Tuition
costs in Canada are continuously rising and creating financial hardship for the
majority of post secondary students. In 2017/2018 Canadian university tuition fees jumped 3.1% for undergraduate programs.
Average tuition has risen 6.2% annually since 1990, three times the rate of
inflation (Harris, 2012). This financial hardship has become so significant it
negatively impacts not only the students but also society as a whole. To
reverse this negative impact tuition should be free.
In
order to cope with the rising cost of tuition students are taking on
considerably more debt than previous generations. “Thousands of students still
go into debt for a post-secondary education, knowing that the burden will
distort their careers and their personal lives” (Kilian, 2012). They convince
themselves this debt will be manageable and is ultimately a good investment in
their future. However, when students graduate owing an average 27 000 dollars,
reality inevitably sets in. For those that are unable to secure full time employment
after graduation or those who have chosen lower paying careers, repaying this
debt is overwhelming. This creates considerable stress on individuals at a
crucial time in their life when they also have other challenges they must face
such as starting a family or buying a home.
In
general post-secondary education provides greater earning potential and thus improves
quality of life. This opportunity should be available to all citizens in Canada
but because of the current cost of tuition, it is not. Students who are from
low-income families are frequently forced to forgo higher education because of
how much it costs. Students who face other challenges, for example mental health
issues, cannot cope with the combined stress of school and financial hardship
and frequently have to drop out. Those who are in the most need of improving
their lives, face the greatest barriers.
If
post-secondary tuition was free, all people would have the same opportunities
to improve their economic standing. When countries have a higher standard of
living economies prosper. In addition to economic advancement post secondary
learning contributes to personal growth, which in turn enables individuals to contribute
in important ways to society.
References:
Kilian, C. (2012, September 29) The case for free
post-secondary tuition. Retrieved from: https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2012/09/29/Free-Post-Secondary/
Get ready for $10k tuition: Canadian university
fees rising faster than incomes and inflations, report says. (2012). National
Post. Retrieved from http://nationalpost.com/news/canada/get-ready-for-10k-tuition-canadian- university-fees-rising-faster-than-incomes-and-inflation
I loved all the points you made. I completely agree with you on every aspect, as to why post-secondary should offer free tuition and equal opportunities to all individuals that choose to pursue it. I think a lot of people have to sacrifice a large amount to afford post-secondary, whether that be financially, in terms of mental health, or otherwise. I enjoyed how you made the point of the country improving as a whole if everyone were granted access to free education.
ReplyDeleteI agree that education should be an equal opportunity for all. There really is an imbalance in the risk people take when paying such high tuition while faced with an unpredictable future. However, the idea that those from a low-income background have to forego education isn't always the case. There is extensive government funded assistance available to those in this situation. However, your point made about mental health is definitely something that could be improved upon. As such a prevalent issue in our society, I think that our government could really take improved measures to help those with mental health issues.
ReplyDeleteThis article is very clear in showing that those who cannot go to post-secondary education, from low-income families or those with mental health issues, remain devoid of opportunities and continue their lives with low paying jobs or in care of the state (long term receivers of unemployment benefits etc). If free tuition is not a possibility for all post-secondary institutions it should at least be a possibility in a select number of institutions. Free Community Colleges, as was proposed by Obama in 2015, should be an option.
ReplyDeleteI agree that post secondary education should be free. You make a good point saying that post secondary education provides greater earning potential leading to a better quality of life. High tuition costs is an unfortunate barrier towards that and you're right in arguing that post secondary education should be an equal opportunity.
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