There’s a prevailing belief that college isn’t meant for everyone, but is that really accurate? This is a contentious subject. While some young people may feel unprepared for college, often due to challenging previous educational experiences, the alternative often suggested is trade school. But what if trade school isn’t the solution? Perhaps the issue isn’t that college isn’t suitable for everyone; it’s that not everyone has equal access to higher education.
The idea of making college accessible to all is gaining traction in political discourse. Many advocates recognize that the main barrier to improving lives is access — access to the resources needed to succeed. Making college affordable or even tuition-free would significantly level the playing field. This is precisely why many oppose it. When opportunities are equal, excuses for hindering progress diminish.
Education should not conclude after high school. If it does, that decision should stem from personal choice, not from circumstances. Those who wish to continue their education deserve more than just two options. Suggesting that some students are not suited for traditional college and only presenting trade school is unproductive. What if those students are perfectly capable of succeeding in college but lack proper guidance? Counselors and society often assert their limitations without providing viable alternatives.
With college costs escalating while wages stagnate, we are likely to see a widening gap in equity. For many, college has become a luxury. Recent data from Forbes indicates that 44.7 million borrowers owe a staggering $1.56 trillion in student loans, with the average class of 2017 graduate holding $28,650 in debt. Even with loans, students need assurance of their ability to repay. Those from low-income backgrounds are increasingly priced out of higher education due to steep interest rates. With entry-level wages insufficient to cover rent, how can they even contemplate loan repayment? While elite Ivy League institutions may not need to be accessible to all, state colleges should certainly be affordable, if not free.
It’s essential to acknowledge that the majority of students deemed “not college material” come from marginalized backgrounds. Whether they are economically disadvantaged, students of color, or disabled, these individuals face greater obstacles. Many are told that higher education isn’t for them merely because of their identity. Marginalized students are often denied a fair chance, despite their potential, due to systemic barriers that prevent them from advancing.
It is imperative for lawmakers and those in positions of power to actively support marginalized youth. We cannot expect these individuals to become contributing members of society if they lack access to the same opportunities. Education equates to access. You cannot uplift yourself if you lack the means to do so. By making college financially feasible for everyone, we demonstrate a commitment to improving the nation.
For many, a college education is the ideal route. According to a report from the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce, 78 percent of the 7.8 million jobs lost during a recent downturn did not require a college degree, yet 99 percent of the 11.6 million jobs created since then have gone to those with college degrees. The data is clear: a college education is often a prerequisite for employment, and this reality isn’t likely to change soon.
Trade schools are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and they won’t resolve the larger issue. While we absolutely need skilled tradespeople like carpenters and electricians, not everyone is suited for those paths. Accessible college education must be available for individuals to realize their career aspirations. Studies show that college graduates earn, on average, double the lifetime income of those who only complete high school. This underscores the necessity of making college affordable for everyone—doing so benefits society in the long run. When individuals prosper, the entire economy thrives, which is surely a goal for government officials.
Making college free for those who need it is the only viable path forward. Education in this nation should be regarded as a right, not a privilege. Young people do not automatically possess all the knowledge they require to advance after graduating high school. While trade schools can be a valuable option for some, they aren’t suitable for everyone. Students who wish to pursue higher education should be able to do so without barriers. Those who can afford higher education have already secured their future. If we invested in marginalized students with the same commitment, we would undoubtedly see remarkable outcomes. These students must feel that they live in a country that values their potential and is willing to invest in them.
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In summary, we must recognize that trade schools are not a universal solution to the challenges of education accessibility. Instead, we need to ensure that college is a feasible option for everyone, allowing individuals from all backgrounds to pursue their desired paths without financial constraints.