2014-01-19, 05:25 AM
Well the first thing I noticed about that article is that it implies that all the money being given in financial aid is for tuition and school related fees. This is not true at all. A lot of that money goes toward living and housing expenses. One of the things I have never understood about financial aid is why families are deemed "unable" to provide for that when they have done so for the last 18+ years. In any case, I'd like to see numbers that include living expenses in the mix.
As for free education... I think it could work and has a lot of benefits. But it would require more rigorous entrance requirements. If the government is footing the bill, then there should be precautions to ensure that the people enrolling on tax payers funds are prepared for college and capable of graduating. I know a great number of people that are not the brightest or hard working people, but they sigh up to go to college because it's what "everyone" does now.
One of the fundamental problems we need to address in the US is the idea that everyone should and need go to college. We have an upcoming shortage in many trade skill jobs precisely because many people are heading to college who would ordinarily become mechanics, plumbers, electricians, etc. Additionally, we have yet to come to a consensus about whether or not unskilled labor jobs should actually pay a livable wage. Most of the reason no one wants to become or stay a "burger flipper" is because of the poor benefits, low wages, and low hours. The idea that these necessary jobs are "beneath" us and college is "required" is a social problem that needs addressed no matter what payment method we have for college.
As for free education... I think it could work and has a lot of benefits. But it would require more rigorous entrance requirements. If the government is footing the bill, then there should be precautions to ensure that the people enrolling on tax payers funds are prepared for college and capable of graduating. I know a great number of people that are not the brightest or hard working people, but they sigh up to go to college because it's what "everyone" does now.
One of the fundamental problems we need to address in the US is the idea that everyone should and need go to college. We have an upcoming shortage in many trade skill jobs precisely because many people are heading to college who would ordinarily become mechanics, plumbers, electricians, etc. Additionally, we have yet to come to a consensus about whether or not unskilled labor jobs should actually pay a livable wage. Most of the reason no one wants to become or stay a "burger flipper" is because of the poor benefits, low wages, and low hours. The idea that these necessary jobs are "beneath" us and college is "required" is a social problem that needs addressed no matter what payment method we have for college.