Why isn't a college education free?
85335
Because they don't want some of US to get a higher education.
664266
to get the 'eff' out of there asap.  and get on to real learning. college didn't teach me shiiit.
954466
At some colleges, children of employed parents get free tuition.  It depends on the college.  Most colleges with such programs still require students to meet entrance requirements.\n\nI am familiar with the University of Pittsburgh.  They have a free tuition program and entrance requirements.
940488
It varies among people.  Some folks are ready to roll right out of high school; others have had enough of the academic life and want to see something of how the real world works before diving back into academia.  One is likely to find that the real world is rather cruel to people without college degrees, and that may help motivate one to head back to school.
1101359
Why Get a College Degree?\n\nKnowledge, Skills, and More Opportunities\nIf you go to college, you'll gain information and skills that you'll use for the rest of your life, no matter what career you chose. College will enable you to:\n\n    * Expand your knowledge and skills\n    * Express your thoughts clearly in speech and in writing\n    * Grasp abstract concepts and theories\n    * Increase your understanding of the world and your community\n\nWhat This Means for You\nThe benefits above may sound great on their own, but college also has some very practical benefits:\nMore Job Opportunities\n\nThe world is changing rapidly. More and more jobs require education beyond high school. College graduates have more jobs to choose from than those who don't pursue education beyond high school.\n\nEarn More Money\nA person who goes to college usually earns more than a person who doesn't. According to the US Census Bureau, on average, someone with a Bachelor's Degree earns $51,206—almost double the $27,915 earned annually by someone with only a high school diploma.\n\nWhy Not Go to College?\nMany students are unsure about going to college, for many reasons. Below are five we've heard before, and why they don't hold water.\n\n1. "I Can't Afford It."\nMost students get financial aid to help pay for college, and most aid is based on need. This means that the less money you have, the more aid you might get.\n\n2. "Nobody in My Family Has Ever Gone."\nBeing first can be hard. For instance, you may have to explain to the family why college is important to you. On the other hand, being first is likely to be a source of pride, for you and for your family.\n\n3. " I Don't Know What I Want to Do with My Life."\nJoin the crowd. Thousands of college freshmen haven't decided on a major or on a career. College gives you the opportunity to learn more about what's out there. You'll be exposed to a variety of academic subjects, people, and new perspectives.\n\n4. "College Is Too Hard for Me."\nMost students think college will be too hard for them. Keep in mind, all colleges offer tutoring and student support. As confident as some students seem, no one goes to college knowing everything—if they did, why would they go?\n\n5. "I Just Won't Fit In."\nMost colleges have students from many backgrounds. To get an idea of what to expect, explore colleges with College Search, or better yet, visit in person. Be sure to ask about the make-up of the student body, and if they have clubs and activities that you're interested in joining.\n\nIt Doesn't Have to Be a Four-Year College\nIf you're not sure about college, or which college, consider attending a community college. Community colleges are public, two-year schools that provide an excellent education, whether you're considering an associate degree, a certificate program, technical training, or plan to continue your studies at a four-year college.
765254
There are actually two or three colleges out there with a "buy one get one free" program.  They are all "no name" colleges in rural areas though.  If you do a Yahoo! search you'll find them.  I can't remember the names exactly but found them when I did a search myself.
903458
I'm an instructor at a community college. I wish I had more students like you. Here are some of the conclusions I have come to. First, many of the students are there for reasons other than learning. Many of my younger students are there because their parents have issued ultimatums making them choose to work or go to school. For some reason they think school is easier and choose that option. Second, too many students come out of high school under prepared for college. They don't know how to organize their time, study effectively, or take notes. Third, our society has moved away from the idea of personal responsibility. Everyone is so worried about blaming others for their faults or believing that everyone else is responsible for their learning. They don't understand that the only person responsible for them is them. I am a facilitator of learning but I do not have the power to just give them knowledge. From talking to my friends at other colleges (4 year state and private) they are seeing the same trends albeit not on the same scale.
1124846
They are a proprietary school (for profit) more interested in getting a students money than providing a quality education.  It's not a well respected degree by employers.
87096
I think education should be free for every residence of every country no matter were they come from and what there parents do.A society that does not provide for free education for its residence is causing problem for itself in future.FREE EDUCATION IS THE KEY TO OUR FUTURE
60285
for free it wont happen. you can earn degrees and certificates online, but they will make you pay.
709493
Lots of reasons. If you can't afford it financially, if you get married/pregnant, if you decide to go into a different career that doesn't really need a college degree, if you find a better job, if you don't feel your responsible or ready enough to commit to college, if you don't know what you want to do and don't want to waste money while you decide, if you find an internship and decide to stay there without a degree, family hardship. There are  tons of reasons that don't make you lazy or dumb, rather just letting you decide to take another path in life.
1013384
Because their value systems haven't been properly developed yet, and they don't fully realize how much a good education is worth. It probably doesn't help that, by all accounts, the education system today is fubar. Most kids don't recognize how much learning is worth until they get to college, and even then, some still don't. \n\nThat sounds like something an old man would say, but I'm not quit that old yet.
590378
That was never the case.  "Tuition" per se, as in what a university would normally charge if it were private, is not charged to California residents--but other fees have always been charged.  30 years ago, at the California State University System, that amounted to about $200 a year; now it's about $3,000.  About $7,000 at the University of California. Non-residents pay full tuition (which at UC is an additiona $17,000 a year or so).  And housing was NEVER provided free of charge; right now it's $12,000 a year, residents and non-residents alike.  So, short answer, it was never free--but compared to full-tuition & private universities, the CSU and UC systems are still a bargain for residents.
228240
A part of me does because people who are handed everything do not appreciate it like someone who has to pay for her education would. It sucks that the government won't help someone who is childless and working to make a living for themselves but people who have five kids and surviving on welfare won't have to pay one red cent for their education. This is why I don't even bother filling out the FAFSA...I don't benefit from it so I'm not wasting my time and energy that I need to use on paying for school myself. I know this question was about parents paying for school and let me go there and vent about that one. The people who's parents pay for their education, the ones I've met anyway, are so ungrateful that it's ridiculous. They don't have to work and go to school and I do. They don't go to class and they get drunk every night with not a care in the world. It makes me sooooo made because if I had someone to pay at least half of my tuition, I'd be on the Dean's List. I wouldn't have to worry about paying bills and cramming to study because I have to go to work in a few hours. It just really sucks. So to answer your question. Yes, I do resent people whose parents paid for their higher education.
128955
because that's exactly what it is. there is nothing specific taught, it is all just general stuff about the particular subject. There is far to much in each subject to teach specifics so the general stuff is taught in school and then you can learn the specifics in college.
518498
The costs of everything -- not just higher education -- are rising higher than most people's salaries (just look at gasoline!).  The affects of college costs may be felt more heavily because of the important role that a college education plays in most people's lives.\n\nThere are a lot of theories about this why it has increased to much.  One theory is that many administrators think that giving their school a large sticker price actually makes them more desirable ("It's expensive so it must be good").\n\nAnother reason for the higher costs has to do with the government's decision not to fund higher education.  For example, the recent Deficit Reduction Act cut $12 billion from higher education programs -- so even if a school *doesn't* increase its costs, students will still have to pay more because the availability of financial aid has being jeopardized.\n\nSome theories point to increased competition for students as the reason: there is great pressure on colleges to beef up their enrollment numbers by offering fancier facilities, better technology, better food, etc.  All these things cost money and that money has to come from somewhere.\n\nThere are plenty of other theories.  For more, see Nellie Mae's list: http://www.nelliemae.com/library/college_costs.html or
190360
no...course i didn't go to college, couldn't afford it.  but "basic education" no longer allows you to provide for yourself and your family.  and now, a degree no longer offers you the financial security it used to, unless you have an Masters.....i just wish i could pay my rented house, utilities, used 17 yr old car and still eat.