While I used to like the idea of free college, the more I think about it, the less I agree with it.
First, nothing is free. If the US was to provide free college tuition, then we would be paying for this with taxes.
Second, I’ve come to realize that college, for many students, is simply a 4 year paid vacation. I had many Millennials who worked for me that described college as a four year, all expenses paid, party. They selected easy majors like International Business, marketing, communications or economics. They did a semester (or more) abroad – vacationing in France, Italy, Portugal or London for up to six months. They pursued “passions” like film making, writing and acting vs. courses that would set them up for solid careers.
Some took out big loans. Many were subsidized by their parents, who paid tuition/room/board, covered expenses and provided all the comforts of home like cars, insurance, laundry etc. Many of the students I knew never worked during high school or college.
This makes it difficult for me to accept that my tax dollars are now used to payoff student loans. I did not get a 4 year paid vacation. Why should I pay for someone else’s?
Third, with “free” college, tuitions will continue to rise while service continues to fall- only the payer will change. College students, having no “skin” in the game will gravitate toward easier majors and extending their vacation for more years.
I’d rather see my tax dollars be used to provide vocational education, apprenticeships and skilled craftsmanship training so that young adults can learn practical skills that will qualify them for good middle class jobs.
I was fortunate that when I dropped out of college after 2 years, I only had $5000 in debt. It took m over 10 years to pay it off. After 10 years, I finally worked my way from low wage labor and service jobs into a career in sales. I never used anything I learned in college at work. It was a total waste of time and money.
Bad on my ROI from college, I wish I had never gone at all. It would have been much more practical, economical and beneficial to have gone to trade school, the military or straight into an apprenticeship.