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There is no doubt the cost of higher education in America is skyrocketing.  Many students are left behind unable to pay their fee and enrol in institutions. They are the deserving lot who are hardworking and sincere. There are many students who are poor but good at academics and hard working who are unable to attend any technical school or college.

The flame of freedom and democracy will be soon extinguished unless we bring higher education within their reach. There is no job that does not require academic qualification. So, the humblest in our society can survive only if offered a chance to study. Education cost is a whopping nine percent more than what it was half a decade back. In spite of many credible reasons, the huge rise in cost is certainly a detriment to the progress of our society.

American democracy stands with pride on the pillars of equal opportunity. In spite of this why do we find other democracies around the world faring better in terms of fewer jail prisoners, health insurance access to more people, lesser poverty and health extremes, lesser racial inequality, bigger safety net and lesser unemployment?

American democracy offers great opportunities for self improvement no doubt but fails to offer security from failure and risk. Other pros of our democracy include giving equal opportunity and a level playing field to everyone irrespective of religion, race or birth. This status quo has to be maintained by keeping the cost of higher education within reach of every single American.

Our culture has always been nurturing creative thinking, ambition, a sense of adventure and learning that challenges authority and accepted wisdom. What we need in America today is not equality but equal opportunity. Every student who is qualified enough must have the opportunity and access to higher education and the system must be flexible enough to devise ways and means of paying for their college.

High school graduates, especially those in the top half must be given an opportunity to go to a state university. If they are looking for a technical degree and want access to a technical college for immediate employment opportunities, then their tuition fee must be waived for two years. They must be given a chance to study just paying for their books to ensure they value their opportunity.

Entitlement of any kind has to be earned. These are our future investment and it is imperative that the safety entitlements are not too generous and compassionate. America has encouraged the laziest and weakest students through money dealing in a bid to pull them up and ensure they do not fall behind. They are pushed to graduate from high school.

Priorities have to be changed and more money and thought must go to the hardworking and deserving students who cannot afford higher education. They are the future foundation of our society who will appreciate the opportunity to move up in the social ladder. The principle should be ‘higher education for all qualified students’.