Higher Education Is Not Saved by Making Study More Expensive

Introducing tuition fees for higher education is not the solution to saving the sector, argues Annu Suvilehto, a board member of the National Union of Students in Finland (SAMOK). The proposal, put forth by economist Vesa Vihriälä, is based on the flawed assumption that all degrees lead to well-paying jobs. In reality, many graduates, particularly from universities of applied sciences in fields like social work, enter professions with modest salary progression.

Suvilehto contends that not all students have parents who can afford to finance their studies, nor can students take on significantly more debt. The current system, which heavily relies on student loans, already generates considerable uncertainty. Imposing tuition fees would inevitably discourage potential students and further lower the overall educational attainment level.

"When the goal is to dismantle barriers, the solution cannot be to raise the price," Suvilehto states. She emphasizes that instead of making education more expensive, efforts should focus on removing existing obstacles to access. The current approach, she argues, is counterproductive to the aim of broadening educational opportunities and ensuring a skilled workforce for all sectors of society.

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When the goal is to dismantle barriers, the solution cannot be to raise the price.