Throughout the years, college has become more and more expensive. According to Education Data, a four-year college degree in the years 2010-2011 costed $8,070 at a public university, and $22,677 at a private university. In total, this comes to around $33,000 and $90,000. Paying $90,000 for a degree that may not be used, is something that is hard to grasp. In 2022, the average cost of a private university was $38,070, according to Business Insider. This means that every year, tuition increased for students.
You may be asking yourself, why is college so expensive in America, and should it be this expensive? Personally, I know that I have asked myself this question several times.
A college degree in America is something that sets you up for a job and a comfortable life. While some get out of college and immediately make great money, this isn’t the case for everyone. Some people are drowning in debt, whereas others are not. Forbes states there is “$1.75 trillion in total student loan debt (including federal and private loans.)” Hearing a number like this, to pay for an education, doesn’t sit right with many.
While many people can attend college, and have the privilege to, many cannot. Those who cannot attend college do have other options, such as trade school, real estate, working, and more. However, not being able to go to college simply because you cannot afford it is something no one should have to experience. It is not fair that the cost of an education limits so many individuals.
If college wasn’t so expensive, it is possible that more people would attend college, leading to more people in the working world, which leads to a better economy, and so on. However, this is not the case. When people do not attend college, it is often frowned upon and looked as inferior to those who do. For some, it is simply a better option, and it would be a waste of money. For example, if someone were looking to go into construction, and be paid a $60,000 starting salary, why would they spend money on an education, that will cost them at least this same amount of money. It simply is something that is a choice, and for some, working right out of high school is a better option.
Overall, I believe that college is way too expensive. Although I think it is too expensive, I do not think that it should be free, as it could be taken advantage of and be less valuable in the end. If the cost of college is reduced, it would allow more people who want to attend college to be able to, decrease the amount of debt in America, and so much more. In years to come, this is something for future generations to fight for so that everyone has an equal opportunity at a college education.
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/student-loans/average-student-loan-statistics/
I completely agree that college is too expensive. I feel bad for the people who have to limit their options for their future education because they cannot afford it. This is unfair to so many people and honestly does not help the workforce or economy. If people cannot have an education, it leads to a decrease in certain jobs. However, I also agree with the stigma of people who do not attend college. I always believed I had to and did not have another choice, but there actually are a lot of options. It is frowned upon not to attend college, but these people make it difficult to attend it with how expensive it is.
This was a very interesting post that is all to relevant to students, especially out of state students like myself. Like you said, an education can get you a “better” job down. But that opportunity is only open to those who’s families could pay for college or chose to take out a large loan. Then we are left with only a percentage of our population who can attain well paying jobs, creating a cycle only those with wealth can enter. Therefore, students chose college even when they don’t need to just because thats what MIGHT grant you access to the cycle, or just leave you even farther from it. Nice job!