Should Americans Take Steps to Make Higher Education More Affordable for Poor Americans?

Abstract

The cost of higher education in America has been constantly rising. The high cost is making it very difficult for low-income Americans to pursue a bachelor's degree. The inability for low-income Americans to obtain a degree from a four-year college or university is having negative implications on their later life outcomes. Research proves that non-degree holding citizens are at an increased chance of having decreased earnings, having a greater chance of living in poverty, and having worse job opportunities. In addition to the worse life outcomes, poor Americans are currently being denied their right to equality of opportunity. John Rawls' difference principles supports the notion that inequality is unjust if it is not to the benefit of the least well-off members of society. Currently, the poor Americans are not benefitting from not having the resources to attend higher education. Therefore, this paper will argue that America should take steps to make higher education more affordable for poor Americans in order to ensure America upholds its promise of providing equality of opportunity to all of its citizens.