Do you think it's fair that the money I earn is taken from me and used to pay for other people's college?

Question

The money is taken out of my pay check, then I have to use the remainder of my pay check to pay for my own college loans. Is that fair? Can anyone be morally okay with taking this money from me and using it for themselves? At the very, very LEAST, they could pay it back after they graduate and get a job.

This is in reference to a conversation I had with my friend during lunch. His wife went to college completely free by getting financial aid from the government (no obligation to pay back). It seems like the best thing to do is not work and get a free ride, but of course I would never do that. If only I had no dignity or morals...

Answer 1

What he's referring to is his paycheck being taxed, and eventually some of that tax money being transferred to grants for "underprivileged" students in order to pay for their schooling.

No it's not fair. Yes it eventually helps out someone in need, but it's at the expense of others. More than likely you're in a situation where you have to work in order to pay for your living expenses, but by the same token your working income essentially disqualifies you from grants, so you have to pay for your schooling too. (Same story happened to me here).

I knew somebody who, because her parents were so poor and had everything such as section-8, welfare, social security, medicare, medicaid; when it came time for her to apply for college she has an EFC of zero so she had all of her schooling paid for in grants. Is it fair? Absolutely not, as she didn't do anything special or scholastically to deserve those funds. She just happened to be the kid of some poor parents, and by simply filling out an online application in a few minutes she suddenly had thousands of available dollars in grants.

I agree that people should pay those grants back after they graduate. Morally it is the right thing to do, since they'll be enjoying a well-paying career granted by the expense of others.

On a side note, the reason why this exists is because the government is trying to end the cycle of poor family generations. What I mean is that if you have parents who are dirt poor, more than likely they drain social welfare programs (like the example listed above) and don't contribute anything back. But by giving a free college education to their offspring, they in turn graduate and begin careers that pay very well. Now can you guess what happens next? That's right, those graduates are now making good money, so they are now PAYING high taxes. So by making a small "investment" on the poor student's college, the government in turn gets somebody who is no longer a drain on social programs and on top of that now pays their own high taxes for the rest of their working lives. Great concept huh. Unfortunately the only ones who lose out are the ones who don't qualify for grants and instead have to pay for everything themselves.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, there are very few things in the state and federal government budgets that everyone would agree upon being paid for by the government. Graduate students do not receive federal grants, so most have to utilize student loans with a higher college tuition rate than you. However, you can minimalize student loans a few ways including signing up for Upromise and applying for college scholarships no matter what amount they are because they can add up. Also, there are programs that will help you in forgiving student loans to an extent which you could use after graduation, but none of them are an easy way out to get the student loan forgiveness amount promised. I will include some resources to help you with it. Good luck!

Answer 3

The fact that my tax money goes toward others' education bothers me less than how it is distributed and how they calculate how much each student gets.
When I was in high school, my family made just slightly (like $1000) more than poverty level. My EFC was 0 and I did recieve some grants but not nearly enough to cover my college expenses. I wasn't too upset with that because I agree, my education, I should have a hand in paying for it. I don't think anyone should get a 4 year degree on Federal/state aid alone. The rest of us have to work for it and they should too.
The federal government assumes that your parents will pay for your education until you are 24!!! I had to provide for myself from 16 and contribute to my family's income in order to pay the bills... Furthermore, when I moved out, my parents REFUSED to give me their tax info for my FAFSA preventing me from going to college for several years. There was nothing I could do. The FAFSA only makes exceptions for married students, students with children, vets, or students who can provide 3 different forms of proof that their parents are abusive!
The other thing that really bothers me about this is that there are so many scholarships for minority students! Many do not even have extrememly competative standards because they are specifically designed to help poor students go to school. There are not, however, any scholorships available for a white, just barely middle class student who is not at the top of their class. Even if said student is at the top of their class, minorities (at the top of their class) are still elligeble for the same scholarships!!
Many of the poorest people who the federal aid programs are intended to help are able to get much more assistance from alternate sources than those who are just above the poverty level and are not minorities. So no it's not fair...

Answer 4

That doesnt make any sense, nobody can legally take money out of your check to pay for college. The only way that can kind of occur is through the state and federal taxes that you pay, and then the schools receive some state or federal funding. But thats a pretty weak link, and that money rarely goes towards scholarships, but instead goes toward building buildings and staff salaries anyway.

Answer 5

I have often asked this question myself. I feel as if I am penalized for having a job and supporting myself through college. Because I make enough money to survive on, I am not eligible for grants. Yet the taxes I pay make it possible for people who don't work to get those grants. It seems like a very circular situation. I would have to quit working for a year and live in poverty to be eligible for grants, and of course I would not be paying as much money in taxes. It's enough to make you crazy. I have over $15,000 in student loans that I will have to pay back, because I work and support myself, but don't make enough money to pay for school. To me, this is an example of how the middle class is squeezed in our country, but this wasn't a political question so I will let that issue lie.

Answer 6

If you are arguing that your tax dollars are going to pay for someone else college I would say no, it is not fair. Especially if you are going to a private college where you get no public subsidy yourself.

Answer 7

Come back and celebrate the tax breaks you get when you inherit your parents estate or otherwise benefit from the legacy of having come from a family that was intact and not on welfare.

And consider that social and financial aide for college is one way that these poor people will be able to increase their chances of earning enough to contribute to our social security.

Answer 8

I am going to college for free, and i get like 2000 free to spend every semester. Isnt that great??? but... wait....i know that someday i will have to pay for someone elses tuition.. its fair. I think its totally fair. Today for me, tomorrow for you!!

Answer 9

Please elaborate. Why would money be taken from your check to pay for college?