or helped families file their own, though she knows that process is often too slow to help a child before they decide to enroll elsewhere or not to enroll in school at all.

Tessa Petit, the executive director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition, said her organization is urging its 80 member organizations to “be alert” for potential Plyler violations. That includes working with partners that organize high schoolers to see if they’ve heard about any cases of undocumented kids not being able to register for school.

They are keeping their eye on Sarasota County Schools after Bridget Ziegler, a school board member and a co-founder of the conservative political group Moms for Liberty, raised questions about whether the district could collect data on students’ immigration status.

“I’ve heard both from staff and members of the community in general about a concern about being able to respond to the language barriers, but also it kind of becoming more of a burden than usual,” she said at a board meeting in March . “Is that just the perception? Is there a way to evaluate that?”

The Heritage Foundation plan calls on schools to collect data on students’ immigration status as a way to conduct cost analyses. Schools typically do not do this because it can scare families and cause them not to send their children to school , in violation of Plyler.

Undocumented students’ supporters work to convince voters

The Florida Immigrant Coalition is also reaching out to teachers unions and school board members to raise awareness about this issue, and meeting with state lawmakers to try and secure pledges that they would not support legislation that could harm immigrant students.

“We realize that there is a lot of education that needs to be done,” Petit said. “The reaction that we’re getting is ‘No, wow, that wouldn’t happen.’ Some people can’t even imagine the idea of kids not going to school.”

The national coalition is also looking for states or communities that would be willing to pass policies that support the educational rights of immigrant children.

One example is a recent Connecticut law that ensures immigrant families know their kids are entitled to a public education and that they should receive certain translation services.

And the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights has had preliminary conversations about putting the Plyler decision into state law to make it “super clear” that undocumented children are entitled to a public education, said Fred Tsao, the organization’s senior policy counsel.

There are other ways the coalition is being proactive that don’t involve statutes.

Vázquez Baur’s organization has been conducting storytelling training over the last few months to help its members talk about their work with newcomer students. They plan to share those “on-the-ground” experiences in the lead-up to the presidential election.

“That is often what changes minds,” Vázquez Baur said. “For folks who might be making a voting decision that would otherwise harm this community, telling those stories and saying ‘Those are your neighbors’ — that is impactful. That is primarily how we’re going to be pushing back.”

Know your rights

Children who live in a school district have the right to enroll regardless of their immigration status.

A school can ask for proof that you live in the district, but you do not have to disclose your child’s citizenship or immigration status. Typically there are multiple ways to show where your family lives, such as mail or a utility bill.

A fact sheet from the federal government — available in English and Spanish — provides more information about what schools may ask about your residency.

If you think your child has been improperly denied admission to a public school, there are a few things you can do:

- Ask the school to provide a written explanation for why they have denied your child enrollment. Be sure to save any emails or paperwork about the decision.

- Many districts have an appeals or hearing process to challenge enrollment denials. Ask the district what your options are.

- You can file a state or federal complaint. Reach out to an immigrant rights group in your area for help. Some examples include: CHIRLA (California), Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition , Florida Immigrant Coalition , Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights , Michigan Immigrant Rights Center , New York Immigration Coalition , Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition , and the Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights (national).

Kalyn Belsha is a senior national education reporter based in Chicago. Contact her at [email protected] .

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New York City is pledging $2 million to keep some programs open for more hours as part of an effort to reduce youth violence during the summer months.

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A new email about proposed federal student loan forgiveness heads to millions of borrowers

Federal student loan borrowers should start digging for a new email to be sent out beginning Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Education regarding the next step toward debt forgiveness.

It's what some call Plan B for the the Biden administration's ongoing student loan forgiveness battle to offer relief to millions of borrowers.

No one should bank on receiving student loan forgiveness soon, though, as more legal challenges could be ahead.

"The email does not guarantee specific borrowers will be eligible," according to the announcement planned for Wednesday morning.

The latest email alert will go out to all federal student loan borrowers with at least one outstanding federally held student loan. The borrowers will have until Aug. 30 to call their servicer and opt out if they do not want this relief from their federal student loan burden.

Borrowers who opt out will not be able to opt back in, according to the Education Department's statement. "And they will also be temporarily opted out of forgiveness due to enrollment in an (income-driven repayment) plan until the department is able to automatically assess their eligibility for that benefit in a few months."

More information will be at StudentAid.gov/debt-relief.

President Joe Biden said Wednesday in a statement that the emails will allow borrowers to be more prepared to benefit once the rules are final.

"Despite attempts led by Republican elected officials to block our efforts, we won’t stop fighting to provide relief to student loan borrowers, fix the broken student loan system, and help borrowers get out from under the burden of student debt," Biden said in his statement.

Borrowers would only be eligible for the proposed relief if they have entered repayment at the time that the department would be determining eligibility, after the proposed rules are finalized.

The Biden-Harris administration, which has faced significant legal setbacks regarding broad-sweeping student loan forgiveness, noted that the proposed rules have not been finalized yet but are expected to be finalized in the fall.

It's unclear exactly what the email will state but some experts say the latest email could give borrowers some indication of how much debt might be forgiven if the Biden administration one day prevails in the courts.

Earlier in July, Biden's well-publicized new income-driven repayment plan, the Saving on a Valuable Education or the SAVE plan, hit a serious roadblock after the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked the Education Department from fully launching the program.

The SAVE plan, which was announced in August 2023 as a way to lower monthly payments for millions of borrowers, received much pushback from Republican-led states and GOP lawmakers who charged that Biden overstepped his authority to initiate a costly forgiveness program.

Nearly 8 million borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan "will be placed in an interest-free forbearance while our administration continues to vigorously defend the SAVE plan in court," according to a statement made July 19 by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

Mark Kantrowitz, a student loan expert who is the author of "How to Appeal for More College Financial Aid," said it's important to note that the "8th Circuit ruling is temporary. The Biden Administration might prevail in court."

The administration, he said, can also appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, since rulings from the 8th and 10th U.S. Circuits conflict with one another on the student loan forgiveness issue.

The Education Department on July 19 said it would soon provide regular updates to borrowers. The administration highlighted its success in providing "an unprecedented $169 billion in relief for nearly 4.8 million Americans, including teachers, veterans, and other public servants, students who were cheated by their colleges, borrowers with disabilities, and more."

The Biden administration said it also has fixed Income-Driven Repayment plans "so borrowers get the relief they are entitled to under the law." And it has held "colleges accountable for taking advantage of students and families."

Now, if new rules are finalized as proposed , many could benefit, including:

Nearly 23 million borrowers hurt by "runaway interest." The borrowers in this group, many who received Pell Grants, might benefit, if they have a current balance on certain types of federal student loans that exceeds the balance of that loan when it entered repayment.

More: US appeals court blocks all of Biden's SAVE student debt relief plan

More: Federal student loan rates hit high levels not seen in years as many go back to college

More: Frustration over bills, inflation could shape 2024 presidential election

Borrowers who have faced the repayment of federal student loan debt for decades. This relief could apply to borrowers who have only undergraduate federal loans that have been in repayment for more than 20 years. The loans would have been received on or before July 1, 2005. Other borrowers could benefit if they had at least one graduate loan and have been in repayment for more than 25 years. These loans would have been received on or before July 1, 2000.

Borrowers who are otherwise eligible for loan forgiveness but have not yet applied. A borrower who hasn’t successfully enrolled in an income-driven repayment plan could be eligible for immediate forgiveness. The same's true for borrowers who haven't successfully applied for loan forgiveness for closed school discharge or other types of forgiveness opportunities.

Borrowers who enrolled in low-financial value programs. There's also relief on the table for borrowers who attended an institution that "failed to provide sufficient financial value, or that failed one of the Department’s accountability standards for institutions."

The Department of Education anticipates that no application or action would be needed from any of these borrowers.

Contact personal finance columnist Susan Tompor:  [email protected] . Follow her on X (Twitter)  @ tompor .

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Blood tests for Alzheimer’s may be coming to your doctor’s office. Here’s what to know

FILE - A doctor points to PET scan results that are part of a study on Alzheimer’s disease at Georgetown University Hospital, on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — New blood tests could help doctors diagnose Alzheimer’s disease faster and more accurately, researchers reported Sunday – but some appear to work far better than others.

It’s tricky to tell if memory problems are caused by Alzheimer’s. That requires confirming one of the disease’s hallmark signs — buildup of a sticky protein called beta-amyloid — with a hard-to-get brain scan or uncomfortable spinal tap. Many patients instead are diagnosed based on symptoms and cognitive exams.

Labs have begun offering a variety of tests that can detect certain signs of Alzheimer’s in blood. Scientists are excited by their potential but the tests aren’t widely used yet because there’s little data to guide doctors about which kind to order and when. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration hasn’t formally approved any of them and there’s little insurance coverage.

“What tests can we trust?” asked Dr. Suzanne Schindler, a neurologist at Washington University in St. Louis who’s part of a research project examining that. While some are very accurate, “other tests are not much better than a flip of a coin.”

Demand for earlier Alzheimer’s diagnosis is increasing

More than 6 million people in the United States and millions more around the world have Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia. Its telltale “biomarkers” are brain-clogging amyloid plaques and abnormal tau protein that leads to neuron-killing tangles.

This article is part of AP’s Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health. Read more Be Well.

New drugs, Leqembi and Kisunla, can modestly slow worsening symptoms by removing gunky amyloid from the brain. But they only work in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s and proving patients qualify in time can be difficult. Measuring amyloid in spinal fluid is invasive. A special PET scan to spot plaques is costly and getting an appointment can take months.

Even specialists can struggle to tell if Alzheimer’s or something else is to blame for a patient’s symptoms.

“I have patients not infrequently who I am convinced have Alzheimer’s disease and I do testing and it’s negative,” Schindler said.

New study suggests blood tests for Alzheimer’s can be simpler and faster

Blood tests so far have been used mostly in carefully controlled research settings. But a new study of about 1,200 patients in Sweden shows they also can work in the real-world bustle of doctors’ offices — especially primary care doctors who see far more people with memory problems than specialists but have fewer tools to evaluate them.

In the study, patients who visited either a primary care doctor or a specialist for memory complaints got an initial diagnosis using traditional exams, gave blood for testing and were sent for a confirmatory spinal tap or brain scan.

Blood testing was far more accurate, Lund University researchers reported Sunday at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Philadelphia. The primary care doctors’ initial diagnosis was 61% accurate and the specialists’ 73% — but the blood test was 91% accurate, according to the findings, which also were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Which blood tests for Alzheimer’s work best?

There’s almost “a wild West” in the variety being offered, said Dr. John Hsiao of the National Institute on Aging. They measure different biomarkers, in different ways.

Doctors and researchers should only use blood tests proven to have a greater than 90% accuracy rate, said Alzheimer’s Association chief science officer Maria Carrillo.

Today’s tests most likely to meet that benchmark measure what’s called p-tau217, Carrillo and Hsiao agreed. Schindler helped lead an unusual direct comparison of several kinds of blood tests, funded by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, that came to the same conclusion.

That type of test measures a form of tau that correlates with how much plaque buildup someone has, Schindler explained. A high level signals a strong likelihood the person has Alzheimer’s while a low level indicates that’s probably not the cause of memory loss.

Several companies are developing p-tau217 tests including ALZpath Inc., Roche, Eli Lilly and C2N Diagnostics, which supplied the version used in the Swedish study.

Who should use blood tests for Alzheimer’s?

Only doctors can order them from labs. The Alzheimer’s Association is working on guidelines and several companies plan to seek FDA approval, which would clarify proper use.

For now, Carrillo said doctors should use blood testing only in people with memory problems, after checking the accuracy of the type they order.

Especially for primary care physicians, “it really has great potential to help them in sorting out who to give a reassuring message and who to send on to memory specialists,” said Dr. Sebastian Palmqvist of Lund University, who led the Swedish study with Lund’s Dr. Oskar Hansson.

The tests aren’t yet for people who don’t have symptoms but worry about Alzheimer’s in the family — unless it’s part of enrollment in research studies, Schindler stressed.

That’s partly because amyloid buildup can begin two decades before the first sign of memory problems, and so far there are no preventive steps other than basic advice to eat healthy, exercise and get enough sleep. But there are studies underway testing possible therapies for people at high risk of Alzheimer’s, and some include blood testing.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Harris Has Always Identified as Indian American and Black

By Robert Farley

Posted on August 1, 2024

Former President Donald Trump falsely claimed that Vice President Kamala Harris has only recently begun identifying as Black, and that until a few years ago “she was only promoting Indian heritage.” That’s nonsense.

Harris, whose mother was born in India and whose father is from Jamaica, has always identified as both Indian American and Black.

Trump appears to be trying to resurrect bogus social media claims that gained some traction back in 2020 after Harris was tapped as Joe Biden’s running mate. The posts claimed that when Harris became a senator in 2017, she only identified as an Indian American, and that she only later began identifying as Black for political gain. It was nonsense then, too.

At the annual convention of the National Association of Black Journalists on July 31, ABC News’ Rachel Scott asked Trump if he thought Harris was “only on the ticket because she is a Black woman.”

“So I’ve known her a long time, indirectly, not directly, very much,” Trump said. “And she was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black. So I don’t know, is she Indian or is she Black?”

“I respect either one,” Trump continued. “But she obviously doesn’t, because she was Indian all the way and then all of a sudden she made a turn, and she became a Black person. I think someone should look into that, too.”

As we said, there is ample evidence that Harris, now the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, has for decades identified as both Indian American and Black, reflecting her biracial parentage.

In her 2019 autobiography, “ The Truths We Hold: An American Journey ,” Harris describes being brought up in a multicultural home. Harris’ parents divorced when she was a young girl, and while her father “remained a part of our lives,” it was “really my mother who took charge of our upbringing,” she wrote.

“Our classical Indian names harked back to our heritage, and we were raised with a strong awareness of and appreciation for Indian culture,” Harris wrote.

But, she added, “My mother understood very well that she was raising two black daughters. She knew that her adopted homeland would see Maya and me as black girls, and she was determined to make sure we would grow into confident, proud black women.”

A May 25, 2016, profile of Harris in the New York Times Magazine states, “She [Harris’ mother] brought up her daughters, in the late ’60s and early ’70s, in a black neighborhood in Berkeley, sharing a house with a friend who ran a small preschool. ‘She had two black babies, and she raised them to be two black women,’ Harris says of her mother’s choice of community.”

In her autobiography, Harris recounted as a child regularly attending a “pioneering black cultural center” that held performances by “some of the most prominent black thinkers and leaders of the day.” Some of her greatest heroes, she said, were African American lawyers “Thurgood Marshall, Charles Hamilton Houston, Constance Baker Motley – giants of the civil rights movement.”

Following the example of Marshall, who went to law school at Howard University, Harris also decided to attend the historically Black university in Washington, D.C., as an undergraduate. At Howard, Harris joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, which bills itself as “America’s premier Greek-letter organization for African American women.”

An alumni profile of Harris in Howard Magazine in the fall of 2016 noted that Harris was “reared by her mother, a scientist and immigrant from India” and that “Harris said being on Howard’s campus ‘during those formative years’ was central to her development as a Black person.”

After graduating from Howard in 1986, Harris returned to Oakland, California, and went to law school at UC Hastings College of Law (now UC San Francisco Law ).

At UC Hastings, she wrote in her autobiography, “I was elected president of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) during my second year in law school. At the time, black students were having a harder time finding employment than white students, and I wanted to change that. As BLSA president, I called the managing partners of all the major law firms and asked them to send representatives to a job fair we were hosting at a hotel.”

While serving in the U.S. Senate, Harris was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus .

On occasions when she has spoken before a largely Indian American audience, she has sometimes emphasized that part of her heritage — as one would expect. Speaking at the Indian American Impact Summit in May, for example, Harris talked about her Indian heritage while encouraging Indian Americans to participate in the political process and to run for elected office.

“You are going to find yourself, invariably, in rooms where you are the only one who looks like you,” Harris said to the predominantly Indian American audience. “And what I then say to you each, look around this room and hold on to this image. And remember then when you walk into those rooms … you remember you are not alone, we are all there with you.”

Trump and Campaign Double Down on Falsehood

At a Trump rally in Pennsylvania after his remarks at the NABJ convention, the campaign posted on a large video screen behind the stage the headline of a Nov. 9, 2016, AP story that Business Insider published, that read, “California’s Kamala Harris becomes first Indian-American US senator.”

That’s entirely accurate, of course. She was.

An AP story published the same day, Nov. 9, 2016, presents a more complete description, stating, “Harris will enter the chamber as the first Indian woman elected to a Senate seat and the second black woman, following Carol Moseley Braun, who served a single term after being elected in 1992.”

Similarly, when Harris was elected as San Francisco district attorney in December 2003, the Associated Press reported, “Harris, a former girlfriend and political protégé of Mayor Willie Brown, will be the first female district attorney in the city’s history and the first black to hold the office in California.” A month later, Jet magazine ran a story under the headline, “Kamala Harris is San Francisco’s First Black District Attorney.” Both stories were obtained from the news archives, LexisNexis.

After Trump made his comments, conservative commentator Laura Loomer posted on X a reprint of Harris’ birth certificate and wrongly claimed it proved Harris is “a liar” and that “Donald Trump is correct. Kamala Harris is NOT black and never has been.” Loomer noted, “Nowhere on her birth certificate does it say that she is BLACK OR AFRICAN.”

That last part is true. According to a copy of Harris’ birth certificate posted by the Mercury News in August 2020, Harris’ race is not recorded — because there is no box for it. The certificate notes that Harris’ mother, who was living in Berkeley, California, was born in India. Where the certificate form asks for the “color or race of mother,” it is marked “Caucasian.”

That’s not surprising. A 1995 document from the Office of Management and Budget titled “ Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity ” notes that in decennial censuses, “There have been many changes in the broad racial categories, the specific components of the categories, and whether data on ethnicity were collected. Asian Indians, for example, were counted as ‘Hindus’ in censuses from 1920 to 1940, as ‘White’ from 1950 to 1970, and as ‘Asians or Pacific Islanders’ in 1980 and 1990.” Harris’ birth certificate is from her birth year, 1964. She was born in Oakland.

Under the “color or race of father,” the certificate states, “Jamaican.” The form also notes that Harris’ father, Donald J. Harris, is a native of Jamaica. While the birth certificate makes no note of it, Donald Harris is Black.

In other words, Kamala Harris is both Indian American and Black.

Trump amplified Loomer’s bogus post by re-posting it on his social media platform. He also posted an old photo of Harris with Indian relatives in traditional Indian garb. Trump commented, “Your warmth, friendship, and love of your Indian Heritage are very much appreciated.”

Additionally, Trump posted a recent cooking video Harris made with Indian American actress Mindy Kaling. Trump commented, “Crazy Kamala is saying she’s Indian, not Black. This is a big deal. Stone cold phony. She uses everybody, including her racial identity!”

In the video, Kaling asks, “You are Indian?” to which Harris enthusiastically replies, “Yes, yes.”

“I don’t know that everybody knows that,” Kaling says. Moments later, when Kaling notes that they both have family from south India, Harris replies, “You look like the entire one-half of my family.” And that line is exactly the point. It is a part of her heritage from her mother’s side.

In a February 2019 interview with a morning radio show called “ The Breakfast Club ,” Harris addressed  questions about the “legitimacy” of her blackness. “I think they don’t understand who Black people are,” she said. “Because if you do, if you walked on Hampton’s campus, or Howard’s campus or Morehouse, or Spelman or Fisk, you would have a much better appreciation for the diaspora, for the diversity, for the beauty in the diversity of who we are as Black people. So I’m not going to spend my time trying to educate people about who Black people are.”

In remarks at a convention for the Black sorority Sigma Gamma Rho, Harris addressed Trump’s claims at the NABJ event, saying “it was the same old show — the divisiveness and the disrespect.”

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FACT SHEET: President   Biden Announces Bold Plan to Reform the Supreme Court and Ensure No President Is Above the   Law

From his first day in office—and every day since then—President Biden has taken action to strengthen American democracy and protect the rule of law.

In recent years, the Supreme Court has overturned long-established legal precedents protecting fundamental rights. This Court has gutted civil rights protections, taken away a woman’s right to choose, and now granted Presidents broad immunity from prosecution for crimes they commit in office.

At the same time, recent ethics scandals involving some Justices have caused the public to question the fairness and independence that are essential for the Court to faithfully carry out its mission to deliver justice for all Americans.

President Biden believes that no one—neither the President nor the Supreme Court—is above the law.

In the face of this crisis of confidence in America’s democratic institutions, President Biden is calling for three bold reforms to restore trust and accountability:

• No Immunity for Crimes a Former President Committed in Office: President Biden shares the Founders’ belief that the President’s power is limited—not absolute—and must ultimately reside with the people. He is calling for a constitutional amendment that makes clear no President is above the law or immune from prosecution for crimes committed while in office. This No One Is Above the Law Amendment will state that the Constitution does not confer any immunity from federal criminal indictment, trial, conviction, or sentencing by virtue of previously serving as President.
• Term Limits for Supreme Court Justices: Congress approved term limits for the Presidency over 75 years ago, and President Biden believes they should do the same for the Supreme Court. The United States is the only major constitutional democracy that gives lifetime seats to its high court Justices. Term limits would help ensure that the Court’s membership changes with some regularity; make timing for Court nominations more predictable and less arbitrary; and reduce the chance that any single Presidency imposes undue influence for generations to come. President Biden supports a system in which the President would appoint a Justice every two years to spend eighteen years in active service on the Supreme Court.
• Binding Code of Conduct for the Supreme Court: President Biden believes that Congress should pass binding, enforceable conduct and ethics rules that require Justices to disclose gifts, refrain from public political activity, and recuse themselves from cases in which they or their spouses have financial or other conflicts of interest. Supreme Court Justices should not be exempt from the enforceable code of conduct that applies to every other federal judge.

President Biden and Vice President Harris look forward to working with Congress and empowering the American people to prevent the abuse of Presidential power, restore faith in the Supreme Court, and strengthen the guardrails of democracy. President Biden thanks the Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court of the United States for its insightful analysis of Supreme Court reform proposals. The Administration will continue its work to ensure that no one is above the law – and in America, the people rule.

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Opinion Guest Essay

Hillary Clinton: How Kamala Harris Can Win and Make History

Credit... Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

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By Hillary Rodham Clinton

Mrs. Clinton was the Democratic nominee for president in 2016.

• July 23, 2024

History has its eye on us. President Biden’s decision to end his campaign was as pure an act of patriotism as I have seen in my lifetime. It should also be a call to action to the rest of us to continue his fight for the soul of our nation. The next 15 weeks will be like nothing this country has ever experienced politically, but have no doubt: This is a race Democrats can and must win.

Mr. Biden has done a hard and rare thing. Serving as president was a lifelong dream. And when he finally got there, he was exceptionally good at it. To give that up, to accept that finishing the job meant passing the baton, took real moral clarity. The country mattered more. As one who shared that dream and has had to make peace with letting it go, I know this wasn’t easy. But it was the right thing to do.

Elections are about the future. That’s why I am excited about Vice President Kamala Harris. She represents a fresh start for American politics. She can offer a hopeful, unifying vision. She is talented, experienced and ready to be president. And I know she can defeat Donald Trump.

There is now an even sharper, clearer choice in this election. On one side is a convicted criminal who cares only about himself and is trying to turn back the clock on our rights and our country. On the other is a savvy former prosecutor and successful vice president who embodies our faith that America’s best days are still ahead. It’s old grievances versus new solutions.

Ms. Harris’s record and character will be distorted and disparaged by a flood of disinformation and the kind of ugly prejudice we’re already hearing from MAGA mouthpieces. She and the campaign will have to cut through the noise, and all of us as voters must be thoughtful about what we read, believe and share.

I know a thing or two about how hard it can be for strong women candidates to fight through the sexism and double standards of American politics. I’ve been called a witch, a “nasty woman” and much worse. I was even burned in effigy. As a candidate, I sometimes shied away from talking about making history. I wasn’t sure voters were ready for that. And I wasn’t running to break a barrier; I was running because I thought I was the most qualified to do the job. While it still pains me that I couldn’t break that highest, hardest glass ceiling, I’m proud that my two presidential campaigns made it seem normal to have a woman at the top of the ticket.

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