Solving the College Tuition Crisis Once viewed as “unnecessary” and “reserved for the wealthy,” a college degree in today’s society is now regarded as a basic requirement for the majority of well-paying jobs. Due to the increase in employers’ desire to hire highly skilled workers, more high school graduates are choosing to pursue a higher education. As the demand for college continues to rise, so does the price of attending. According to the College Board, tuition at a 4-year public university has increased by approximately 294.22% over the period of 1975-76 to 2015-16. Some of the driving forces behind these tuition hikes include: decreases in state funding, expansions in university administration, large construction projects, and additions
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When identifying a proper solution to the problem of increasing college tuition, social accessibility for everyone involved is essential. Center for American Progress writers David Bergeron and Carmel Martin identify a “College for All” plan that makes education beyond high school universal. Specifically, the plan “would provide every high school graduate financial support at a level up to the tuition and fees at a public four-year college or university” (Bergeron). Bergeron and Carmel note that “by taking such a step, all high school graduates and their families will know that they can afford higher education.” Regardless of economic, educational, or social standing, all high school graduates would be given the opportunity of a college education. Bergeron and Carmel’s proposed solution is useful because it makes higher education universally available to everyone in society. David Feldman, an economics professor at the College of William and Mary, proposes the solution that instead of using basic tuition caps to try to solve the issue of increasing college tuition, reforms should be examined with a wider perspective. He states that “reforms must start with an understanding that educational opportunity begins with improvements in K12 programming.” Feldman’s solution suggests that because the foundation for higher education is K12 programs, if those are focused on and reformed, colleges will begin to …show more content…
When finding a solution to increased tuition hikes, scholars should take into consideration that an effective solution would consider financial, political, and social angles. If one of these angles are not looked at or considered, a solution will not be feasible, effective, or beneficial to everyone, and therefore will not resolve the growing concerns that college students have over increased tuition. Even far more concerning is that an improper solution could have a rippling effect and lead to bigger problems such as economic debt, an increase in the unemployment rate, and drop in the amount of student enrollment at universities. We have created a society where higher education is no longer “elite” and “for the few,” but rather a necessity for a strong job market. We must act now to solve this growing national crisis before future generations simply cannot afford a college
When identifying a proper solution to the problem of increasing college tuition, social accessibility for everyone involved is essential. Center for American Progress writers David Bergeron and Carmel Martin identify a “College for All” plan that makes education beyond high school universal. Specifically, the plan “would provide every high school graduate financial support at a level up to the tuition and fees at a public four-year college or university” (Bergeron). Bergeron and Carmel note that “by taking such a step, all high school graduates and their families will know that they can afford higher education.” Regardless of economic, educational, or social standing, all high school graduates would be given the opportunity of a college education. Bergeron and Carmel’s proposed solution is useful because it makes higher education universally available to everyone in society. David Feldman, an economics professor at the College of William and Mary, proposes the solution that instead of using basic tuition caps to try to solve the issue of increasing college tuition, reforms should be examined with a wider perspective. He states that “reforms must start with an understanding that educational opportunity begins with improvements in K12 programming.” Feldman’s solution suggests that because the foundation for higher education is K12 programs, if those are focused on and reformed, colleges will begin to …show more content…
When finding a solution to increased tuition hikes, scholars should take into consideration that an effective solution would consider financial, political, and social angles. If one of these angles are not looked at or considered, a solution will not be feasible, effective, or beneficial to everyone, and therefore will not resolve the growing concerns that college students have over increased tuition. Even far more concerning is that an improper solution could have a rippling effect and lead to bigger problems such as economic debt, an increase in the unemployment rate, and drop in the amount of student enrollment at universities. We have created a society where higher education is no longer “elite” and “for the few,” but rather a necessity for a strong job market. We must act now to solve this growing national crisis before future generations simply cannot afford a college