The Argument for a Tuition-Free Harvard Education

The article regarding a tuition free Harvard presents a very interesting and curious idea. It presented arguments wherein the benefits that would be reaped are truly outstanding. But as we all know it, benefits or advantages goes hand in hand with disadvantages and consequences. 

What are the benefits and consequences? Will the proposed statement cause more harm than good, not just for the university but for the students in general? What would its effect be on our society? Which side of the argument would you take?

The argument mentioned tapping into a wider pool of students that in my opinion, would certainly increase the talent and knowledge that is already associated with the university. More students equates to greater diversification. With this in mind, as we have seen in our society, greater diversification allows for a better society. Another point that was raised that goes hand in hand with the increase in the pool of students would be the ease of financial burden. Money definitely plays a part in the decision making process that most students make. We could not deny the fact that finances would often dictate the course that would be taken and the university to go to. If this factor is removed, students would be in a better position to pursue what they truly feel is their calling.

There are already colleges and universities that are using this system. The Service Academies, Cooper Union and the College of the Ozarks are a few that comes to mind. In more ways than one, the above-mentioned institutions have had success with the system in place. Although it might not be a fair comparison, we could say that there is a possibility that the system could work for Harvard in the same way that it worked for these other institutions.

On the other hand, we could not really determine if taking the tuition would put Harvard in a better position in the long term like the article mentioned. The possibility of students not "paying back" certainly exists. In a perfect society, this would work well but our society is far from perfect. Moreover, depending on the rich is something that in my opinion does not bode well. Waiting for hand outs is not the best road to be taken when you are so keen about striving hard to reach your goals. Unless you have met all that is required and necessary to have an access to their standard of education, in return for your tuition-free assistance, then it is not advisable to proceed with application and such. 

In my opinion, the fair thing to say would be that to a certain extent, the system might work not just for Harvard but for everyone as well. It will certainly uplift the standard of education of every student that will result in the betterment of our society. They just need to work on a more feasible plan and exchange so as to evade any repercussions in the long term.