Democratic debates

[BaltimoreSkins]

Originally Posted by FRPLG

A major problem with free college is that it inherently devalues education. From an economical standpoint, education is a differentiating factor. Those motivated and able spend their time and resources on college education knowing it provides an advantage. Once it is free much of that advantage disappears. We will shift a major part of the young and able bodied out of the workforce into non-working roles for a period of time that they're are basically required to do because going without would be a major disadvantage. Meanwhile we'll also foster an even greater classification of the work force as surely those with the means would attend the "better" tuition based colleges. We end up in the same place and spent a bunch of money to do it. Free college doesn't solve the problem. It sounds fantastic but it is solves nothing.

Many colleges are recognizing and attempting to eliminate or at least limit the current socioeconomic bias of the college application process. The SAT bias is well documented and many institutions are beginning to devalue it's role in determining whether a student will be able to succeed collegiately. You are also seeing the with the AP exams. Colleges are willing to offer the advanced placement but many are realizing that the test favors those from socioeconomic means. One of the biggest reasons Harvard and MIT have begun to offer their classes online for free is it gives them a chance to find untapped talent that would get over looked in the current admissions process. While they look like the good guys in providing this free education they in reality are benefitting greatly from it.