What if getting a college degree didn’t come with a lifetime of debt? Imagine if anyone could attend a public university without worrying about the cost. Today, we're diving into the debate over whether all public higher education in the U.S. should be free.

Welcome to your Dinner Table Debates Daily Deep Dive, where we explore real topics from our decks and give you everything you need to debate, in under 10 minutes. Today's topic is "All public higher education in the US should be free," and it comes from the Society category in our Full Size Essentials Collection deck. Let's dig in.

Let's take a stroll down memory lane. Imagine it's 1950. If you wanted to attend a public university, you’d pay around $150 a year. Adjusted for inflation, that's about $1,800 in today’s money—pretty reasonable, right? Fast forward to 1960, and that cost nudged up a bit to about $250. By 1975, it was $600, which might seem like a lot compared to the ‘50s, but still quite manageable.

Then came the ‘80s and ‘90s, when things started to change rapidly. In 1985, the cost was around $1,250 a year, and by 1995, it had doubled to about $2,500. Fast forward to today, and the average in-state tuition at a public four-year college is over $10,000 annually. That's a staggering increase, far outpacing inflation and the growth in wages.

This rapid rise in tuition costs has left many students and families struggling to keep up. As a result, student loan debt in the U.S. has soared, now totaling over $1.7 trillion. More than 43 million Americans are carrying student loans, and many face decades of repayment.

The idea of free public higher education isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the impact on people’s lives. This debate is crucial because education is a key factor in economic mobility and social equity. Access to higher education can open doors to better job opportunities and higher incomes. However, the rising cost of college has made it inaccessible to many, exacerbating income inequality. Understanding this debate helps us consider how society can best invest in its future and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to succeed.

1. Economic Mobility and Equity

Free public higher education would provide opportunities for all students, regardless of their financial background. This could reduce income inequality and help low-income students break the cycle of poverty. Research shows that a college degree significantly increases earning potential, with college graduates earning, on average, 67% more than those with only a high school diploma.

2. Reducing Student Debt

The current system burdens students with massive debt that can take decades to repay. Free public higher education would alleviate this burden, allowing graduates to start their careers and lives without the weight of student loans. This, in turn, can stimulate the economy, as graduates have more disposable income to spend on housing, cars, and other goods.

3. Boosting the Economy

An educated workforce is essential for a strong economy. By investing in free public higher education, the government would be investing in the future of the country. A more educated population can lead to higher productivity, innovation, and economic growth. Countries with high levels of education tend to have stronger economies and better standards of living.

1. High Costs for Taxpayers

Making public higher education free would require a significant increase in government spending, funded by taxpayers. Estimates suggest that the cost could be hundreds of billions of dollars per year. This money could be better spent on o...