University fees: Should higher education be free for students?

University tuition fees are extremely contentious. In some countries students don't pay higher education (HE) fees. Should college be free for everyone? Vote and debate here

University fees

Many students and their families complain about how expensive tuition fees have become. In England there have been mass protests against the increase of university fees. In the US the problem is that students suffer staggering debt from loans. Student loans are proving a high burden on many households. However, this is not a universal problem. In many countries there are no tuition fees (at least in public universities). In countries such as Argentina, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Norway, Scotland and Sweden higher education is free for students. There are other countries, such as Germany and France, where college fees have been regulated and limited. 

Should college be free?

Some analysts argue that high college fees should be abolished or regulated so to ensure that students from all socio-economic backgrounds have the opportunity to go to university. They argue that the economic burden may disincentivize people's pursuit of higher education and hinder social mobility, contributing to the persistance of inequality. Others believe that government intervention on tuition fees goes against the principle of market economy. They argue that universities, including public or state universities, should freely decide the fees they charge. Cheap loans can be made available for students who could not pay the fees otherwise.

But are loans a real solution for the increasing costs of university education? Here opinions are divided as well. Large personal loans may also condition the career prospects and future quality of life of students. Those opposing free higher education claim that university is an expensive service and that students should be aware of its cost so that they take more seriously their studies. And you? What do you think about university fees?

Watch these videos on the costs of education and the derregulation of fees

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