The cost of education and student debt is one of the major issues in the United States for students and their families. As someone who attends college, this is a personal issue I feel like I can relate to or understand. Financial aid and tuition costs shape the way I think about my future, because assistance in educational costs is something I need. This may be the case for so many other students at BMCC as well. Public policy plays a role in this situation. Public policy can determine who has access to a certain education and if the cost is affordable. Those polices can relate to grants, funding, and federal student loans. It can also bring opportunities for students, or it can also negatively affect them, for example, debt. This can affect them way after their graduation as well.
The decisions the government makes to address and solve issues in our society is what makes public policy. The government decides how much financial aid we can receive, if we qualify, and how the loans will be managed. This type of decision can affect people and their ability to receive a stable education. Though, it can decrease the levels of inequality because while there may be people who can easily afford college costs and pay it off, the government can provide assistance with those costs to someone who may not be able to afford them, making education a bit more accessible.
Throughout history, education was managed and controlled by state governments. Then, the federal government became more involved in college based affordability costs instead of the states because of the high demands in the work force and college based education. The government did not create a national assistance program, instead they created what we know as loans, grants, and other educational programs that provide a good quality and stable education, but, loans can cause families financial problems because they eventually need to be paid back. This connects to the issue of student debt because while the assistance is meant to help and provide, bring opportunities and equity, students still struggle longterm. This makes me realize how much of a impact public policy has on education.
Government decisions on whether or not a student needs financial assistance or a certain amount of it can affect their decision on being able to realistically attend school and receive an education in order to pursue their future career.
For many students in my community, an education is needed to pursue their career. For example, my goal is to work in the law field and become an attorney. I need to succeed in my four years at college and attend a law school. Without those, it wouldn’t be realistic or possible to receive my title. Without my financial assistance, it would be extremely challenging to graduate on time.
The government should play a larger role in educational funding and financial assistance because higher education has become more necessary in achieving big titles and careers and other economic opportunities. Access to college should be equal for all, and not limited to some. Unaddressed issues such as rising costs in tuition needs to be taken accountability for by our government. Our educational institutions provide training for students to make a living, so our government must encourage the youth to be responsible and engaged in their work while providing programs that communities, and even our country, need. Therefore, these public polices must be made carefully and with thought of our students and youth so everyone has a chance at opportunity.
This topic not only matters to me, but to many other students across the country. The government should make many more programs more accessible, and make costs affordable. Education should not be limited for some.
– Madison Boodoo
