Pell Grant programs are an important part of American higher education and are the only way college is possible for some students. According to USA Today, Congress has considered cutting funding for Pell Grants and Federal Student Loans. Now 575 colleges, including Ivy League schools, have signed a letter asking Congress not to do this. Their claim is “Federal Student Aid serves a critical role in preserving access to higher education and enabling student success at a time when postsecondary education has never been more necessary to support the American economy.”

The colleges are correct.

A point made by the petition, as well as many other organizations and individuals, is that college graduates tend to earn more than those with only a high school diploma. They also have lower unemployment rates.

In January 2017, the unemployment rate was 5.9 percent for high school graduates compared to 2.5 percent for those with a bachelor’s degree, according to the Bureau of Labor statistics. Logically, people who are paid more and are more likely to have a full-time job will pay more in federal, state and local taxes, which benefits society by paying for government services.

Some proponents of cutting Federal Financial Aid argue that college is a choice, therefore the bill should not be footed by the taxpayer. Although this may sound good in theory, the maximum Pell Grant is $5,920, according to the Federal Student Aid website. This would cover tuition at a state school, but if a student cannot live with their parents, it is not nearly enough to cover the cost of living, food and college fees. Without the Pell Grant, college is out of reach for many students entirely. This is a particular problem for rural students, who may not live within commuting distance of a university or even community college.

Another counterargument is that a high school education no longer adequately prepares students to make a living wage. Many critics chastise younger people for demanding a living minimum wage, yet do not want to help them earn that living wage through making higher education affordable. This essentially leaves students caught in a difficult situation, especially if they come from a working-class background.

Beyond putting money into the economy through more tax dollars, keeping Pell Grants around helps fill in-demand jobs. Jobs in technology education are desperate to fill positions and positions like these require a bachelor’s degree and then master’s degree. Technology colleges, such as Morrisville State College and SSUNY Canton, offer degree programs in fields like renewable energy and nursing, which are both in high demand. Additionally, Pell Grants apply to community colleges, which are a more affordable way to get ready for a career or prepare to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Education is an essential American value, for good reason. A well-educated population not only improves the economy, but is more likely to collectively question the actions of authority, a trait that is more essential now than it has been in many years. Lastly, the U.S. is supposed to be the land of opportunity and college should not be an opportunity restricted only to the wealthy.