Free Tuition for Public Universities - Would This Help or Hinder the Economy?

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Free Tuition for Public Universities - Would This Help or Hinder the Economy?

by Kelllzerz Posted November 18, 2008 19:30:26

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+5 raves

The New York Times has released an article stating Congress is ready to pass a bill to make public university education free-of-charge. The bill is intended to increase public university admissions, while still keeping the same requirements. Tuition has continually gone up in the past decades. and has continued to climb, and Congress is taking the appropriate steps to ensure all Americans have the opportunity to attend a public university.

Of course, this article is just a spoof. The New York Times has uploaded an entire page of "futuristic" articles dated Saturday July 4th, 2009. Some articles include "Iraq War Ends", "Court Indicts Bush on High Treason Charge", "Streets Come Alive as Relief and Exuberance Greet End of Conflicts." If this article were true, the taxpayers will undoubtedly have to pay for this bill, but do you think the bill would help or hinder the economy?

Here's a screen shot of The New York Times article:

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+4 raves LatinoCon November 18, 2008 21:18:21

Answered: I think free tuition for public universities would...
C'mon ... you know nothing is "free". Except God's grace and mercy.
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+2 raves
solomon October 03, 2009 22:42:07

Answered: Free tuition would definitely help the economy.
I think free tuition is a good idea that will absolutly benefit the worlds economy,
because more people are going to study, they will be get better job. And as a result of the advance knowledge they have obtained, they can help the economy to stand on it feet again.
+1 raves
matthew August 11, 2009 08:18:31

Answered: Free tuition would definitely help the economy.
First off I think this is a brilliant idea but it's nothing new free tuition has been in the states for atleast 100 years in colleges based around a simple philosophy that no one should be too poor for knowledge. People always worry about taxes being higher but fail to come up with other solutions such as maybe if they got off your asses and created an ngo or npo and made a difference thru funding by the generous and willing people that this country has so many of, than maybe social programs like free tuition will have mixed subsidy both by private and government sponsorship and the greedy could keep their lousy extra couple of dollars that they'll probably spend on overpriced lattes anyways. My simple point is life is too short to not want to help others succeed even if it means there road is a little easier than yours I hope that man kind isnt so evolved that we've neglected to realize what it means to lend a helping hand.
Karilym June 23, 2009 06:11:07

Answered: Free tuition would definitely help the economy.
Obviously it would need to be funded through something because I think that it takes a lot of money to run a university. But not as much as I'm paying.
Shooter1001 December 01, 2008 20:24:59

Answered: I think free tuition for public universities would...
moderated...
Boba November 21, 2008 03:34:14

Answered: Free tuition would definitely help the economy.
Yes, because it would give all the opportunity to earn an education, giving everyone a chance to have more productive jobs, thus boosting our economy!
KJMAX November 20, 2008 16:01:50

Answered: Free tution would certainly hurt the economy.
In theory it's a fantastic idea. However with our current situation in this country, who could afford to pay for it? The average Joe taxpayer cannot afford to get hit, our own government can't afford it. It's a shame but this is certainly an important topic that will have to be put on the back burner for a long time.
+1 raves
Mike W November 20, 2008 06:43:48 (edited)

Answered: Free tution would certainly hurt the economy.
I got a better idea then the tax payers footing yet another bill for those who don't want to pay their way. How about all those liberal elitest professors that you see maybe once a semester because the rest of the teaching is done by student teachers because the professers are so busy trying to scam the government (that they bash so much) out of thousands of $ in grant money for a pet project to investigate the love and life cycle of the hoopty bug, or how bout that witty professor at that little University in Chicago who worked his way through college by blowing up government buildings, TAKE A PAY CUT and donate that money so that the janitors can get paid a higher wage and maybe more students can attend class. OR Better yet get all those sooo brilliant college students in those higher end really expensive private universities who worked soooo hard and voted (so many times) for the Great Obama to march right to their admissions office drop out, go and enroll at the nearest community college and donate the rest of their tuition money so that others can attend college. COME ON YOU VOTED FOR IT!!!! Spread all that tuition money around just like you want to spread everyone else's hard earned money around. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
Karilym to Mike W June 23, 2009 06:16:51

This has been an issue for years. Obama becoming president did not directly affect the prices of college.

Also, most professors are REQUIRED by their university (not the government) to submit projects and experiments to make sure that they are still up to date in the knowledge they are teaching.

And as far as getting what I pay for? I'm paying $10,000 A YEAR to go to college. I get good grades and it is an insult to be paying that much. Some states already have a system in effect that if you get a good GPA you can get school paid for, and if you have a slightly lower GPA then you have to pay just a little.

Most of all, a majority of the professors I've met are not elitists but rather normal human beings who worked hard to get to where they are and deserve to be where they are.
Mike W to Karilym June 23, 2009 20:17:24

Many State run Universitys are already hugely bankrolled by the state tax payers , Cripes in Wisconsin we even subsidise college for illegal aliens, ( I can hear them already starting to run to the Wisconsin state line) Like in Hollywood though the staffs who are in chagre are usually very liberal, greatly reward liberal ideals and condem or try to demean a conservative view point.
Karilym to Mike W June 24, 2009 04:37:13

Well I live in Ohio. I'm sure in Hollywood things are different considering it pretty much is a widely liberal state. But that had hardly anything to do with what I was arguing about.
Petpeve November 20, 2008 01:36:45

Answered: Free tution would certainly hurt the economy.
I say this because, free tuition = higher taxes for u & I
+1 raves
Janie November 19, 2008 23:51:32

Answered: Free tuition would definitely help the economy.
I think that it would help cause more people would be inclined to go to school and get good jobs, and people would have more money to spend on merchandise! So in the long run I think it would help out a lot!
+1 raves
Dem0072 November 19, 2008 18:43:36

Answered: Free tuition would definitely help the economy.
I'd support it on one condition: That the public Universities would be required to submit to a simple level playing field of standards. Make public Universities comparable in skills, comparable in quality of curriculum, and make sure they pass an operations expense inspection. You can't have Universities using inefficient technology or resources, wasting money away, and operating in an old fashioned rich-bitch manner.

By modifying the system you can make it ultra-efficient, low-cost, and high quality education that's not really that expensive to the tax payer. Have students manning the cafeterias, custodial work, library pages, front desk receptionist jobs, landscaping/lawn care, decorating for holidays, loading/unloading supplies for the campus, etc.

Remember - schools, universities, and colleges are places of learning and education. Not places of business. When they become business, this "competitive gain" the media and politicians preach about doesn't happen. What happens is one school dominates the area, so it gets the new campus, faster computers, and shinier resources so the school shines, the cost of enrollment raises, and suddenly you have a school full of elites that don't have the responsibility of paying their own way through college.

Also bear in mind, America...

I'd support it on one condition: That the public Universities would be required to submit to a simple level playing field of standards. Make public Universities comparable in skills, comparable in quality of curriculum, and make sure they pass an operations expense inspection. You can't have Universities using inefficient technology or resources, wasting money away, and operating in an old fashioned rich-bitch manner.

By modifying the system you can make it ultra-efficient, low-cost, and high quality education that's not really that expensive to the tax payer. Have students manning the cafeterias, custodial work, library pages, front desk receptionist jobs, landscaping/lawn care, decorating for holidays, loading/unloading supplies for the campus, etc.

Remember - schools, universities, and colleges are places of learning and education. Not places of business. When they become business, this "competitive gain" the media and politicians preach about doesn't happen. What happens is one school dominates the area, so it gets the new campus, faster computers, and shinier resources so the school shines, the cost of enrollment raises, and suddenly you have a school full of elites that don't have the responsibility of paying their own way through college.

Also bear in mind, America is becoming one of the dumbest nations in the world, with decreasing ratios of skilled to unskilled workers, decaying educational standards and qualifications, and we are graduating less leading scientists in the world. I was reading a while back, it's been over 50 years since an American scientist from an American University has done anything worthy of world recognition.

Make it free, but make sure you trim the fat. Lean freebies only!
(more)
Karilym to Dem0072 June 23, 2009 06:20:40

Exactly. That's the problem is that schools have become more of a business. My university just voted to build some multi-million dollar building in hopes of attracting more students. Instead, couldn't they just lower tuition by like $1,500 dollars? I know more people would be flocking then!

(btw, they are increasing tuition in order to help fund for this building) and tuition is already at about $9,500.
Dem0072 to Karilym June 26, 2009 16:18:33

Yup, but you see - the "Stimulus Package" is going to fund a great deal of that I'd bet, and they are raising tuition not because they have to, just because they want more money.

A school COULD work as a business - but it would have to be service and productivity based, and not based upon how nice the new brick building is, or how good the rich pricks 20" rims look with the new asphalt. It would become essentially a very active trade school with a very hands on approach.
Janie to Dem0072 July 16, 2009 17:18:16

yeah I completely agree! and if you think about it, with more available education I think that would lower... maybe not immediately but in the future it would lower the welfare costs... more people would be able to get paying jobs and not depend on the government... and I like the whole manning the cafeteria and other jobs througout the school, sort of a work study thing, have kids work off the education they recieve... gets em in the working mode and teaches them responsibility. I like that whole motion
Dem0072 to Janie July 22, 2009 02:00:17

Yup. Welfare as a concept isn't an absurd thing - to help people of a society in a hard position. However when this becomes something that people do not have to pay back, or work off, then it's a problem. Welfare and social security are both handouts, and they are both very flawed systems. The people who participate in them do little to bring value, credit, or contribution to the supply of the cash. They just wait till shit hits the fan, suck it for what it's worth, and move on. There are some people out there who do it just because they know if they don't someone else will. Because they know the system is failing so they might as well jack it while there is money to be had.
boredcolliedogRomney/Jindal12 November 19, 2008 18:10:24

Answered: Free tution would certainly hurt the economy.
We already have tenured professors breeding mediocrity.
Does anyone actually think "free" is going to help???
hippie November 19, 2008 18:08:50

Answered: Free tution would certainly hurt the economy.
since all the jobs are going overseas, it's rather pointless to go to college
+1 raves
Bosco November 19, 2008 16:30:30

Answered: I think free tuition for public universities would...
Possibly be a good thing. First and foremost we should impose a manditory K-12 law. No more dropping out at age 15 or 16 years old. Because...No skills= no job= no money= no healthcare= major welfare dependence= no tax revenue= bankrupt U.S. A. And it would also be a good idea if you had the choice after 12th grade to enter a program to do either 2yrs. in the U.S. armed forces or 2yrs trade school or 2yrs college. And after that, you could definately pay for the rest on your own.
+1 raves
Chuck November 19, 2008 16:12:17

Answered: I think free tuition for public universities would...
"Free tuition" would be a God-send in that it gives everybody an even playing field to compete for 'the good life'. There are too many young minds that cannot afford to go to college that choose to enter the military and as a consequence get those minds blown away by some idiot that is ready to sacrifice all just to destroy another. If they cut the salaries of football and basketball coaches alone, they could put thousands of students in school.
+1 raves
JAZZY November 19, 2008 15:35:38

Answered: Free tuition would definitely help the economy.
i think that it would help the people that really cant afford tuition because i am one of them i am currently attending the rochester educatinal oppertunity center it is a tuition free communty collage through suny brockport. and i think that it is great. i am getting the job training that i need and the same education that they offer at the big popular collages and maybe even more
+2 raves
sapper469 November 19, 2008 06:50:03

Answered: I think free tuition for public universities would...
It would definately hit property owner hard.
But to say it would hurt the economy? I am not sure. It would hurt taxpayers.
They can give free tuition to athletes why not everybody?
What I do not understand is with all the money universities, colleges are making on sport, why are they hurting? may be they should extend the games season. more game more revenues. and invest those revenues into tuition assistance for all, not just sport hopefulls and players.
Furthermore why universities, colleges, and som high school pay soooo much for coaches? yet can't pay the teachers, professors adequately?
It is all BS. Lets get real they will give a certain number of grants and tuition free to meet federal regulations to show that they are not racially biased OR to help their teams.
Nothing to do with IQ or meeting entrance test and/or academic standards. many athletes are given free ride and diplomas for as long as they can play the sport.
Some of these graduate entering the NFL, NBA and so on are dumber than S---.
Yet they got free ride.
+1 raves
righty November 19, 2008 04:51:36

Answered: Free tution would certainly hurt the economy.
And where does the money come from to "pay" for "free" tuition? .......How about some more taxes!!!!
+1 raves
zcberry November 19, 2008 03:35:11

Answered: Free tuition would definitely help the economy.
i will totally take advantage of that chance to learn something new.
+1 raves
wildbirdy November 19, 2008 02:43:37

Answered: Free tuition would definitely help the economy.
I think this would help keep the expertise in Canada, and not leaving our country. We are short of physicians and trades people. Along with other incentives would help keep these people and boost our economy . They would be spending their money here and spreading what they make in other areas throughout.
+1 raves
SilverHawk November 19, 2008 02:35:53

Answered: Free tuition would definitely help the economy.
It works in Scandinavian countries.
Janie to SilverHawk November 19, 2008 23:52:41

I think France does that too don't they? Thats what my sister said anyways
+1 raves
Solearth November 19, 2008 02:29:40

Answered: I think free tuition for public universities would...
Free tuition is only part of college expenses. Is Big brother going to pay the fees as well? What about Housing? What about food?
This will be like doctors treating those on Medicare. If the government is paying the bill, the administrators will simply pile on thousands of additional expenses, and lower the actual quality of service. It would still seem like a bargain from the recipients point of view. A free second rate degree is a better bargain, than an expensive legitimate education with a degree. To a potential employer, they look the same. If Big Brother is paying for college educations, I would like to be reimbursed for the thousands upon thousands that I had to pay out of my own pocket for my undergraduate and post graduate degrees. If there is no reimbursement for those who already paid, and we have to pay additional taxes for someone else's credentials, then we are paying twice.
I will agree on subsidies, as long as academicians receive as much as athletes. After all, the athletes already receive free publicity that is denied to the academicians

On a side note, continuing education should be mandatory to keep credentials valid. After all, if you can't pass a test, you don't have the knowledge that the credentials imply.
A compromise could be free continuing educat...

Free tuition is only part of college expenses. Is Big brother going to pay the fees as well? What about Housing? What about food?
This will be like doctors treating those on Medicare. If the government is paying the bill, the administrators will simply pile on thousands of additional expenses, and lower the actual quality of service. It would still seem like a bargain from the recipients point of view. A free second rate degree is a better bargain, than an expensive legitimate education with a degree. To a potential employer, they look the same. If Big Brother is paying for college educations, I would like to be reimbursed for the thousands upon thousands that I had to pay out of my own pocket for my undergraduate and post graduate degrees. If there is no reimbursement for those who already paid, and we have to pay additional taxes for someone else's credentials, then we are paying twice.
I will agree on subsidies, as long as academicians receive as much as athletes. After all, the athletes already receive free publicity that is denied to the academicians

On a side note, continuing education should be mandatory to keep credentials valid. After all, if you can't pass a test, you don't have the knowledge that the credentials imply.
A compromise could be free continuing education for all citizens who are not convicts. Convicts get free education through the prison system already. Also, free education should be a reward for obeying the laws of the land. The students that do not have credentials could receive certifications of credential equivalence if they pass required tests. This way, we the taxpayers are paying for education of law abiding citizens, but not for credentials, or to provide aid or comfort to criminals.
(more)
+1 raves
Ptown27 November 19, 2008 01:35:21

Answered: Free tution would certainly hurt the economy.
Think about it people. Free college means INCREASING taxes. Increasing taxes always hurts the economy.
+1 raves
BabyboomerRN November 19, 2008 00:28:01

Answered: I think free tuition for public universities would...
Seems to me we have a hard enough time of getting our children in this country to Graduate High School. Before more tax $ are spent for free college education we should fix that. We we then be expanding the NCLB program to include those in college
or will they be on their own at the college level?
+1 raves
zapata1 November 18, 2008 23:33:16

Answered: Free tuition would definitely help the economy.
of course it will help the economy!!! there wont have to be no paying for college tuition!!!
+2 raves
Ptown27 to zapata1 November 19, 2008 01:32:46

"there wont have to be no paying for college tuition"

People with free tuition would have the same level of grammer as you. You get what you pay for.
+3 raves
matthew to Ptown27 August 11, 2009 08:02:46

That's sad you act superior by mocking his grammar when you can't even spell the damn word. I can see if you did pay for college you payed far too much.
+1 raves
kirs November 18, 2008 22:56:45

Answered: I think free tuition for public universities would...
This FREE tuition can go both way it can help and work but thats really ar stretch Its like saying everyone Is equal and the same when we know thats not true. Honestly if this works great if not Its not a shocker
+2 raves
Lipstick Republican November 18, 2008 22:13:12

Answered: Free tution would certainly hurt the economy.
moderated...
+4 raves
LatinoCon November 18, 2008 21:18:21

Answered: I think free tuition for public universities would...
C'mon ... you know nothing is "free". Except God's grace and mercy.
Agki to LatinoCon November 20, 2008 17:13:53

Nuts! You have to believe the most incredible, unbelievably insane things. That means it costs your brain. And what do you get for it? NOTHING!
+3 raves
dj~Love God, family, and co... November 18, 2008 20:54:37 (edited)

Answered: I think free tuition for public universities would...
just be five per cent more of my pay check going to pay for someone else's free ride! Do you think that people really appreciate everything that is given to them for nothing? Go and take a ride through a government housing project, if you are not afraid of being shot at! None of them are worth living in. When you don't have to work for something, and you don't have your hard earned money invested in it, you are not as likely to take care of it, or work as hard toward acheiving a goal, as you would if you invested something in attaining it!
+1 raves
Agki November 18, 2008 20:46:49

Answered: Free tuition would definitely help the economy.
It's been done in the SOCIALIST countries for a long time! Why not here? Oh, yeah, we can't allow a single socialistic idea to be successful, can we?