Free University Education for All Students

The right to access university education is a contentious issue, with some believing that the government should make it free for all students. Despite the supporting argument, I am inclined to disagree with this opinion, as this course of action has negative implications .

It is understandable that some people support free university education. The primary reason is that students would be provided with equal opportunities, with those from lower-income households being less disadvantaged in particular. Students who are normally burdened by tuition fees would be relieved of Suggested change: this financial burden,this financial burden,2their predicament , allowing them to fully devote themselves to the pursuit of knowledge. Furthermore, such a policy can be the precursor to a Suggested change: highly educatedhighly educated3highly-educated population. Thanks to Suggested change: tuition-free tertiary educationtuition-free tertiary education4universalized tertiary education, more people can become academic experts, enhancing the level of discourse in society. It would, therefore, seem that making university education free of charge is a worthwhile goal .

This policy, however, is far from ideal . There would be a new financial burden on the public, since universities require additional funding to teach expanding student cohorts that Suggested change: could resultcould result8inevitably result. Taxpayers would be disaffected if their hard-earned money Suggested change: were usedwere used9is used to support groups of people whose material contribution to society is deemed nebulous . Another point less talked about is the reduced academic freedom in higher education. Universities which Suggested change: accept government funding conditionsaccept government funding conditions10submit to this government policy to receive funding would be significantly influenced by what the bureaucrats decide they could teach. The consequences of this are less manifest in the short term, but eventually, a large part of society will have matured thinking the same way, reducing the diversity of opinion. Based on these points, it could be argued that tertiary education wholly funded by the public is more disadvantageous than it is beneficial.

In conclusion, I believe university education should not be free for all. As well-meaning as this course of action may sound, it would be an inefficient use of resources and not without pitfalls . There can be other measures to improve the level of knowledge among the populace while still leaving the government unburdened.