Sen. Elizabeth Warren is in the process of unveiling a student loan forgiveness proposal that she claims will cancel up to $50,000 of debt for more than 42 million Americans. This is another example of superficial claims being used to draw in voters by using its appeal of free education and America’s failure to consider the logistics of the plan.

Cost of tuition is a common issue for students across the country who are seeking a higher education. Warren is also known for her plan for free college tuition at two- and four-year schools. Both this plan and the tuition forgiveness are nothing more than attempts at appealing to the masses. 

Part of what students learn through the higher education process is how to be resourceful and a good problem-solver. It is far more useful for students to apply for scholarships, work for their grades and submit essays to earn the money they need to cover education than being granted free education. There are plenty of resources and solutions that challenge students rather than handing them the education.

It is unfair to the students who work hard for their grades and scholarships or work multiple jobs while studying for exams and classes to then offer the opportunity for anyone to be granted a free education.

This is not to say that education should not be made accessible to those who desire it. It is commendable for people to strive to better themselves through education and opening themselves for new opportunities. However, allocating tax money to cover or, as Warren states, “canceling” the debt is not the way to do so. 

As appealing as a “free education” is, this is not something that should be provided by the government. Higher education is optional, and those who desire to pursue it need to plan, problem-solve and actively work to make it a possibility for themselves. The most growth comes from the adversity of figuring out for yourself how to make it a possibility. 

Another issue with Warren’s plan is that, similar to TAP and FASFA, it is dependent upon household income. Eligibility should not be dependent on a parent’s earnings, whether that be for tuition benefits similar to TAP and FASFA or for Warren’s proposed plan. 

Individuals are responsible for themselves. There is nothing in life that is handed to us. Whether in education or the workforce, people need to get used to working hard and problem-solving for themselves. Budgeting money, being realistic about what one can afford and working toward one’s goals are invaluable skills that will be lost if free education or debt forgiveness is granted to everyone who says please.

Education should be made affordable to those who desire it by providing them with the opportunities to afford it. Laozi, a Chinese philosopher, once said, “Give a man a fish and he has dinner for a day, but teach a man to fish and you have fed him for a lifetime.” It is far more valuable to equip our citizens with the creative problem-solving to work toward and afford their education than it is to simply forgive them of their debt or provide free education.

Photo from studentaid.ed.gov