- Question
Should college or university be free?
Most states in the world provide free primary and secondary education. This is uncontroversial as basic education is considered a necessity. Teritary education, however, is viewed as an expensive non-essential. Given a rapidly changing world, is it time to also consider a tertiary qualification a right which the state has to provide to citizens?
Yes, higher education is a right everyone is entitled to
This position holds that higher education is a right everyone is entitled to, so the state should fund it. It argues that university is now needed for a decent life and decent work, that fees deny poorer students equal opportunity, and that the personal growth it offers should be open to all.
Yes, higher education benefits the whole society
This position holds that college should be free because higher education benefits all of society. It argues a more educated population strengthens the economy, and that the resulting prosperity and innovation ultimately benefit everyone, not just graduates.
No, tertiary education is not a necessity
The responsibility of the state is only to provide basic necessities. Tertiary education is a service which should be paid for by the user.
No, quality tertiary education is too costly for the state to afford
The cost of tertiary education is too high to expect the taxpayer to bear.