Is Tuition-Free Public College a Desirable Plan?

• In Event: 58.083 - Roundtable Session 26
  In Roundtable Session: 58.083-4 - Reconstructing Educational Practices and Institutions

Abstract

Discussion of tuition policy proposal is often confused by 1) disagreement over the understanding of higher education and 2) ambiguities in the use of the word “all” with regard to tuition policy. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the grounds for free tuition and no funding and to make an argument that neither of the two is equitable and fair per se. My analysis suggests that ‘one-size-fits-all’ policy of higher education is neither just nor effective in narrowing opportunity gaps. For more equal participation in higher education, the state should take account of differential assistance in funding.

Author

• Sula You