Implications of Tuition-Free College Education Essay

In considering the matter of tuition-free college education for all qualified citizens, one must ask what impact there will be on society in general, national economics and the educational system over all. In removing all economical barriers to education on the four-year level, an increased number of qualified employees will exist and the level of Master’s and Doctoral degrees would heighten. This will serve humanity better in allowing a higher level of professionalism and informed citizenry for the countries in question. In a study performed by De-Fraja in 2002, the results were divided between the bright and the unintelligent. In allowing a tax-supported educational system, the study shows that more capable individuals who were not afforded an educational opportunity would be allowed to serve better the needs of the government and the populace in general. It also insinuates that the unfortunate challenged people would become more efficient if they opted for education, whereas otherwise they may become a burden on the system in general. In affording these opportunities, a higher-trained workforce becomes available, thereby giving more opportunity for tax-supported education from the increase in tax payments per capita. De-Fraja further supposes that the option of private education will widen the gap between the privileged and the non- but at least society is improved overall (De-Fraja 2002). Feldman and Steenbergen implicate the need to provide these opportunities in terms of humanitarianism. In allowing underprivileged individuals the ability to improve themselves, we are thereby improving our own society. The study argues that, â€Å"humanitarianism is an important element of the American sociopolitical ethos, although it has received little attention in the public opinion literature,† (Feldman & Steenbergen, 2001). With the social welfare system carrying a negative reputation, they suggest that the educational system would be impacted by this, but this is the area to address rather than the positives that would come from the tuition-free programs. Dynarski looks at the issue from an economics point of view. In contending that the financial burden of providing such a system would be heavy, the resulting influx of employee base would increase the operating capital of the project, thus off-setting the cost in the end. She also poses that even a $1,000 grant for students will increase the participation levels by 4-6%. In offering free college in the public education sector, the private organization can still offer varying levels of programs, but the populace overall will contribute in a positive manner. Although she states that the obvious impact would be in satisfactory standards for these programs, with the proper system in place, the concern should be effectively addressed, thus making the decision economically viable (Dynarski, 2002). Finally, as a practical implication, we look at the evidence offered by Foondun. In looking at the effect of free-tuition in developed and developing countries, Foondun found that while developing nations do not always have the distinct plan to offer educational programs, as countries grow – the sponsorship of private schools increase. With this increase, one finds betterment in the general populace and the economic situation overall. With an increase in educated individuals, the shift begins to slide towards betterment of the country and its people, humanitarian efforts increasing on a larger scale. With this would follow the tuition-free education systems, thereby improving the overall condition of the country (Foondun 2002). In conclusion, by looking at the economic, humanitarian, and practical implications of free-tuition offered to all qualified individuals, we can see that the impact will be positive. In looking at the growth potential of countries specifically, we find that without the foundation of an educated populous, a developing nation will remain at a disadvantage. In fostering education, tax bases increase, as does the livelihood of humanity throughout. Free-tuition for secondary educational is worthwhile and recommended overall. References De-Fraja, G. (Apr 2002). â€Å"The design of optimal education policies. † The Review of Economic Studies, 69(2), 437-466. Dynarski, S. (May 2002). â€Å"The behavioral and distributional implications of aid for college. † The American Economic Review, 92(2), 279-285. Feldman, S. & Steenbergen, M. R. (Jun 2001). â€Å"The humanitarian foundation of public support for social welfare. † American Journal of Political Science, 45(3), 658-677. Foondun, A. R. (Nov 2002). â€Å"The issue of private tuition: An analysis of the practice in Mauritius and selected South-East Asian countries. † International Review of Education, 48(6), 485-515.