Dear Future President,

I am writing to you because I am concerned about our future generations college education experience, and I think as the President of the United States, you are able to do something about our nation's difficult situation. I am a 14 year old girl in high school that plans to go to college. However, I am concerned about the problem that our college students are facing massive debt because of the high costs of higher education and lack of financial aid. The average amount owed by students with a bachelor's degree at graduation in 1992 was $10,000. That cost has risen to a whopping $40,000 in 2013.

I have read about your plans to make college tuition free for families that make up to $125,000 income, and I think this is a great start! I have two older sisters who are also about to go to college, and I don't want my parents to have to take money out of their retirement fund because we want to go to college. I also don't want my sisters and I to be in debt for years after we leave college because of the expensive plans the government has set up for college students. In 2010, the amount of total student loan debt in America reached $830 Billion. That's insane! I don't think making it this expensive is very encouraging for people who are unsure about whether or not they want a higher education. I am glad you realize this and plan to change it.

You also say that your plan will be fully paid for by limiting certain tax expenditures for high income taxpayers, and I think this is a great idea, but I think we are going to need more sources of money to fulfill your plan. You're talking about making college free for millions of americans, and I can only imagine how much funding that will need. College is important because with more educated minds, we can change the world. Also if more people go to college they will be paid more, further stabilizing our economy and making the american dream a reality. For employers, a degree or certificate means greater expertise, something they're willing to pay more for. And when everyone is payed more, everyone is happy!

I know it seems impossible, but it's something that has to change, because many americans want to go to college but just can't afford it. What does that say about our country? What happened to the american dream? I think this is one of the biggest issues our nation is facing right now, and it's time to face it head on.

Sincerely,

Eliza