- Federal subsidization would help universities to a great extent
- Posted By:
- Karen W.
- Posted On:
- 26-Apr-2013
-
Across the world, there are many education systems that offer highly subsidized or even free education for students. It is time our public universities like Texas State work on these models and make sure the American government subsidizes education.
Students from across the world can make use of this opportunity and get educated at the public universities for free. One of the major challenges faced by students and legislators across Texas is the rising cost of tuition. No student is able to afford a degree in this state where there are many unnecessary costs related to higher education attainment.
There is no reason why this situation should continue. Higher education is hugely subsidized in other parts of the world such as Sweden, Germany, Norway, Austria, Finland and Argentina. The same ways our state and federal governments support public high school students with funds, these countries fund the university education for students.
Free tuition in these countries is paid for by the tax payer’s money which in turn encourages more number of students to graduate and contribute whatever they can to their economy by entering the workforce of their choice.
A similar mindset has been adopted by many American universities towards other institutions across the world. All students who enrol are offered scholarships to cover full tuition by the New York City based Cooper Union, says a news report.
The same news report also points out to the fact that students are allowed to work 15 hours a week at the Missouri based College of the Ozarks if they were unable to pay their tuition fee. Some of the other institutions where similar facilities are offered include the New York based Webb Institute, Alice Lloyd College and Berea College in Kentucky.
By providing solid support to funding by the government entities, legislators and residents in Texas should push for an educated workforce. This is one of the ways we could subsidize higher education by balancing out cost of taxes from transitioning of educated workers. Potential to earn higher income and pay taxes will increase even for students who are unable to afford expensive tuition.
Sceptics may argue that doing this would only decrease the value of education in our country. Look at the other countries who are adopting this plan. Higher education value has certainly not diminished in these countries that produce highly educated graduates through this method.
All that we need at Texas is for officials to work out free college education for students. More number of students graduating from the universities directly translates to more workforces. This system will also open up equal opportunities for students from all income groups. The entire region could benefit economically.
Texas state legislature has excess, multi-billion dollar funds which could be utilized by the officials to implement subsidized tuition systems. If this state is successful in this effort, many states could follow suit and this will make possible infusion of state and federal funding towards subsidized tuition.
All it takes is a sincere effort by one state to turn around its education system and help more students graduate. If the model works well, it is only a matter of time before the entire country is on the path to progress.