You know that feeling as a high school student when “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac starts playing, and you start panicking about growing up? You start worrying about the end of high school and going away to college. And then you spiral further, beginning to worry about leaving family and pets. But most frightening of them all, you worry about the costs.
It’s no secret that the cost of college is extremely terrifying and detrimental to the bank accounts of young students and their families.
While the transition to college is already emotionally challenging, the financial burden of tuition intensifies this stress unnecessarily. For this reason, college tuition should be free for all students.
At the end of WWII, the American economy boomed. For the first time, college attendance became more possible than ever before. Now, in 2026, a college degree is essentially mandatory because of the kinds of jobs our society values.
The demand for a bachelor’s degree, advancing technology (which we all know will only advance further), and a large number of applicants all allow colleges to charge an extremely high tuition and get away with it.
But is the financial stress put on these kids worth it, so that colleges can make more money?
These students then will become crushed by student debt, keeping them stuck in long term financial instability. This is how our economy thrives; young adults trapped in debt and having to constantly work, stopping them from pursuing wealth or greater opportunity.
Student loan debt is a completely real issue. Students are likely to struggle with anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders tied to the stress of paying off their debts. Even worse, student loan debt can delay expensive life milestones like weddings. Long-term, too much of this debt can harm our economy as a whole.
As a 15-year-old sophomore, I have had to begin the stressful process of looking into colleges. I play softball, so recruiting starts early. I am constantly worried about the burden I put on my parents just by playing an expensive sport and paying for costly recruiting camps. I’m terrified of the price of college, just as they are. I see how tired they are working hard every day just for me to get an education that I need to get a decent job in our society. How is this fair?
It’s not easy to be young and hear your parents stress about money. I have a constant feeling of guilt that my needs are holding them back. Will I end up just as anxious as them when I’m older? Stressed and worrying about the costs of college for my kids?
Why is this okay?
Why should people who are wealthy have more opportunity than those who are less fortunate? Imagine how much opportunity and talent is left behind because of the financial barrier!
This issue isn’t just emotional – it’s measurable. In a recent study by EDUCAUSE, “56% of opt-outs said financial uncertainty was the primary reason they did not pursue college, 53% of high school students who do not plan to enroll cited cost as the top deterrent, 23% of stop-outs said they cannot afford upfront costs, and 15% say they are already too burdened by student debt to return to school.” Look what these costs are doing to America’s youth.
I get it, taxes will probably have to increase for this to work. Nobody wants that. But think about the opportunity so many more kids would get. Think about how much brighter and educated our society would become. Think about the stress lifted from students and their parents.
To solve this, taxes could be taken primarily from corporations and higher-income people. Government money could even be redirected from military needs to colleges. Don’t let the fear of taxes scare you away from a brighter future for all.
Germany and Norway have implemented almost entirely free college successfully. They view education as a public service, not a private business; their government puts tax revenue towards college to eliminate tuition completely.
When you hear “Landslide” play as a senior in high school, you should be able to feel nostalgia, love, and anticipation, not fear and hopelessness because college is so expensive.
Choose hope for society’s future. Choose compassion for America’s youth. Choose opportunity for all.
