With much talk about reintroducing student grants in the UK, this article discusses the pros and cons of such an action. What does it mean for the taxpayer? What does it mean for the student? Have your say...
Since student grants were abolished, there has always been talk of them being reintroduced. There are those who feel there is a growing gap between the middle classes & the working classes in regard to university education. Bringing back these grants would hopefully attract more students from working class backgrounds. Unfortunately, at the moment, for many the university fees are just unattainable, especially for those whose families have a history of debt problems. Through no fault of their own, they are being denied a good education.
There is also an argument that these grants are the best way to tackle to growing gap between the number of expanding places in universities and the number of student applicants. Even for those who can afford the fees, or at least get accepted for student loans, the mounting debt at the end of their courses is a big reason why many are choosing to go straight into employment from school or college. For those who do enrol at universities, the start to their working life usually consists of a minimum debt of £10,000. What kind of a start is that, we may ask?
Then there are those who do not want to see student grants reintroduced. Many of these are taxpayers who feel their hard-earned money shouldn’t be going to fund students’ bar-bills. Some feel that providing grants encourages those who would otherwise have not enrolled, to enjoy 4 years of partying and heavy drinking, with little regard for the degree at the end. By forcing students to pay out of their own pocket, they are bound to have more motivation and dedication.
Perhaps the answer lies in-between. The most intriguing solution I have heard is one where the grant is based on the degree being obtained. Much more refinement is needed, but we can say for certain that the current set-up just isn’t working.
What do you think? Add your comments & suggestions below
Monday 28 January 2008
Government Grants For Students
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6 comments:
It is very sad that student grants were abolished so that the UK could ape all that is wrong with North America. I have just shipped my daughter off to a (pretty cheap) university where the fees are around $7000 per year. Of course, this means that people from poor families cannot go to university and students acquire very large debts. No wonder the UK Conservative Party is in some trouble, you have a Conservative/right-wing government with the "Labour" Party.
I believe grants should be re-introduced: 1) to enable poorer students to attend; and 2) since they will more than amply replay the loan many times over in the form of income tax throughout their working lives.
Yes, but add one percent to the top rate of tax to those who have received them. After the system has been running for a few years the additional revenue from those who have received and benefited from them will subsidise the next generation.
I think that people lose sight of the long-term benefits of things like student grants and focus only no the initial short term negatives. Studies have consistently shown that those who have obtained degrees from university will go on to earn (and spend) much more than their counterparts who did not. Grants should be provided for those less fortunate to afford university costs
When I went to Uni, grants were still available. Unfortunately, I spent most of my time there drinking and partying. I think not having to pay out of my own pocket contributed to that & I have since enrolled on a few courses to do what I should have done originally.
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government grants for education there are many scholarship program at every level of educational field. There are also guaranteed student loans to assist those seeking further education. Many colleges and universities offer scholarships based on need of academic achievement and for sports.
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zada
Well, I think that if you're in serious debt, you should get in touch with a company which provides expert debt advice on various solutions to become debt free, and which doesn't take any money for it, like a not for profit organization.
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