Two Free Years of Community College Essay Example

requirements.

The majority of the students from humble backgrounds have to balance between work and school which is difficult especially for senior students. It is not surprisingly for students to miss classes or even exams due to exhaustion or part-time job requirements. Such circumstances have forced some students to revert to extraneous and adverse solutions to prepare for exams like smoking marijuana or taking ADHD drugs. Other actions include engaging in unscrupulous and criminal activities to support daily life or even pay some of the tuition costs for those unsupported by government finances. As such, the state government of Washington should allow the enactment of the proposal.

Another reason why the two free years of college would offer a viable solution is to reduce the students’ loan debts. Data of student loan debt from the Institute for College access & Success, illustrate that of the seniors who graduated college or the University in 2012, 7 of 10 had loan debt. In Washington State, the average debt is 24,804% up from $17,415 in 2004 (Project on Student Debt).

Such numbers illustrate that the increasing college costs increase the need for student loans. The students’ loans cause problems in students’ lives after graduation as they are unable to pay the loans unless they access skilled jobs. According to statistics, the student loan debts consume almost 10% of an average graduate’s salary. Such damning statistics illustrate that as the fresh graduates in Washington strive to get a viable living standard, they are derided by overwhelming students’ debts. As such, allowing students especially the most affected from poor backgrounds to access community y college education for two years, it will reduce their

probability of procuring a loan and consequently reduce the chances of struggle after graduation (McGuire 1).

However, despite the obvious advantages of free community college, the program harbors some disadvantages. Some of the counterarguments given on the issue include the following. The inducing free community college education will only reduce the quality of education in Washington. Most individuals are oblivious if the increasing quality of education in the USA, only noticing the rising costs. Free communities colleges will reduce the funds accessed by other public universities which will in-turn affect the level and quality of education.

American Universities especially universities in Washington are notable for the high quality of education, state of the art facilities and numerous co-curricular activities which are funded by the students in conjunction with the government (Kelchen 1). Also, making community college education free will continue to burden the State government with financing the tuition fees and the facilities. According to Kelchen, “is it a Trojan horse or a gift”, asking of free community college. In other states where the program has been initiated, the State governments are encountering financial difficulties in trying to sustain the program devoid of any funds from the students. Statistics have shown that although the program is effective, it leaves the states more dependent on the central or the federal government for financial assistance.

Also, the proposed methodologies to enact this program will not wholly cater for the needy students only but also for students with the ability to afford a college education. Another disadvantage of such an endeavor would be the increased tuition fees by the other state colleges and universities. To alleviate the missing funds, other schools

and colleges will increase tuition costs affecting all students state-wide even those not enrolled in the community colleges. College education is an essential element in the modern world. In Washington, the probability or the chances of a college graduate to secure a job are much higher than the likelihood of a non-graduate to ensure a job. As such, offering two free years of community colleges will increase the chances of every individual in Washington to succeed in life.

References

• James, Kevin. Debt and no debt. 29 December 2015. Web. 12 May 2016.
• Kelchen, Robert. Thoughts on President Obama's "Free Community College" Proposal. 8 January 2015. Web. 12 May 2016.
• McGuire, Patricia. 'Free' Community College: Gift or Trojan Horse. 13 March 2015. Web. 12 May 2016.
• Project on Student Debt. 2015. Web. 12 May 2016.