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Argumentative Essay- Should School Be Free?
In the modern world, education is regarded as one of the cornerstones of a prosperous
society and the world at large. Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful
weapon which you can use to change the world (Nanji)” This means that education helps
individuals become better citizens, get well-paying jobs, and distinguish between bad and good
things. Despite the transformation capabilities of education, whether it should be free remains a
contentious issue. Around the world, the cost of schooling can be a significant burden for
families. This creates barriers to access to education for all people, particularly the disadvantaged
and low-income earning, which further perpetuates the cycles of poverty and inequality. In some
countries, governments have recognized education as a fundamental right and have taken the
necessary steps to offer it freely to all citizens. However, in others, including many parts of the
United States, the cost of education, particularly the tuition fees, continues to be high, making it
hard for all individuals to access. This led to an essential debate about the role of public funding
and the responsibilities of the state. Thus, there should be serious concerns about funding and the
potential impact on educational quality, which necessitates the government to provide free
education to all aspiring students. This essay will explore why schools should be free, including
the moral obligation to provide equal opportunities, the economic benefits of an educated
populace, and the long-term societal gains from an accessible education system.
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One of the most vital reasons for making school accessible is that education is a
fundamental human right. A basic human right means that every child, regardless of their
background, deserves the chance to learn and grow without the cost barrier. When education is
not free, it becomes a privilege rather than a right. An expensive education is only available to
those who can afford it, particularly the high and income class. This creates a society where the
rich have better opportunities, and the poor are left behind, deepening social inequalities (Sahlber
Thus, by making education accessible, governments can ensure that every child has the same
opportunities to succeed, regardless of their family's income or background. Countries that offer
free education, like Finland and Germany, have shown that it is possible to provide high-quality
education to all students without charging them or their families. According to Sahlberg,
“International indicators show that Finland has one of the most educated citizenries in the world,
provides educational opportunities in an egalitarian manner, and makes efficient use of
resources... (p.20).” These countries recognize that investing in education benefits individuals
and the entire society. Notably, a well-educated population leads to a more robust economy,
more innovation, and a more stable and just society. Therefore, making school accessible is a
moral obligation and an intelligent investment in the future.
Another important reason for making school accessible is that it helps reduce inequality
and increases everyone's access to education. The benefits are primarily for those individuals
from underprivileged backgrounds. When education costs money, many families struggle to
afford school fees, uniforms, books, and other expenses. This can lead to children dropping out
of school or never attending in the first place. In countries where education is free, more children
can go to school and stay in school longer, giving them a better chance at a brighter future. Free
education opens doors for children who might otherwise be trapped in poverty, allowing them to
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gain the skills and knowledge they need to improve their lives. In the long run, this helps break
the poverty cycle and reduces the gap between the rich and the poor. Also, individuals from low-
income families and disadvantaged groups such as people of color, Indigenous people, and
people with disability will have access to education, giving them equal opportunities as the rest
of the community members.
Free education also brings significant economic benefits, not just for individuals but for
society as a whole. When more people have access to education, they are better equipped to find
good jobs and contribute to the economy. Educated workers are more productive, can adapt
quickly to new technologies, and are likelier to start their businesses, creating jobs for others.
This, in turn, leads to economic growth and prosperity for the entire country. For example,
studies have shown that countries with higher levels of education tend to have stronger
economies and lower unemployment rates.
Additionally, when education is free, families have more money to spend on other
essentials, such as healthcare, housing, and food, which also stimulates the economy. Education
is, therefore, an investment in the country's future. It helps build a skilled workforce that can
compete in the global economy and ensures that everyone can contribute to society.
Free education also brings significant economic benefits, not just for individuals but for
society. Free education gives more people access to education, making them better equipped to
find good jobs and contribute to the economy. Educated workers are more productive and can
easily adapt to new technologies quickly adapting to new technologies and enhancing
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productivity. Such people are also more likely to start their businesses, creating jobs for others.
This, in turn, leads to economic growth and prosperity for the entire country. For example,
studies have shown that countries with higher levels of education tend to have stronger
economies and lower unemployment rates.
Additionally, when education is free, families have more money to spend on other
essentials, such as healthcare, housing, and food. All these factors combined will stimulate the
economy. Education is, therefore, an investment in the country's future. It helps build a skilled
workforce that can compete in the global economy and ensures everyone can contribute to
society.
Free education also leads to long-term societal benefits, such as lower crime rates and
better overall health. People with access to education are more likely to make informed
decisions. The knowledge acquired through education enables individuals to distinguish between
right and wrong (Schuller et al.). This makes most individuals make informed decisions on
essential matters such as crime, health, and morals. Thus, educated people have better job
prospects and lead more stable lives. This reduces the likelihood of criminal activity, as
education opens up opportunities that steer individuals away from crime. For instance, studies
have shown a strong link between higher education levels and lower crime rates. Educated
individuals are also more likely to understand the importance of maintaining good health, leading
to healthier lifestyles, and reducing the burden on healthcare systems (Schuller et al.).
Furthermore, education helps people develop critical thinking skills essential for making
responsible decisions in all areas of life. This, in turn, creates more informed and engaged
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citizens capable of contributing positively to society. Notably, providing free education can help
build a safer, healthier, and more responsible society where everyone benefits.
Moreover, free education is essential for promoting equal opportunities and ensuring
every child has a fair chance of success. As stated in the introduction and quoted by Nelson
Mandela, in a society where education comes at a cost, children from wealthier families have a
clear advantage over lower-income households (Nanji). They can afford better schools, private
tutors, and additional educational resources. It will ultimately give them a head start in life
compared to other members of the society. On the other hand, children from poorer families
often have to overcome significant challenges to stay in school, let alone excel in their studies
(Werner). This creates an uneven playing field where success is frequently determined by a
child’s background rather than their abilities or efforts. This forms a robust ground for making
education accessible to level the playing field and give every child the same opportunities to
reach their full potential (Werner). Additionally, free education ensures that talent and hard work
are the keys to success, not wealth or social status. This benefits the individuals involved and
leads to a more just and meritocratic society where everyone can succeed based on their own
merits.
Lastly, free education significantly fosters innovation and helps a country stay
competitive in a rapidly changing global economy. In today's world, where technology and
knowledge are advancing at an unprecedented pace, countries need a highly educated workforce
to keep up with these changes and drive innovation. When education is free, more people can
pursue higher levels of learning, such as college degrees or vocational training, which are often
necessary for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) (Blotnicky).
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These fields are critical for developing new technologies and solving complex problems that can
improve our quality of life. Countries that invest in free education tend to have more skilled
workers, making them more competitive globally.
However, opponents of free education argue or believe that making school free could
lead to several problems. They say that if education is free, the government would have to find a
way to pay for it, which could mean higher taxes or cuts to other essential services. This is
because catering for free education requires a significant amount of financial, infrastructure, and
human resources. Paying for all these resources by the government is assumed to be a waste of
public taxes. Also, they argue that there will be no significant economic benefits because people
with degrees are likely to take jobs in other countries for which they are over-qualified.
Similarly, the most talented and academically focused individuals from economically
disadvantaged backgrounds already benefit from existing government scholarships; hence, there
is no need for free education (Werner).
Additionally, free education might lower the quality of schools because less money could
be available to hire good teachers or provide up-to-date resources. The main reason is that more
than free education funds are needed to cover all the expenses required to improve the quality of
education, including teachers and learning materials (Werner). Thus, the opponents worry that if
schools rely only on government funding, they might need more money to offer a high-quality
education to all students. While these concerns are understandable, they do not outweigh the
many benefits that free education can bring to society.
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In conclusion, making school accessible is not just a matter of fairness but a necessity for
building a better society. Free education ensures that every child, regardless of their background,
has the opportunity to succeed. It reduces inequality, promotes economic growth, and promotes a
healthier and safer society. Moreover, it helps nations stay competitive in a rapidly changing
world by fostering innovation and developing a skilled workforce. While concerns about funding
and educational quality are valid, the benefits of free education far outweigh these challenges. By
investing in accessible education, we invest in the future, creating a more just, prosperous, and
equitable society for everyone. It is time for governments to recognize education as a
fundamental right and make it accessible so every child can reach their full potential and
contribute positively to the world.
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Work Cited
Blotnicky, Karen A., et al. “A Study of the Correlation Between STEM Career Knowledge,
Mathematics Self-Efficacy, Career Interests, and Career Activities on the Likelihood of
Pursuing a STEM Career Among Middle School Students.” International Journal of
STEM Education, vol. 5, no. 1, 2018, pp. 22–15, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-018-
0118-3.
Karaman Aksentijević, & Ježić, Z. (2019). Education and Reducing Income Inequalities – The
Importance of Education in Maritime Studies. Pomorstvo, 33(2), 191–204.
https://doi.org/10.31217/p.33.2.9
Nanji, Ali Asghar. “The Contribution Of Hec To Universities In Pakistan; Education Is The Most
Powerful Weapon Which We Can Use To Change The World -- Nelson Mandela.”
Pakistan & Gulf Economist, vol. 32, no. 17, Knowledge Bylanes, 2013, p. 45.
Sahlberg, Pasi. "A model lesson: Finland shows us what equal opportunity looks like."NAmerican
EducatorN36.1 (2012): 20.
Schuller, Tom, et al. “The Benefits of Learning: The Impact of Education on Health, Family Life
and Social Capital.” Gender and Education, vol. 17, no. 1, 2005, pp. 103–11.
Werner, Luisa K., et al. “Health and Economic Benefits of Secondary Education in the Context
of Poverty: Evidence from Burkina Faso.” PloS One, vol. 17, no. 7, 2022, pp. e0270246–
e0270246, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0270246.
