The True Cost of Education: Why Shouldn't Education Be Free?

The debate over whether education should be free is a longstanding and complex one, especially given the economic realities of the modern educational landscape. In recent years, many students and parents have criticized the high cost of education, particularly during times of major disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s delve into why the cost of education is high and the implications of making it free.

Online Education vs. In-person Costs

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities shifted to fully online operations, leading to a significant reduction in physical campus usage. During this period, one student, for instance, spent a total of five digits on course fees for their university education, which included orientation lectures, exams, and other academic activities. However, the student never used the university’s physical facilities, such as classrooms, libraries, or gymnasiums. The irony is that fees were charged as if they attended classes in person, prompting the question: how can a university justify charging these fees when students did not utilize the associated amenities and resources?

This situation is not unique. Many other students faced similar discrepancies where they paid for full-time amenities without benefiting from them. The student’s perspective highlights a broader issue in higher education: the disconnect between the fees charged and the actual services provided.

Administrative Costs and Regulatory Compliance

The high cost of education is often attributed to administrative expenses and the need to comply with stringent government regulations. It is common for universities, both private and public, to hire additional administrative staff to ensure they meet these requirements. According to one student, a significant portion of the administrative staff at their university was hired post-2020 due to increased regulatory needs. These new hires contribute to the operational costs and contribute to a higher tuition fee structure, even when students do not enjoy the facilities they pay for.

In private colleges, the profit motive often drives costs. These institutions aim to break even and maximise their financial returns, resulting in higher tuition fees to cover administrative and operational costs. The same issue exists in public colleges, albeit with some government support, which reduces the tuition burden but not the overall expenses associated with running a university.

The Role of Funding and Endowments

The only real way to reduce the cost of education is to increase funding, whether it comes from direct grants and scholarships to students or from general funding to the colleges. For example, large and well-endowed universities like Harvard and Yale can operate independently of government funding, making education at such institutions more accessible. However, the vast majority of institutions cannot afford to do the same.

Some argue that the high cost of education is driven by a belief in elitism, where the educated elite learn and inherit knowledge that the general public is less aware of. This includes complex issues such as psychiatry, eugenics, and the broader social implications of historical events like the Holocaust. The educated elite may feel that this knowledge is theirs to inherit, while the rest of the general public is unaware or uninvolved. This inequality in access to knowledge can perpetuate social stratification and systemic issues.

Conclusion

The cost of education remains a contentious issue, with many advocating for more affordable and free options. While administrative costs and regulatory compliance play significant roles, government funding is crucial in making education more accessible to a broader range of students. Ultimately, reducing the cost of education requires a multifaceted approach, including increased funding and policy changes that support accessibility and affordability.