Colleges Should Decrease Tuition Prices

The Price of Education

“Everyone who wants to go to college will be able to go!” This is what people like to cheerfully tell students who worry about whether or not they can study at a university level. Many individuals still believe that as long as a child has the determination, they can study wherever they please. However, the students’ woes are not completely unreasonable. Today, college tuition fees are shockingly high and it has been documented that they have well outpaced the rate of inflation for decades now (Campo). With prices as expensive as they currently are, it is no wonder that students are panicking and wondering whether or not they will be able to afford the price. There are a plethora of reasons as to why colleges should decrease tuition fees

for students.
One reason college fees should be less expensive is because of student debt. Large amounts of debt at a young age can take years or even decades to pay off and may also lead to many financial problems later on in life (Brandon). The total amount of student debt in America alone is hovering around one trillion, three hundred billion dollars (US National Debt). Almost all of this debt originates from unpaid student loans that were received in order to pay for college (Just How High). The high amount of student debt also discourages many current students from attending college. Heading into the 21st century, students need to be encouraged to receive an education at a university in order for them to compete in the global economy. However, studies have shown that the prospect of student debt causes students to have second thoughts about attending college (Just How High). According to an article on the Huffington Post by Dr. Carlos Campo, whether or not college is a poor investment is a question people, “are asking more and more these days.” Consequently, this can lead to an increasing amount of people not going to college which in turn will lead to an uneducated workforce and a weaker economy.
Reduced college fees might also allow parents around the country to retire more easily. An easier retirement is favorable partly because it enables Americans to have an easier and more financially stable life as they age. Today, rapidly increasing college fees cause parents to want to help pay off at least a portion of the payment (Brandon). Although this will initially help students, it will deplete a large amount of money that the parents would have saved over the years (Brandon). This means that parents will have to work longer in order to save up enough money for their retirement. Some parents might even turn to their children for financial support and provide an additional burden on them (Brandon). When those former students have their own children, it will be even harder for them to support their children and retire themselves. Not only is an easier retirement financially beneficial, but it can improve the health of an individual. Studies show that if parents do not have to pay as much for their children's education and do not have to work as much, they will not experience as much stress (Brandon). High amounts of stress could be responsible for many diseases and can result in a weakened immune system (8 ways). As a result, decreasing the amount of money colleges charge can improve living conditions for Americans.
Some people claim that college fees should not be reduced since not all colleges charge high admission prices.

They claim that only prestigious colleges charge excessive amounts of money and that individuals who cannot afford to attend those colleges can still receive their education from cheaper institutions. Although the average family will be able to afford to send their children to college, some low income families are unable to send their children to cheaper universities as of late (Campo). If people from poorer families are not able to attend an institution due to financial issues, it may be more difficult for them to get a job than students hailing from renowned colleges. Therefore, excessive prices will make it harder for pupils from low income backgrounds to succeed. Not only does providing education for the poorer classes help low income families, but it also helps our nation as a whole (Campo). If more people are able to get an education at a college, it will add to the number of skilled workers we have in the country. A greater number of skilled workers provides companies with a greater number of possible employees to

hire.
A reduction in college tuition fees will prove to be beneficial for Americans throughout the nation. It will lower the amount of student debt, allow for easier retirement at a younger age, and enable low income children to receive an education and succeed in life. Former South African president Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” (Nelson Mandela). If that is the case, then we should strive towards lowering college fees to allow more young scholars to have access to education. If we do not realize this truth, children of America may not have the means to be properly educated. On the other hand, if we do decrease college fees, it can help lead America to a prosperous future.