Thursday, November 3, 2016

Commentary #1: Making college debt-free and taking on student debt

            In a highly competitive global economy, we need the best- educated workforce in the world. As education becomes a high priority on many people's lists and a determination factor for higher paying jobs, the one setback that can prevent anyone from obtaining a higher education is the cost of attending college. It is insane and counter-productive to the best interests of our country and our future, that thousands of bright young people cannot afford to go to college, and that millions of others leave school with a mountain of debt that burden them for decades. That shortsighted path to the future must end.
              The government should make sure that every American who studies hard in school can go to college regardless of how much money their parents make and without going deeply into debt. The government should make tuition free at public colleges and universities as high tuition fees of colleges discourage students from going to college. As last year, Germany eliminated tuition because they believed that charging $13,000 per year was discouraging German students from going to college. Finland, Norway. Sweden and many other countries around the world also offer free college to all of their citizens. If other countries can take this action, so can the United States of America. The federal government should stop making the profit from student loans instead should lower student loan interest rates. The government should provide debt relief to borrowers and should allow refinancing loans at current rates. More financial aid should be given to the low-income students to cover their room and board, books and living expenses.
             Hillary Clinton in the third presidential debate of 2016 talks about making college debt-free. In the article "Making college debt-free and taking on student debt" shows Hillary's comprehensive plan to put higher education within reach for all Americans, and take on the crisis of student debt. Every student should have the option to graduate from a public college or university in their state without taking on any student debt. According to her plan, by 2021, families with income up to $125,000 will pay no tuition at in-state four-year public colleges and universities. And from the beginning, every student from a family $85,000 a year or less will be able to go to an in-state four-year public college or university without paying tuition. States will have to step up and invest in higher education, and colleges and universities will be held accountable for the success of their students and for controlling tuition costs. According to reduce the burden for future borrowers, Hillary will significantly cut interest rates so, the government never profits from college student loans. By doing so, the students with low-income who are willing to get a higher education would be benefited. With free colleges and top notch education, it's the perfect combination and opportunity for many who are seeking a better life through higher education.

1 comment:

  1. Pooja, thank you for putting into perspective the struggles many people face today, when it comes to completing a higher education, myself included. I whole heartily agree with the concept of the government investing in the citizen’s education. This investment would not only benefit the person’s future but also the nation's future as well, as stated. As the United States is usually the “best” or the “first” of many things to other countries, it was alarming for me to read that there are other countries like Germany, Sweden and Norway that have already eliminated tuition. There is so much money the Us government permits to be spent on useless bills, local projects who do not have any benefit; yet there are students who are doing everything they can to get a college education. Pooja, had a great point as well, many students begin to study in college yet are forced to pause their education or put an end to it completely because the debt has become a big burden. Those students usually must start working but to realize that majority of jobs require college education and years of experience. This discourages many and prevents people from incorporating a change in the nations improvements. On a positive note, Pooja referenced an article where the presidential nominees as of a few weeks ago have intentions on working on our nations education concerns, especially at the college level. Many may think, well schools already offer financial aid, but honestly it is very hard for those that need help get that help. Just as an example, some students may have to work and go to school because they need to pay for bills and take care of their family but do not make enough to pay for it all and may live paycheck to paycheck. Those students could get rejected on the bases of “making too much money” but in reality they really need the help. In the end, I'm glad there are others that share the same opinions on the importance of education. I hope I will be able to see more help from the Us government in the near future.

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