* Economic Growth: A highly educated workforce is essential for a thriving economy. Government funding increases access to education, leading to a more skilled workforce capable of innovation and higher productivity. This translates to higher tax revenue and economic growth in the long run.
* Social Mobility: Post-secondary education is a powerful tool for social mobility, allowing individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to improve their economic prospects and break cycles of poverty. Government funding helps level the playing field and ensures that opportunity isn't solely determined by socioeconomic status.
* Reduced Inequality: By making post-secondary education more accessible, government funding helps reduce income inequality. A more educated population leads to a more equitable distribution of wealth and opportunity.
* National Security: A well-educated population is crucial for national security. Investment in STEM fields, for example, is essential for technological advancement and national competitiveness. Government funding helps ensure a sufficient supply of skilled professionals in critical areas.
* Improved Public Health: Higher education contributes to advancements in healthcare, leading to better public health outcomes. Funding research and training healthcare professionals are crucial elements of this.
* Increased Civic Engagement: A more educated citizenry is generally more engaged in civic life and better equipped to participate in democratic processes. This leads to a stronger and more informed democracy.
* Positive Externalities: The benefits of education extend beyond the individual. A more educated population contributes to a more innovative society, improved infrastructure, and stronger communities. These are "positive externalities" – benefits that aren't fully captured by the individual student but accrue to society as a whole.
It's important to note that these arguments don't necessarily imply that *all* post-secondary education should be free. Different models of funding, such as grants, loans, and scholarships, can be employed to achieve a balance between accessibility and fiscal responsibility. The debate often revolves around the *level* and *type* of government intervention, not necessarily the principle of government involvement itself.