Kevin Stocking Professor Asplund English 2010 Report Would You Let Money Slip Out of Your Hands?

The topic of federal financial aid is highly relatable for college students. Based on a single-question poll I made, I found that 67 of the 68 surveyed college students asked whether they are in favor or not of financial aid from the federal government, were in favor of it. For myself, I do not understand much of why someone would oppose financial aid and wanted to utilize this opportunity to discover the arguments for both sides. Financial aid from the government for college has been around for a short time really; since 1965 to be exact. In 1965, President Johnson signed into effect the Higher Education Act increasing federal money given to colleges, creating scholarships and grants, and providing low interest rate loans to students in an effort to make higher education more affordable (Federal Student Aid Office). The U.S. Congress has since amended and reauthorized the act nine times to better serve modern education (Fiorina et al. 431). The now $150 billion a year awarded in many different forms to students (Federal Student Aid Office) has to come from somewhere, however. Though Americans have largely supported a well-financed education system, where this money comes from is where discussions and arguments arise. Federal financial aid is almost solely funded by taxpayer money, as is the rest of the U.S. Department of Education. It is my perspective that why funding for higher education can be controversial, however, is because going to college is more of a choice rather than a requirement as elementary education is. I think many conservatives believe

that people receiving optional education should have to fund it themselves. While at the other end, and even in the middle, many believe in the government investing in its citizens to attend higher education so as to help create better lives. Both sides have strong points when looked at subjectively and thus the arguments continue to present day. A point of opposition that I had not considered but was mentioned to me by the one person in my poll that opposed was that because there is financial aid from the government, colleges may up their tuition costs to make a larger profit. This would essentially mean that college students are paying about the same out-of-pocket as if there was not aid. Then on top of the out-of-pocket costs are student loans that would have to be paid back which in turn would cost students more than if there was not federal student aid at all. This assumption is, however, wrong. Most colleges and universities are nonprofit and therefore, the point is mute. The most talked of point of opposition it seems though, is that the federal and state governments could use the $150 billion a year toward other programs and costs, including more money towards elementary (K-12) education. On the other hand, those in favor, suggest that with financial aid, more people who would have trouble affording college now can with this assistance. This helps these individuals get higher paying jobs, addressing the issue of the working poor as well as stimulating economic growth as more people enter the workforce (Sabochik). From this view, the government is investing in itself while bettering the lives of many that otherwise would not have the opportunity. Those who favor financial aid typically are also those who favor the American Opportunity Tax Credit because they believe we cant afford to shortchange American students, and the President needs to fight to make this permanent to strengthen our education system for all students (Sabochik).

While it would be beneficial for the federal government to save money by redistributing funding to different programs, taking away higher education financial aid would be harmful to students continuing their learning as many could not afford it. It would be harmful to colleges who depend on that money to keep their school running and flourishing. This would also be disadvantageous to the economy, as there would be an increase in the working poor and there would be a slump in economic growth as less people receive education and learning necessary for the jobs of the future (Sabochik). Some points seem logical opposing financial aid, however, mostly they would be destructive or, are based on wrong information. It is the general consensus that federal student aid is absolutely necessary and something that we should fight to maintain for ourselves and the future generations to come. It is a fact that younger generations, including those at college level, are less committed to voting and speaking out about their opinion than older generations are. While this is starting to show signs of leveling out, it is still largely the case. The older generations are not as likely to be attending college and so they speak and care less about financial aid. It is the opportunity of the young and those attending or wishing to attend college that need to speak up. Writing a congressman or congresswoman is a great way to voice the need for action. Spreading the word and informing more people can gain support and reflect a movement. Even if these laws do not affect someone, it is just as important to have advocates to rally support. Help the people of the working class in the future; strive to maintain financial aid today.

Works Cited Fiorina, Morris P, et al. America's New Democracy. New York: Longman, 2009. Noah, Timothy. "Higher and Higher Education." The New Republic 11 March 2013: 1113. Sabochik, Katelyn. What the American Opportunity Tax Credit Means for College Students. 13 October 2010. 24 September 2013 <http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/10/13/what-american-opportunity-taxcredit-means-college-students>. Schencker, Lisa. Decline in Utah school funding effort 'unprecedented'. 29 June 2011. 24 September 2013 <http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/52091521-78/educationutah-funding-effort.html.csp>. Types of Aid | Federal Student Aid. 20 August 2012. 24 September 2013 <http://studentaid.ed.gov/types>.