"Public college education is the greatest investment we can make for the country"

I heard the statement quoted above on my local public radio station and while I understand, and even accept, the sentiments, I do not agree.

My reasons for this disagreement are fourfold, or at least they are as I write. Googling "free college", produces page upon page of results - I would love to share the number but this seems to be no longer a thing. Anyhoo. it is a popular topic so why am I against it?

I'm not. I have no problem with free college. I had free college at undergraduate level and for my teacher preparation and certification all those years ago so no ladder-pulling here.

I am against "the greatest investment". You see, the way I see it in our country those who reach university are already privileged. They went to schools which work. They had teachers who taught. They likely had favorable conditions at home to study. They were able to write application essays and to navigate Common App, FAFSA and so on. So giving dessert to those who have already had a full meal is questionable.

Secondly, I would argue that investment in public health would be better for the country than in higher education, as would food safety, as would energy, transport, public safety ... Any of these affects more people than the 20 million or so who attend public colleges and so would be defaiult be a greater investment.

Thirdly, I have heard will and passionately argued that the plumbing, electrical, nursing and now accounting fields are in dire need of new recruits and are already disproportionately propped up by immigrants and non-immigrants on temporary visas. Thus, technical and vocational education is what we need as a country rather than whatever is done at college, aka as a better investment.

Fourthly and most importantly, I believe K - 12 education is where we should be allocating our tax dollars. This level produces and shapes society, this level produces plumbers, electricians, nurses and accountants and this level feeds directly into college. Without a strong, sold and effective K - 12 system, or sine qua non, we have no college so a free college is immaterial. Schools is where it's at and that is why I do not agree with the assertion at the top of this piece.

**Please leave comments and queries below**