thesis statement for free college education

25 Thesis Statement Examples

thesis statement examples and definition, explained below

A thesis statement is needed in an essay or dissertation . There are multiple types of thesis statements – but generally we can divide them into expository and argumentative. An expository statement is a statement of fact (common in expository essays and process essays) while an argumentative statement is a statement of opinion (common in argumentative essays and dissertations). Below are examples of each.

Strong Thesis Statement Examples

school uniforms and dress codes, explained below

1. School Uniforms

“Mandatory school uniforms should be implemented in educational institutions as they promote a sense of equality, reduce distractions, and foster a focused and professional learning environment.”

Best For: Argumentative Essay or Debate

Read More: School Uniforms Pros and Cons

nature vs nurture examples and definition

2. Nature vs Nurture

“This essay will explore how both genetic inheritance and environmental factors equally contribute to shaping human behavior and personality.”

Best For: Compare and Contrast Essay

3. American Dream

“The American Dream, a symbol of opportunity and success, is increasingly elusive in today’s socio-economic landscape, revealing deeper inequalities in society.”

Best For: Persuasive Essay

4. Social Media

“Social media has revolutionized communication and societal interactions, but it also presents significant challenges related to privacy, mental health, and misinformation.”

Best For: Expository Essay

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Social Media

5. Globalization

“Globalization has created a world more interconnected than ever before, yet it also amplifies economic disparities and cultural homogenization.”

6. Urbanization

“Urbanization drives economic growth and social development, but it also poses unique challenges in sustainability and quality of life.”

7. Immigration

“Immigration enriches receiving countries culturally and economically, outweighing any perceived social or economic burdens.”

8. Cultural Identity

“In a globalized world, maintaining distinct cultural identities is crucial for preserving cultural diversity and fostering global understanding, despite the challenges of assimilation and homogenization.”

Best For: Argumentative Essay

Read More: Learn about Cultural Identity

technology examples and definition explained below

9. Technology

“Medical technologies in care institutions in Toronto has increased subjcetive outcomes for patients with chronic pain.”

Best For: Research Paper

10. Capitalism vs Socialism

“The debate between capitalism and socialism centers on balancing economic freedom and inequality, each presenting distinct approaches to resource distribution and social welfare.”

cultural heritage examples and definition

11. Cultural Heritage

“The preservation of cultural heritage is essential, not only for cultural identity but also for educating future generations, outweighing the arguments for modernization and commercialization.”

pseudoscience examples and definition, explained below

12. Pseudoscience

“Pseudoscience, characterized by a lack of empirical support, continues to influence public perception and decision-making, often at the expense of scientific credibility.”

13. Free Will

“The concept of free will is largely an illusion, with human behavior and decisions predominantly determined by biological and environmental factors.”

14. Gender Roles

“Traditional gender roles are outdated and harmful, restricting individual freedoms and perpetuating gender inequalities in modern society.”

Read More: What are Traditional Gender Roles?

work-life balance examples and definition, explained below

15. Work-Life Ballance

“The trend to online and distance work in the 2020s led to improved subjective feelings of work-life balance but simultaneously increased self-reported loneliness.”

16. Universal Healthcare

“Universal healthcare is a fundamental human right and the most effective system for ensuring health equity and societal well-being, outweighing concerns about government involvement and costs.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Universal Healthcare

17. Minimum Wage

“The implementation of a fair minimum wage is vital for reducing economic inequality, yet it is often contentious due to its potential impact on businesses and employment rates.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Raising the Minimum Wage

18. Homework

“The homework provided throughout this semester has enabled me to achieve greater self-reflection, identify gaps in my knowledge, and reinforce those gaps through spaced repetition.”

Best For: Reflective Essay

Read More: Reasons Homework Should be Banned

charter schools vs public schools, explained below

19. Charter Schools

“Charter schools offer alternatives to traditional public education, promising innovation and choice but also raising questions about accountability and educational equity.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Charter Schools

20. Effects of the Internet

“The Internet has drastically reshaped human communication, access to information, and societal dynamics, generally with a net positive effect on society.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of the Internet

affirmative action example and definition, explained below

21. Affirmative Action

“Affirmative action is essential for rectifying historical injustices and achieving true meritocracy in education and employment, contrary to claims of reverse discrimination.”

Best For: Essay

Read More: Affirmative Action Pros and Cons

soft skills examples and definition, explained below

22. Soft Skills

“Soft skills, such as communication and empathy, are increasingly recognized as essential for success in the modern workforce, and therefore should be a strong focus at school and university level.”

23. Moral Panic

“Moral panic, often fueled by media and cultural anxieties, can lead to exaggerated societal responses that sometimes overlook rational analysis and evidence.”

24. Freedom of the Press

“Freedom of the press is critical for democracy and informed citizenship, yet it faces challenges from censorship, media bias, and the proliferation of misinformation.”

Read More: Freedom of the Press Examples

25. Mass Media

“Mass media shapes public opinion and cultural norms, but its concentration of ownership and commercial interests raise concerns about bias and the quality of information.”

Best For: Critical Analysis

Checklist: How to use your Thesis Statement

✅ Position: If your statement is for an argumentative or persuasive essay, or a dissertation, ensure it takes a clear stance on the topic. ✅ Specificity: It addresses a specific aspect of the topic, providing focus for the essay. ✅ Conciseness: Typically, a thesis statement is one to two sentences long. It should be concise, clear, and easily identifiable. ✅ Direction: The thesis statement guides the direction of the essay, providing a roadmap for the argument, narrative, or explanation. ✅ Evidence-based: While the thesis statement itself doesn’t include evidence, it sets up an argument that can be supported with evidence in the body of the essay. ✅ Placement: Generally, the thesis statement is placed at the end of the introduction of an essay.

Try These AI Prompts – Thesis Statement Generator!

One way to brainstorm thesis statements is to get AI to brainstorm some for you! Try this AI prompt:

💡 AI PROMPT FOR EXPOSITORY THESIS STATEMENT I am writing an essay on [TOPIC] and these are the instructions my teacher gave me: [INSTUCTIONS]. I want you to create an expository thesis statement that doesn’t argue a position, but demonstrates depth of knowledge about the topic.

💡 AI PROMPT FOR ARGUMENTATIVE THESIS STATEMENT I am writing an essay on [TOPIC] and these are the instructions my teacher gave me: [INSTRUCTIONS]. I want you to create an argumentative thesis statement that clearly takes a position on this issue.

💡 AI PROMPT FOR COMPARE AND CONTRAST THESIS STATEMENT I am writing a compare and contrast essay that compares [Concept 1] and [Concept2]. Give me 5 potential single-sentence thesis statements that remain objective.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons

Is free college a good idea? Increasingly, evidence says yes

Subscribe to the brown center on education policy newsletter, douglas n. harris douglas n. harris nonresident senior fellow - governance studies , brown center on education policy , professor and chair, department of economics - tulane university @douglasharris99.

May 10, 2021

10 min read

In just a few short years, the idea of free college has moved from a radical idea to mainstream Democratic thinking. President Biden made free college one of his core campaign planks , and one that the first lady has been promoting for years. In his recent address to Congress, the president also signaled that he is ready for legislative action on a scaled-back version of the idea as part of his American Families Plan .

Two weeks ago, the nonprofit College Promise (CP)—led by Martha Kanter, who served as President Obama’s undersecretary for education—also released a proposal that will influence the free college debate. (Full disclosure: I previously advised the Biden campaign and presently advise CP, but have received no compensation for these efforts.)

In today’s polarized environment, the free college idea stands out for its bipartisan support. A majority of self-identified Republicans has supported the notion of free college in some polls. In fact, one of the first such statewide programs was put in place by Bill Haslam, the former Republican governor of Tennessee. While this could go the way of Obamacare, which faced strong GOP congressional opposition despite the law’s origins with Republican Mitt Romney, free college seems different. Biden’s latest plan only applies to community colleges, which focus on career and vocational education of the sort Republicans support, as opposed to universities, which many Republicans view as hostile battlegrounds in a culture war.

But I am less interested in the politics than the evidence of effectiveness. I have studied college access for many years and run two randomized control trials of financial aid , which produced some of the first causal evidence on free college in Milwaukee. Two years ago, Brookings released the first installment of the Milwaukee work, which I carried out with a team of researchers. Since then, we have collected more data and learned more about how students responded over time. Below, I summarize our just-released study (co-authored with Jonathan Mills), compare our results to other financial aid programs, and then discuss implications for the Biden and CP proposals. Consequently, I conclude that the evidence increasingly favors free college and “open access aid” more generally.

What Did We Learn in Milwaukee?

I developed The Degree Project (TDP) in 2009 as a demonstration program in partnership between the nonprofit Ascendium (then known as the Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation and Affiliates) and Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). TDP offered all first-time 9 th graders in half of MPS high schools $12,000 for college as “last-dollar” aid. Students could use the funds for college if they graduated from high school on time with a GPA of 2.5 and a class attendance rate of 90%. Also, as is the norm with free college programs, students had to fill out the FAFSA and have at least one dollar of unmet need. The aid could be used to attend any of the 66 public, in-state, two- or four-year colleges in Wisconsin. Ascendium provided up to $31 million to fund the grant and, as the main program administrator, sent regular letters to remind students about the program and its requirements. The organization also worked with school counselors to support students becoming eligible for the funds and preparing for college.

TDP was announced to students in the fall of 2011. Using anonymized data, we then tracked students’ high school, college, and life outcomes for eight years, and we recently received data extending through when students were roughly 22 years old. As a rare randomized trial, we could estimate the effects by comparing the control and treatment group outcomes. Here is what we found:

For students who met the performance requirements, the program increased graduation from two-year colleges by 3 percentage points . This might seem small, but the denominator here is comprised of low-income 9 th graders. Half of the control group did not even graduate from high school, let alone college. The effect amounts to a 25% increase in two-year degrees.
The framing and design of the program as free two-year college changed student decisions in ways consistent with what free college advocates suggest. The $12,000 maximum award amount was selected because it was sufficient to cover tuition and fees for a two-year college degree. The fact that TDP made two-year college free, but only reduced the cost of four-year college, was clearly communicated to students. This appears to explain one of our main results: Student enrollments shifted from four-year to two-year colleges. This is noteworthy given that students could use the funds at either two- or four-year colleges. In fact, students likely would have been able to use more of the $12,000 if they had shifted to four-year colleges. The only plausible reason for shifting to two-year colleges is that they were really attracted to the idea of free college.
The “early commitment” nature of the program had some modest positive effects on some high school outcomes . Students learned about TDP in their 9 th grade year, giving them time to change their high school behaviors and college plans. Although it did not improve high school academic achievement, we find that TDP increased college expectations and the steps students took to prepare for college. TDP recipients also reported working harder because of the program (even though this did not show up in the academic measures). This highlights the fact that free college might also help address not only college-going rates, but the long-term stagnancy in high school outcomes.
The merit requirements undermined the program’s effectiveness . Though the 2.5 GPA and 90% attendance and other requirements were arguably modest, only 21% of eligible students ended up meeting them. So, they ended up excluding many students. We also tested the two main ways that the merit requirements could have been helpful: (a) merit requirements might provide incentives for students to work hard during high school and better prepare for college, and (b) merit requirements might target aid to students who respond to it most. We find no evidence of either benefit. While students did work harder (see point [3] above), this appears to be due to other elements of the program, not the merit requirements.

Overall, these results suggest that aid is most effective when it is “open access”—that is, aid with early commitment and free college framing, but no merit requirements.

What about the evidence beyond Milwaukee?

Our study also reviews other research on financial aid, including federal aid, state merit aid programs, and the newer “promise scholarship” programs that mimic free college. Our study is not alone in finding that financial aid improves student outcomes. In fact, the vast majority of the most rigorous studies find positive effects on college attendance and college graduation. Given the strong average benefits of college, we can expect follow-up studies to show effects on employment earnings, voting, and other outcomes.

What about the costs? Open access aid is more expensive to be sure. More students receive aid and the aid levels per students are larger than traditional financial aid. Is it worth it? Our analysis suggests it is. We carried out new cost-benefit analyses of multiple programs, including TDP, but also other actively studied programs in: Kalamazoo, Michigan; Knox County, Tennessee; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and one statewide program in Nebraska. We also used estimates of the average effects of aid taken from prior literature reviews. All of these programs pass a cost-benefit test. That is, the effects on college outcomes, and the effects of college outcomes on future earnings, is much larger than the cost to the government and society as a whole. Moreover, it appears that benefits-per-dollar-of-cost are at least as high with open access aid as with more restricted programs. This means that open access aid provides greater total benefits to the community as a whole.

Back to the Free College Proposals

What do these results mean for President Biden’s and CP’s proposals? The table below provides a side-by-side comparison. The main difference is the level of detail. This reflects that the CP plan was designed to align with, and flesh out, the Biden campaign proposal. Perhaps the only substantive difference is that the CP proposal (and the Milwaukee program) includes private colleges. The Biden campaign documents exclude private colleges, though the American Families Plan just says “free community college,” signaling alignment with the CP plan. Both proposals are clearly in the category of open access aid.

There are numerous similarities between these provisions and the Milwaukee program that my team and I studied. All three programs make two-year college free (or nearly so) for all students without income requirements and through early commitment of aid. All three require the FAFSA and high school graduation. Importantly, unlike both the Biden and CP proposals, the Milwaukee program had merit requirements, which undermined its success. This is partly why our evidence is so relevant to the current debate.

Some might wonder why the president has scaled back the proposal to just free community college. This reflects that the idea of free college—even the “scaled back” version—is such a marked departure from past policy, especially at the federal level. Free community college alone would still be arguably the largest shift in federal higher education policy in the past half-century.

Caveats and Concluding Thoughts

We cannot make policy from evidence alone, but it can and should play a key role. Sometimes, policy ideas have such limited evidence of effectiveness that it is difficult to make any plausible case for a large-scale, national program. In other cases, there is enough promise for pilot studies and competitive grants to establish efficacy. With free college, we seem to be well beyond that point. In addition to decades of results on general financial aid programs, we have a growing number of studies on state and local programs that all show positive evidence—the “laboratory of democracy” at work. The idea of a large, federal free-college program therefore has more and more credibility.

A decade ago, it was not at all obvious that this is what the evidence would show. There was really no evidence on free college programs when we started this project back in 2009. Also, there were good reasons to expect that such a large increase in aid would suffer from “diminishing returns”—the idea that the next dollar is less effective than the previous one. This could have made free college more costly than the benefits could justify. Now, we know better.

I do still worry a bit about other factors and challenges. For example, the above analyses can only capture the immediate effects of financial aid, yet a federal free college program is such a marked departure in policy that it could alter political and market forces operating on higher education in unpredictable ways, perhaps even lowering college spending and quality. Also, if the proposal remains focused on community colleges, then this will shift students out of four-year colleges and into colleges that currently have very low completion rates. There are also other ways to increase college affordability and access that do not require free college (e.g., increased Pell Grants and income-based loan repayment), some of which target funds more narrowly to the most disadvantaged students. And there are many details to be worked out as the president’s allies in Congress try to generate sufficient support without (a) sacrificing core principles, or (b) creating new problems that can arise when grafting new federal programs on to widely varying state contexts.

Still, it is not often that an idea comes around that addresses a widely acknowledged problem and has both research support and a fair degree of bipartisan political support. The stars seem aligned to make some form of national free college a reality. The more evidence we see, the more that would seem to be a step forward.

Why College Should not Be Free:

Categories: College Tuition

About this sample

Words: 1365 |

Published: Dec 16, 2021

Words: 1365 | Pages: 3 | 7 min read

Works Cited

Hill, Catharine. “Free Tuition Is Not the Answer.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 30 Nov. 2015, https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/30/opinion/free-tuition-is-not-the-answer.html.
Neelakantan, Shailaja. “Does Free College Come with Trade-Offs?” Education Dive, 12 Aug. 2019, https://www.educationdive.com/news/does-free-college-come-with-trade-offs/560729
“Should College Be Free?” The New York Times, The New York Times, https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2016/01/20/should-college-be-free/the-problem-is-that-free-college-isnt-free.
Turner, Cory. “If 'Free College' Sounds Too Good To Be True, That's Because It Often Is.” NPR, NPR, 12 Sept. 2018, https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2018/09/12/643673271/if-free-college-sounds-too-good-to-be-true-that-s-because-it-often-is.

Should follow an “upside down” triangle format, meaning, the writer should start off broad and introduce the text and author or topic being discussed, and then get more specific to the thesis statement.

Provides a foundational overview, outlining the historical context and introducing key information that will be further explored in the essay, setting the stage for the argument to follow.

Cornerstone of the essay, presenting the central argument that will be elaborated upon and supported with evidence and analysis throughout the rest of the paper.

The topic sentence serves as the main point or focus of a paragraph in an essay, summarizing the key idea that will be discussed in that paragraph.

The body of each paragraph builds an argument in support of the topic sentence, citing information from sources as evidence.

After each piece of evidence is provided, the author should explain HOW and WHY the evidence supports the claim.

Should follow a right side up triangle format, meaning, specifics should be mentioned first such as restating the thesis, and then get more broad about the topic at hand. Lastly, leave the reader with something to think about and ponder once they are done reading.

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Education Should Be Free for Everyone

In my argumentative essay, I discuss the ethical side of having a free education system. I discuss the positive sides and the negative sides of free education, and I focus mostly on having free higher education since we already have free education up to High School graduation levels. I conclude with a discussion about the actions of colleges and Universities and how they would inevitably make the ethical discussion mute from a student’s perceptive since the burden of ethics would fall upon higher education institutions in a world where they are given plenty of incentive to act immorally.

From an ethical perspective, it seems unfair that people who have less money are going to miss more opportunities. Ethically, opportunities should be open for all people. Though it may be true that the availability of an opportunity shouldn’t guarantee that a person receives that opportunity, the opportunity shouldn’t be ruled out. For example, all people should be able to become qualified to work in air traffic control, and even though a blind person is hardly guaranteed such a job position, the opportunity shouldn’t be ruled out as a default. Free education, especially free higher education, may open up a series of opportunities that some people would otherwise be unable to enjoy, and even if those opportunities are not guaranteed, they shouldn’t be ruled out by default, which is what happens when some people cannot use higher education for financial reasons. (Flood, 2014)

Some people are going to use free education as a way of getting out of work and as a way of doing nothing with their lives. Students up to the final year in High School are unable to get full-time jobs and live independently on their wages, which is why their education should be free. However, when a person is able to get a full-time job and live independently, he or she may get out of working by living on the education system. Even if the qualifications are free and not the living expenses, a person may still claim a slew of benefits and receive no incentive to ever get a job because he or she remains in the education system for years and years. (Gritz, 2010)

If all forms of education are free for students, then it becomes very easy for a person to waste his or her life on meaningless education. The decision to get into thousands upon thousands of dollars of debt in order to pursue a career should be agonizing and very difficult so as to make the student think long and hard about the decision. If all education is free, then less thought is required, and students may waste years of their life studying for qualifications that they do not need or even want. (Kamenetz, 2016)

If a student is genuinely looking for higher education and is not looking for a reason to do nothing and mess around for years by exploiting other people’s tax money through free education, then such a person may enjoy a longer education process. For example, a student taking a series of law qualifications is going to need five to seven years of education, which is also very expensive. If the cost of the qualification were removed, such a person may be able to take up jobs on an intermittent basis, stretch out his or her qualification duration, and take longer to gain said qualifications in a more comfortable manner. Instead of having to spend years as a low-income student while building debt, such a student may spend longer on a qualification and work while studying so that he or she may enjoy a more comfortable education experience. Plus, all of this would occur who the pressure of accumulating student debt. (The Leadership Institute, 2018)

Despite the ethical upsides and downsides that come with free education for students, it is sadly the Universities and colleges that will spoil it. These days, student loans are very easy to get, and this has resulted in colleges and Universities putting their prices up to almost scandalous levels, and it has resulted in colleges and Universities creating courses that add no real value for people wishing to join the workforce. If colleges and Universities were being fully funded by tax dollars, they would encourage students to join with a whole host of silly and frivolous programs because the quality of education would no longer matter or apply. (Fox, 2006).

Bibliography

Flood, Alison. “US students request ‘trigger warnings’ on literature.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 19 May 2014, www.theguardian.com/books/2014/may/19/us-students-request-trigger-warnings-in-literature.

Fox News, http://www.foxnews.com/story/2006/09/01/why-does-college-cost-so-much-and-is-it-worth-it.html 2006

Gritz, Jennie Rothenberg. “What’s Wrong with the American University System.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 28 July 2010, www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2010/07/whats-wrong-with-the-american-university-system/60458/.

Kamenetz, Anya. “How College Aid Is Like A Bad Coupon.” NPR, NPR, 17 Sept. 2016, www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/09/17/492973995/how-college-aid-is-like-a-bad-coupon.

The Leadership Institute. “Why are colleges so liberal?” Leadership Institute, www.leadershipinstitute.org/crazycolleges/. 2018

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Student Loans
Paying for College

Should College Be Free? The Pros and Cons

thesis statement for free college education

Types of Publicly Funded College Tuition Programs

Pros: why college should be free, cons: why college should not be free, what the free college debate means for students, how to cut your college costs now, frequently asked questions (faqs).

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Americans have been debating the wisdom of free college for decades, and more than 30 states now offer some type of free college program. But it wasn't until 2021 that a nationwide free college program came close to becoming reality, re-energizing a longstanding debate over whether or not free college is a good idea.

And despite a setback for the free-college advocates, the idea is still in play. The Biden administration's free community college proposal was scrapped from the American Families Plan . But close observers say that similar proposals promoting free community college have drawn solid bipartisan support in the past. "Community colleges are one of the relatively few areas where there's support from both Republicans and Democrats," said Tulane economics professor Douglas N. Harris, who has previously consulted with the Biden administration on free college, in an interview with The Balance.

To get a sense of the various arguments for and against free college, as well as the potential impacts on U.S. students and taxpayers, The Balance combed through studies investigating the design and implementation of publicly funded free tuition programs and spoke with several higher education policy experts. Here's what we learned about the current debate over free college in the U.S.—and more about how you can cut your college costs or even get free tuition through existing programs.

Key Takeaways

Research shows free tuition programs encourage more students to attend college and increase graduation rates, which creates a better-educated workforce and higher-earning consumers who can help boost the economy.
Some programs are criticized for not paying students’ non-tuition expenses, not benefiting students who need assistance most, or steering students toward community college instead of four-year programs.
If you want to find out about free programs in your area, the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education has a searchable database. You’ll find the link further down in this article.

Before diving into the weeds of the free college debate, it's important to note that not all free college programs are alike. Most publicly funded tuition assistance programs are restricted to the first two years of study, typically at community colleges. Free college programs also vary widely in the ways they’re designed, funded, and structured:

Last-dollar tuition-free programs : These programs cover any remaining tuition after a student has used up other financial aid , such as Pell Grants. Most state-run free college programs fall into this category. However, these programs don’t typically help with room and board or other expenses.
First-dollar tuition-free programs : These programs pay for students' tuition upfront, although they’re much rarer than last-dollar programs. Any remaining financial aid that a student receives can then be applied to other expenses, such as books and fees. The California College Promise Grant is a first-dollar program because it waives enrollment fees for eligible students.
Debt-free programs : These programs pay for all of a student's college expenses , including room and board, guaranteeing that they can graduate debt-free. But they’re also much less common, likely due to their expense.

Proponents often argue that publicly funded college tuition programs eventually pay for themselves, in part by giving students the tools they need to find better jobs and earn higher incomes than they would with a high school education. The anticipated economic impact, they suggest, should help ease concerns about the costs of public financing education. Here’s a closer look at the arguments for free college programs.

A More Educated Workforce Benefits the Economy

Morley Winograd, President of the Campaign for Free College Tuition, points to the economic and tax benefits that result from the higher wages of college grads. "For government, it means more revenue," said Winograd in an interview with The Balance—the more a person earns, the more they will likely pay in taxes . In addition, "the country's economy gets better because the more skilled the workforce this country has, the better [it’s] able to compete globally." Similarly, local economies benefit from a more highly educated, better-paid workforce because higher earners have more to spend. "That's how the economy grows," Winograd explained, “by increasing disposable income."

According to Harris, the return on a government’s investment in free college can be substantial. "The additional finding of our analysis was that these things seem to consistently pass a cost-benefit analysis," he said. "The benefits seem to be at least double the cost in the long run when we look at the increased college attainment and the earnings that go along with that, relative to the cost and the additional funding and resources that go into them."

Free College Programs Encourage More Students to Attend

Convincing students from underprivileged backgrounds to take a chance on college can be a challenge, particularly when students are worried about overextending themselves financially. But free college programs tend to have more success in persuading students to consider going, said Winograd, in part because they address students' fears that they can't afford higher education . "People who wouldn't otherwise think that they could go to college, or who think the reason they can't is [that] it's too expensive, [will] stop, pay attention, listen, decide it's an opportunity they want to take advantage of, and enroll," he said.

According to Harris, students also appear to like the certainty and simplicity of the free college message. "They didn't want to have to worry that next year they were not going to have enough money to pay their tuition bill," he said. "They don't know what their finances are going to look like a few months down the road, let alone next year, and it takes a while to get a degree. So that matters."

Free college programs can also help send "a clear and tangible message" to students and their families that a college education is attainable for them, said Michelle Dimino, an Education Director with Third Way. This kind of messaging is especially important to first-generation and low-income students, she said.

Free College Increases Graduation Rates and Financial Security

Free tuition programs appear to improve students’ chances of completing college. For example, Harris noted that his research found a meaningful link between free college tuition and higher graduation rates. "What we found is that it did increase college graduation at the two-year college level, so more students graduated than otherwise would have."

Free college tuition programs also give people a better shot at living a richer, more comfortable life, say advocates. "It's almost an economic necessity to have some college education," noted Winograd. Similar to the way a high school diploma was viewed as crucial in the 20th century, employees are now learning that they need at least two years of college to compete in a global, information-driven economy. "Free community college is a way of making that happen quickly, effectively, and essentially," he explained.

Free community college isn’t a universally popular idea. While many critics point to the potential costs of funding such programs, others identify issues with the effectiveness and fairness of current attempts to cover students’ college tuition. Here’s a closer look at the concerns about free college programs.

It Would Be Too Expensive

The idea of free community college has come under particular fire from critics who worry about the cost of social spending. Since community colleges aren't nearly as expensive as four-year colleges—often costing thousands of dollars a year—critics argue that individuals can often cover their costs using other forms of financial aid . But, they point out, community college costs would quickly add up when paid for in bulk through a free college program: Biden’s proposed free college plan would have cost $49.6 billion in its first year, according to an analysis from Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. Some opponents argue that the funds could be put to better use in other ways, particularly by helping students complete their degrees.

Free College Isn't Really Free

One of the most consistent concerns that people have voiced about free college programs is that they don’t go far enough. Even if a program offers free tuition, students will need to find a way to pay for other college-related expenses , such as books, room and board, transportation, high-speed internet, and, potentially, child care. "Messaging is such a key part of this," said Dimino. Students "may apply or enroll in college, understanding it's going to be free, but then face other unexpected charges along the way."

It's important for policymakers to consider these factors when designing future free college programs. Otherwise, Dimino and other observers fear that students could potentially wind up worse off if they enroll and invest in attending college and then are forced to drop out due to financial pressures.

Free College Programs Don’t Help the Students Who Need Them Most

Critics point out that many free college programs are limited by a variety of quirks and restrictions, which can unintentionally shut out deserving students or reward wealthier ones. Most state-funded free college programs are last-dollar programs, which don’t kick in until students have applied financial aid to their tuition. That means these programs offer less support to low-income students who qualify for need-based aid—and more support for higher-income students who don’t.

Community College May Not Be the Best Path for All Students

Some critics also worry that all students will be encouraged to attend community college when some would have been better off at a four-year institution. Four-year colleges tend to have more resources than community colleges and can therefore offer more support to high-need students.

In addition, some research has shown that students at community colleges are less likely to be academically successful than students at four-year colleges, said Dimino. "Statistically, the data show that there are poorer outcomes for students at community colleges […] such as lower graduation rates and sometimes low transfer rates from two- to four-year schools."

With Congress focused on other priorities, a nationwide free college program is unlikely to happen anytime soon. However, some states and municipalities offer free tuition programs, so students may be able to access some form of free college, depending on where they live. A good resource is the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education’s searchable database of Promise Programs , which lists more than 100 free community college programs, though the majority are limited to California residents.

In the meantime, school leaders and policymakers may shift their focus to other access and equity interventions for low-income students. For example, higher education experts Eileen Strempel and Stephen Handel published a book in 2021 titled "Beyond Free College: Making Higher Education Work for 21st Century Students." The book argues that policymakers should focus more strongly on college completion, not just college access. "There hasn't been enough laser-focus on how we actually get people to complete their degrees," noted Strempel in an interview with The Balance.

Rather than just improving access for low-income college students, Strempel and Handel argue that decision-makers should instead look more closely at the social and economic issues that affect students , such as food and housing insecurity, child care, transportation, and personal technology. For example, "If you don't have a computer, you don't have access to your education anymore," said Strempel. "It's like today's pencil."

Saving money on college costs can be challenging, but you can take steps to reduce your cost of living. For example, if you're interested in a college but haven't yet enrolled, pay close attention to where it's located and how much residents typically pay for major expenses, such as housing, utilities, and food. If the college is located in a high-cost area, it could be tough to justify the living expenses you'll incur. Similarly, if you plan to commute, take the time to check gas or public transportation prices and calculate how much you'll likely have to spend per month to go to and from campus several times a week.

Now that more colleges offer classes online, it may also be worth looking at lower-cost programs in areas that are farther from where you live, particularly if they allow you to graduate without setting foot on campus. Also, check out state and federal financial aid programs that can help you slim down your expenses, or, in some cases, pay for them completely. Finally, look into need-based and merit-based grants and scholarships that can help you cover even more of your expenses. Also, consider applying to no-loan colleges , which promise to help students graduate without going into debt.

Should community college be free?

It’s a big question with varying viewpoints. Supporters of free community college cite the economic contributions of a more educated workforce and the individual benefit of financial security, while critics caution against the potential expense and the inefficiency of last-dollar free college programs.

What states offer free college?

More than 30 states offer some type of tuition-free college program, including Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington State. The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education lists over 100 last-dollar community college programs and 16 first-dollar community college programs, though the majority are limited to California residents.

Is there a free college?

There is no such thing as a truly free college education. But some colleges offer free tuition programs for students, and more than 30 states offer some type of tuition-free college program. In addition, students may also want to check out employer-based programs. A number of big employers now offer to pay for their employees' college tuition . Finally, some students may qualify for enough financial aid or scholarships to cover most of their college costs.

Scholarships360. " Which States Offer Tuition-Free Community College? "

The White House. “ Build Back Better Framework ,” see “Bringing Down Costs, Reducing Inflationary Pressures, and Strengthening the Middle Class.”

The White House. “ Fact Sheet: How the Build Back Better Plan Will Create a Better Future for Young Americans ,” see “Education and Workforce Opportunities.”

Coast Community College District. “ California College Promise Grant .”

Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. “ The Dollars and Cents of Free College ,” see “Biden’s Free College Plan Would Pay for Itself Within 10 Years.”

Third Way. “ Why Free College Could Increase Inequality .”

Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. “ The Dollars and Cents of Free College ,” see “Free-College Programs Have Different Effects on Race and Class Equity.”

University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. “ College Promise Programs: A Comprehensive Catalog of College Promise Programs in the United States .”

The Pros and Cons of Free College Essay

Utopia in the sphere of education, the advantages of free college education, the disadvantages of free college education, works cited.

A college is a facility giving people access to receiving higher education. Today, most jobs require a degree, and individuals without it have fewer employment opportunities. A good education has become a necessity for society as it opens many paths for building a career and making a living. During the last decades, tuition fees have significantly increased due to this demand, which made education impossible to receive for millions of people. There are multiple debates about whether the government should guarantee free higher education to all the people. Proponents of this initiative assert that it would allow more students to receive a good qualification according to their interests and, in its turn, it would contribute to the improvement of the economic situation. However, many experts are concerned with the idea of such a utopia as people studying for free tend to show worse attitudes than those who pay for their education. Moreover, subsidizing free colleges becomes a burden on the taxpayers.

Education is an essential part of human life as it allows receiving new skills and knowledge to become qualified in a certain sphere. The main purpose of education is to prepare individuals for the challenges of adult life. In the ideal world, there are two basic aims of training: working and sustaining good relationships, while in reality there are still problems with both of these aspects of life. On the contrary, in Utopia, schools would be designed by specialists, caring about the main problems of people both at home and at work, and building the training on the basis of this information. In Utopia, education considers virtue and moral values to be the most important as it helps to control the behavior of its citizens within the existing social structure (More). A special committee would also have to decide on the subjects to be studied by students, depending on their needs for future life, and would include self-awareness classes and training aimed at sustaining relationships with others. The education in the Utopia would be holistic, free, and targeted at everyone, making it possible for all the people to receive equal opportunities, not depending on their race, gender, or social status.

Widening of the workforce and the improvement of the economy

The existence of free colleges in the United States and the idea of making education without charge for everyone have caused numerous debates. Proponents of this initiative state that it serves as an opportunity for more people to receive a qualification as more than 60% of jobs require post-secondary education. From this perspective, giving people a chance to become specialized in a certain area allows them to climb the social and financial ladder, which has a positive influence on the state of the country’s economy. In addition, the idea of free college “equates to accessibility and attainability, often these new programs only remove obstacles for students, or the families of students, who are already highly likely to obtain a college degree” (DiMartino 259). Numerous studies have shown that more than a half of new students who enrolled in free community college programs were coming from low-income families, and would not be able to receive a degree without this aid. Those students showed good results and later received more employment opportunities.

Moreover, free access to various educational options for all people would widen the labor market by increasing the number of trained specialists. In its turn, it would help industries to hire and train qualified personnel with a wide range of skills. In addition, free education would also help to improve the country’s economy as it would allow students to receive a degree without collecting debts, which are being returned for the next years. It would permit people to be ready to earn and invest instead of thinking about paying off debts, which would have a good impact on the economy. For example, in Tennessee, according to the estimations, student loans significantly decreased in the first year of their program. From these perspectives, the availability of free colleges helps to improve the economy of the country as it allows people, who do not have resources for receiving a good education, to become qualified.

Liquidation of injustice

Another reason supporting the idea of making education free for everyone is its contribution to the liquidation of injustice. According to Bill Haslam, who was the first governor to sign a document about making community colleges in the American state of Tennessee free, it helps to fight inequality as people receive similar opportunities due to this initiative. The standard educational system, requiring payment from students, makes it impossible for many individuals from low-income families to afford to receive a degree due to high tuition costs. People confirm that their concern about the financial side interferes with their goals. According to the statistics, “nearly 60 percent of respondents said they worry about having enough money to pay for school, while half are concerned about paying their monthly expenses” (“Financial Stress Prevents College Students from Graduating”). Due to this inequality, numerous individuals do not have a chance to make contributions to society. According to multiple studies, the counties, which have already offered free educational programs, prove that injustice has declined there, while the rates of graduation have increased. From this perspective, free tuition can contribute to the solution to the situation with societal inequality.

Focus on careers

Numerous studies have shown that many students cannot focus on their studies and future careers because they are concerned with financial issues as they struggle to find means for paying for their education. Many individuals have to find a job to earn enough money to allow receiving a degree, which leads to worse performance due to the lack of time and emotional resources. There is also a growing rate among student loans for education, which leads to people thinking about returning debts instead of making a career and contributing to society. The reason for this phenomenon is that “the increasing use of debt, as a way of paying for higher education, shifts risk to individuals and away from the government” (Glater 1580). It may become a serious obstacle as “high debt load increases the risk for college dropout” (Houle 67). In addition, according to experts, educational facilities of the future should not only provide training in the chosen sphere but help people to become better at managing their resources and make wiser borrowing decisions. From this perspective, making education free would allow students to be more focused on their studies.

Worse attitudes of students

The opponents of the initiative, aimed at making colleges free for everyone, find several problems, which represent serious disadvantages of the idea. According to their opinion, students, who are not charged with a payment, demonstrate less commitment and worse attitudes to the training process. The team at the University of Michigan organized an experiment, during which they contacted low-income, high-achieving students and told them they had four years of free tuition and fees (Sacerdote). This guarantee led to an increase in the number of students “who enrolled at the University of Michigan by 15 percentage points” (Sacerdote par. 9). Moreover, those, who use educational services for free, show less commitment to the process of learning and often become a burden for teachers as they tend to demonstrate bad behavior patterns, a lack of discipline, and interfere with the training process. It happens as they have no stimulus to take full advantage of the opportunities offered to them by colleges. Such students are often interested only in picking up a better degree, which would guarantee them a well-paying job. This attitude leads to the appearance of more inefficient specialists who cannot make a contribution to society.

Increased burden on taxpayers

Another reason, used by the opponents of the idea, is that this system shifts the financial burden from students to taxpayers and the government cannot subsidize all of them to guarantee people with equal educational opportunities. From this perspective, experts estimate that making colleges free for all the population is impossible due to its devastative impact on the economy. Subsidizing post-secondary educational facilities is expensive for the government. Investing in the sphere of education for everyone would mean that the government would have to reduce the military budget or the support of a number of other industries. It would mean that the country’s security would become less efficient and many companies, deprived of money, would suffer and, probably, would stop existing. From this perspective, making the initiative available to everyone can lead to a financial crisis and only worsen the situation.

The arguments against the idea of making colleges free can be simply rebutted with the help of specific measures. One of the solutions to the problem of the lack of commitment among students is to involve testing of their abilities before granting them access to an educational facility. Many institutions in the United States already have this requirement for their candidates. For example, colleges in Chicago demand the participants of their programs providing free tuition opportunities, to earn at least a “B” average. The practice of evaluation of students before accepting them to the facility has proven its efficiency as it allows granting options for receiving free education only to those who are ready to take full advantage of them. It leads to an increase in the quality of educational services and contributes to the growth of the number of well-trained specialists.

The government can also reconsider the financial issue as the importance of higher education is obvious for everyone and the system of free-of-charge admission has proven its efficiency in many states, as well. It is especially important today as the world is suffering from the pandemic, which has impacted all the spheres of life, including education. The situation has also demonstrated the need for training opportunities for everyone. Individuals require various options for obtaining new skills and knowledge, which can guarantee them an ability to make a living and to sustain the country’s economy, regardless of their race and social status. There are numerous measures, which can be undertaken by the government, including revaluation of its spending in different sectors and introducing policies, which would help to cope with organizations and individuals, who avoid paying taxes. These measures would help to find funds for subsidizing the sphere of education, which would provide all people with an opportunity to receive a degree and become efficient.

In conclusion, free colleges are a good initiative aimed at helping students, especially those who come from low-income families and cannot afford to receive a degree. The program allows more individuals to receive a good education and become qualified in the chosen sphere. Such a system provides people with more employment opportunities, allowing them to make a contribution to society. It also helps to fight the problem of injustice as it gives equal opportunities to all people. Moreover, the initiative stimulates the improvement of the economy as it helps to widen the workforce and receive more good specialists. However, there are several arguments used by the opponents of the idea, claiming that students, who are paid for, demonstrate less commitment and poor discipline, causing problems to teachers. Moreover, the financial perspective also interferes with the concept of nationwide free access to colleges as the government cannot subsidize all of the facilities and it would increase a burden for taxpayers. Nevertheless, there are ways for coping with these problems as there is a strong need for educational opportunities for all people, not depending on their race, gender, and social status.

DiMartino, Lauren A. The “Free College” Illusion: How State Tuition Support Programs are Widening the Opportunity Gap . Georgetown Journal on Poverty, Law, and Policy , vol. 25, no. 2, 2018, pp. 258-301.

“ Financial Stress Prevents College Students from Graduating. What Can We Do? ” Scholarship America , 2019.

Glater, Jonathan D. Student Debt and Higher Education Risk . California Law Review , vol. 103, no. 6, 2021, pp. 1561-1614.

Houle, Jason N. Disparities in Debt: Parents’ Socioeconomic Resources and Young Adult Student Loan Debt . Sociology of Education , vol. 87, no. 1, 2014.

More, Thomas. Utopia . A Norton Critical Edition. Translated and Edited by Robert M. Adams. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1992.

Sacerdote, Bruce. Opinion: Here’s the Downside of Making Community College Free . MarketWatch, 2020.

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Bibliography

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Two Opposite Worlds: "Utopia" and "1984"
“The Best State of a Republic and the New Island Utopia” by Sir Thomas Moore
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Student Opinion

Should College Be Free?

Do you think other states should follow New Mexico in making higher education tuition-free? What would that mean for society?

By Callie Holtermann

Do you plan to go to college? Are you or your family concerned about paying for it?

In the past three decades, the average cost of attending a private college in the United States has tripled — landing at around $50,000 per year.

Should college cost this much? How would our society change if college cost nothing at all?

Amid declines in enrollment , states including Texas and Michigan are experimenting with plans to reduce or eliminate tuition for many students. Starting in July, New Mexico will go a step further: It will completely cover tuition for all state residents who attend public colleges and universities.

In “ What if College Were Free? This State Is Trying to Find Out. ,” Simon Romero writes about the state’s plan, which received bipartisan approval:

As universities across the United States face steep enrollment declines , New Mexico’s government is embarking on a pioneering experiment to fight that trend: tuition-free higher education for all state residents. After President Biden’s plan for universal free community college failed to gain traction in Congress, New Mexico, one of the nation’s poorest states, has emerged with perhaps the most ambitious plans as states scramble to come up with their own initiatives. A new state law approved in a rare show of bipartisanship allocates almost 1 percent of the state’s budget toward covering tuition and fees at public colleges and universities, community colleges and tribal colleges. All state residents from new high school graduates to adults enrolling part-time will be eligible regardless of family income. The program is also open to immigrants regardless of their immigration status. Some legislators and other critics question whether there should have been income caps, and whether the state, newly flush with oil and gas revenue, can secure long-term funding to support the program beyond its first year. The legislation, which seeks to treat college as a public resource similar to primary and secondary education, takes effect in July.

The article continues:

Other states are assembling their own programs: The University of Texas System created a $300 million endowment in February that expands tuition assistance for thousands of students. Michigan provides free college to residents who were essential workers during the pandemic, while also covering tuition at community colleges for people ages 25 or older. Reflecting challenges before and during the pandemic, some initiatives have not produced the desired results. Even after California recently expanded free tuition opportunities, enrollment at its community colleges fell by nearly 15 percent in 2021 from a year earlier. The push for tuition-free higher education comes amid a broader enrollment crisis in the United States. Total undergraduate enrollment fell by 6.6 percent from 2019 to 2021, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

Students, read the entire article , then tell us:

What do you think of New Mexico’s plan to provide tuition-free college to state residents? Do you think college should be “a public resource similar to primary and secondary education,” as New Mexico is treating it? Do you think that your state should adopt a similar plan? Why or why not?

Do you want to attend college? Why or why not? How does the cost of higher education factor into your thinking?

Do you think everyone should go to college — or do you think there should be more alternatives to higher education? If so, what should they be and why?

Why do you think universities across the United States are facing declines in enrollment? Do you think plans to make college less expensive or entirely free are the right way to increase enrollment?

Do you think making college tuition-free is worth the cost? (As the article points out, the money for the first year of the New Mexico program largely comes from pandemic relief funds. After that, legislators will need to draw funds from other sources to keep the program going.) Is it more realistic to do what states like Washington and Tennessee have done and limit tuition assistance to community colleges, exclude some residents because of family income or impose conditions requiring students to work part time?

Mr. Romero describes New Mexico’s initiative as “unusually inclusive,” given that it extends free tuition to inmates, unauthorized immigrants and some Native Americans from neighboring states. Why do you think New Mexico’s legislators decided it was important to make members of these groups eligible for free tuition? What might be some of the long-term effects of free college for all?

Want more writing prompts? You can find all of our questions in our Student Opinion column . Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate them into your classroom.

Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.

Callie Holtermann joined The Learning Network as a senior news assistant in 2020. More about Callie Holtermann

The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Thesis Statements

What this handout is about.

This handout describes what a thesis statement is, how thesis statements work in your writing, and how you can craft or refine one for your draft.

Introduction

Writing in college often takes the form of persuasion—convincing others that you have an interesting, logical point of view on the subject you are studying. Persuasion is a skill you practice regularly in your daily life. You persuade your roommate to clean up, your parents to let you borrow the car, your friend to vote for your favorite candidate or policy. In college, course assignments often ask you to make a persuasive case in writing. You are asked to convince your reader of your point of view. This form of persuasion, often called academic argument, follows a predictable pattern in writing. After a brief introduction of your topic, you state your point of view on the topic directly and often in one sentence. This sentence is the thesis statement, and it serves as a summary of the argument you’ll make in the rest of your paper.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement:

tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion.
is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.
directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel.
makes a claim that others might dispute.
is usually a single sentence near the beginning of your paper (most often, at the end of the first paragraph) that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

If your assignment asks you to take a position or develop a claim about a subject, you may need to convey that position or claim in a thesis statement near the beginning of your draft. The assignment may not explicitly state that you need a thesis statement because your instructor may assume you will include one. When in doubt, ask your instructor if the assignment requires a thesis statement. When an assignment asks you to analyze, to interpret, to compare and contrast, to demonstrate cause and effect, or to take a stand on an issue, it is likely that you are being asked to develop a thesis and to support it persuasively. (Check out our handout on understanding assignments for more information.)

How do I create a thesis?

A thesis is the result of a lengthy thinking process. Formulating a thesis is not the first thing you do after reading an essay assignment. Before you develop an argument on any topic, you have to collect and organize evidence, look for possible relationships between known facts (such as surprising contrasts or similarities), and think about the significance of these relationships. Once you do this thinking, you will probably have a “working thesis” that presents a basic or main idea and an argument that you think you can support with evidence. Both the argument and your thesis are likely to need adjustment along the way.

Writers use all kinds of techniques to stimulate their thinking and to help them clarify relationships or comprehend the broader significance of a topic and arrive at a thesis statement. For more ideas on how to get started, see our handout on brainstorming .

How do I know if my thesis is strong?

If there’s time, run it by your instructor or make an appointment at the Writing Center to get some feedback. Even if you do not have time to get advice elsewhere, you can do some thesis evaluation of your own. When reviewing your first draft and its working thesis, ask yourself the following :

Do I answer the question? Re-reading the question prompt after constructing a working thesis can help you fix an argument that misses the focus of the question. If the prompt isn’t phrased as a question, try to rephrase it. For example, “Discuss the effect of X on Y” can be rephrased as “What is the effect of X on Y?”
Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it’s possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument.
Is my thesis statement specific enough? Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis contains words like “good” or “successful,” see if you could be more specific: why is something “good”; what specifically makes something “successful”?
Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? If a reader’s first response is likely to be “So what?” then you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue.
Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering? If your thesis and the body of your essay do not seem to go together, one of them has to change. It’s okay to change your working thesis to reflect things you have figured out in the course of writing your paper. Remember, always reassess and revise your writing as necessary.
Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? If a reader’s first response is “how?” or “why?” your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning.

Suppose you are taking a course on contemporary communication, and the instructor hands out the following essay assignment: “Discuss the impact of social media on public awareness.” Looking back at your notes, you might start with this working thesis:

Social media impacts public awareness in both positive and negative ways.

You can use the questions above to help you revise this general statement into a stronger thesis.

Do I answer the question? You can analyze this if you rephrase “discuss the impact” as “what is the impact?” This way, you can see that you’ve answered the question only very generally with the vague “positive and negative ways.”
Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not likely. Only people who maintain that social media has a solely positive or solely negative impact could disagree.
Is my thesis statement specific enough? No. What are the positive effects? What are the negative effects?
Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? No. Why are they positive? How are they positive? What are their causes? Why are they negative? How are they negative? What are their causes?
Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? No. Why should anyone care about the positive and/or negative impact of social media?

After thinking about your answers to these questions, you decide to focus on the one impact you feel strongly about and have strong evidence for:

Because not every voice on social media is reliable, people have become much more critical consumers of information, and thus, more informed voters.

This version is a much stronger thesis! It answers the question, takes a specific position that others can challenge, and it gives a sense of why it matters.

Let’s try another. Suppose your literature professor hands out the following assignment in a class on the American novel: Write an analysis of some aspect of Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn. “This will be easy,” you think. “I loved Huckleberry Finn!” You grab a pad of paper and write:

Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel.

You begin to analyze your thesis:

Do I answer the question? No. The prompt asks you to analyze some aspect of the novel. Your working thesis is a statement of general appreciation for the entire novel.

Think about aspects of the novel that are important to its structure or meaning—for example, the role of storytelling, the contrasting scenes between the shore and the river, or the relationships between adults and children. Now you write:

In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.

Do I answer the question? Yes!
Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not really. This contrast is well-known and accepted.
Is my thesis statement specific enough? It’s getting there–you have highlighted an important aspect of the novel for investigation. However, it’s still not clear what your analysis will reveal.
Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? Not yet. Compare scenes from the book and see what you discover. Free write, make lists, jot down Huck’s actions and reactions and anything else that seems interesting.
Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? What’s the point of this contrast? What does it signify?”

After examining the evidence and considering your own insights, you write:

Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.

This final thesis statement presents an interpretation of a literary work based on an analysis of its content. Of course, for the essay itself to be successful, you must now present evidence from the novel that will convince the reader of your interpretation.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Anson, Chris M., and Robert A. Schwegler. 2010. The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers , 6th ed. New York: Longman.

Lunsford, Andrea A. 2015. The St. Martin’s Handbook , 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Ramage, John D., John C. Bean, and June Johnson. 2018. The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing , 8th ed. New York: Pearson.

Ruszkiewicz, John J., Christy Friend, Daniel Seward, and Maxine Hairston. 2010. The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers , 9th ed. Boston: Pearson Education.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Think of yourself as a member of a jury, listening to a lawyer who is presenting an opening argument. You'll want to know very soon whether the lawyer believes the accused to be guilty or not guilty, and how the lawyer plans to convince you. Readers of academic essays are like jury members: before they have read too far, they want to know what the essay argues as well as how the writer plans to make the argument. After reading your thesis statement, the reader should think, "This essay is going to try to convince me of something. I'm not convinced yet, but I'm interested to see how I might be."

An effective thesis cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." A thesis is not a topic; nor is it a fact; nor is it an opinion. "Reasons for the fall of communism" is a topic. "Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe" is a fact known by educated people. "The fall of communism is the best thing that ever happened in Europe" is an opinion. (Superlatives like "the best" almost always lead to trouble. It's impossible to weigh every "thing" that ever happened in Europe. And what about the fall of Hitler? Couldn't that be "the best thing"?)

A good thesis has two parts. It should tell what you plan to argue, and it should "telegraph" how you plan to argue—that is, what particular support for your claim is going where in your essay.

Steps in Constructing a Thesis

First, analyze your primary sources. Look for tension, interest, ambiguity, controversy, and/or complication. Does the author contradict himself or herself? Is a point made and later reversed? What are the deeper implications of the author's argument? Figuring out the why to one or more of these questions, or to related questions, will put you on the path to developing a working thesis. (Without the why, you probably have only come up with an observation—that there are, for instance, many different metaphors in such-and-such a poem—which is not a thesis.)

Once you have a working thesis, write it down. There is nothing as frustrating as hitting on a great idea for a thesis, then forgetting it when you lose concentration. And by writing down your thesis you will be forced to think of it clearly, logically, and concisely. You probably will not be able to write out a final-draft version of your thesis the first time you try, but you'll get yourself on the right track by writing down what you have.

Keep your thesis prominent in your introduction. A good, standard place for your thesis statement is at the end of an introductory paragraph, especially in shorter (5-15 page) essays. Readers are used to finding theses there, so they automatically pay more attention when they read the last sentence of your introduction. Although this is not required in all academic essays, it is a good rule of thumb.

Anticipate the counterarguments. Once you have a working thesis, you should think about what might be said against it. This will help you to refine your thesis, and it will also make you think of the arguments that you'll need to refute later on in your essay. (Every argument has a counterargument. If yours doesn't, then it's not an argument—it may be a fact, or an opinion, but it is not an argument.)

This statement is on its way to being a thesis. However, it is too easy to imagine possible counterarguments. For example, a political observer might believe that Dukakis lost because he suffered from a "soft-on-crime" image. If you complicate your thesis by anticipating the counterargument, you'll strengthen your argument, as shown in the sentence below.

Some Caveats and Some Examples

A thesis is never a question. Readers of academic essays expect to have questions discussed, explored, or even answered. A question ("Why did communism collapse in Eastern Europe?") is not an argument, and without an argument, a thesis is dead in the water.

A thesis is never a list. "For political, economic, social and cultural reasons, communism collapsed in Eastern Europe" does a good job of "telegraphing" the reader what to expect in the essay—a section about political reasons, a section about economic reasons, a section about social reasons, and a section about cultural reasons. However, political, economic, social and cultural reasons are pretty much the only possible reasons why communism could collapse. This sentence lacks tension and doesn't advance an argument. Everyone knows that politics, economics, and culture are important.

A thesis should never be vague, combative or confrontational. An ineffective thesis would be, "Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe because communism is evil." This is hard to argue (evil from whose perspective? what does evil mean?) and it is likely to mark you as moralistic and judgmental rather than rational and thorough. It also may spark a defensive reaction from readers sympathetic to communism. If readers strongly disagree with you right off the bat, they may stop reading.

An effective thesis has a definable, arguable claim. "While cultural forces contributed to the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe, the disintegration of economies played the key role in driving its decline" is an effective thesis sentence that "telegraphs," so that the reader expects the essay to have a section about cultural forces and another about the disintegration of economies. This thesis makes a definite, arguable claim: that the disintegration of economies played a more important role than cultural forces in defeating communism in Eastern Europe. The reader would react to this statement by thinking, "Perhaps what the author says is true, but I am not convinced. I want to read further to see how the author argues this claim."

A thesis should be as clear and specific as possible. Avoid overused, general terms and abstractions. For example, "Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe because of the ruling elite's inability to address the economic concerns of the people" is more powerful than "Communism collapsed due to societal discontent."

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How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement: 4 Steps + Examples

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What is the purpose of a thesis statement, writing a good thesis statement: 4 steps, common pitfalls to avoid, where to get your essay edited for free.

When you set out to write an essay, there has to be some kind of point to it, right? Otherwise, your essay would just be a big jumble of word salad that makes absolutely no sense. An essay needs a central point that ties into everything else. That main point is called a thesis statement, and it’s the core of any essay or research paper.

You may hear about Master degree candidates writing a thesis, and that is an entire paper–not to be confused with the thesis statement, which is typically one sentence that contains your paper’s focus.

Read on to learn more about thesis statements and how to write them. We’ve also included some solid examples for you to reference.

Typically the last sentence of your introductory paragraph, the thesis statement serves as the roadmap for your essay. When your reader gets to the thesis statement, they should have a clear outline of your main point, as well as the information you’ll be presenting in order to either prove or support your point.

The thesis statement should not be confused for a topic sentence , which is the first sentence of every paragraph in your essay. If you need help writing topic sentences, numerous resources are available. Topic sentences should go along with your thesis statement, though.

Since the thesis statement is the most important sentence of your entire essay or paper, it’s imperative that you get this part right. Otherwise, your paper will not have a good flow and will seem disjointed. That’s why it’s vital not to rush through developing one. It’s a methodical process with steps that you need to follow in order to create the best thesis statement possible.

Step 1: Decide what kind of paper you’re writing

When you’re assigned an essay, there are several different types you may get. Argumentative essays are designed to get the reader to agree with you on a topic. Informative or expository essays present information to the reader. Analytical essays offer up a point and then expand on it by analyzing relevant information. Thesis statements can look and sound different based on the type of paper you’re writing. For example:

Argumentative: The United States needs a viable third political party to decrease bipartisanship, increase options, and help reduce corruption in government.
Informative: The Libertarian party has thrown off elections before by gaining enough support in states to get on the ballot and by taking away crucial votes from candidates.
Analytical: An analysis of past presidential elections shows that while third party votes may have been the minority, they did affect the outcome of the elections in 2020, 2016, and beyond.

Step 2: Figure out what point you want to make

Once you know what type of paper you’re writing, you then need to figure out the point you want to make with your thesis statement, and subsequently, your paper. In other words, you need to decide to answer a question about something, such as:

What impact did reality TV have on American society?
How has the musical Hamilton affected perception of American history?
Why do I want to major in [chosen major here]?

If you have an argumentative essay, then you will be writing about an opinion. To make it easier, you may want to choose an opinion that you feel passionate about so that you’re writing about something that interests you. For example, if you have an interest in preserving the environment, you may want to choose a topic that relates to that.

If you’re writing your college essay and they ask why you want to attend that school, you may want to have a main point and back it up with information, something along the lines of:

“Attending Harvard University would benefit me both academically and professionally, as it would give me a strong knowledge base upon which to build my career, develop my network, and hopefully give me an advantage in my chosen field.”

Step 3: Determine what information you’ll use to back up your point

Once you have the point you want to make, you need to figure out how you plan to back it up throughout the rest of your essay. Without this information, it will be hard to either prove or argue the main point of your thesis statement. If you decide to write about the Hamilton example, you may decide to address any falsehoods that the writer put into the musical, such as:

“The musical Hamilton, while accurate in many ways, leaves out key parts of American history, presents a nationalist view of founding fathers, and downplays the racism of the times.”

Once you’ve written your initial working thesis statement, you’ll then need to get information to back that up. For example, the musical completely leaves out Benjamin Franklin, portrays the founding fathers in a nationalist way that is too complimentary, and shows Hamilton as a staunch abolitionist despite the fact that his family likely did own slaves.

Step 4: Revise and refine your thesis statement before you start writing

Read through your thesis statement several times before you begin to compose your full essay. You need to make sure the statement is ironclad, since it is the foundation of the entire paper. Edit it or have a peer review it for you to make sure everything makes sense and that you feel like you can truly write a paper on the topic. Once you’ve done that, you can then begin writing your paper.

When writing a thesis statement, there are some common pitfalls you should avoid so that your paper can be as solid as possible. Make sure you always edit the thesis statement before you do anything else. You also want to ensure that the thesis statement is clear and concise. Don’t make your reader hunt for your point. Finally, put your thesis statement at the end of the first paragraph and have your introduction flow toward that statement. Your reader will expect to find your statement in its traditional spot.

If you’re having trouble getting started, or need some guidance on your essay, there are tools available that can help you. CollegeVine offers a free peer essay review tool where one of your peers can read through your essay and provide you with valuable feedback. Getting essay feedback from a peer can help you wow your instructor or college admissions officer with an impactful essay that effectively illustrates your point.

College Essay Thesis Statement

Crafting a potent thesis statement for a college essay is an art that can shape the trajectory of your argument and captivate your readers. As students transition from high school to college, the complexity and depth of essays increase, demanding more intricate thesis statements. Whether you’re dissecting literary works, examining scientific phenomena, or debating societal changes, the right thesis sets the tone. Dive into our comprehensive guide to explore exemplary thesis statement examples, insightful writing methodologies, and handy tips tailored for college-level essays.

What is a thesis statement for a college essay? – Definition

A thesis statement for a college essay is a concise, clear, one-to-two-sentence statement that presents the main idea, argument, or focus of an essay. It serves as a roadmap, guiding the reader through the arguments presented in the essay and giving them an insight into the essay’s purpose. For college-level essays, the thesis often goes beyond mere statement of facts, delving into analysis, evaluation, or interpretation of a particular topic or set of ideas.

What is an example of a College Essay thesis statement?

“In exploring the multifaceted dynamics of climate change, it becomes evident that human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, play a paramount role in exacerbating global warming, thereby necessitating urgent international intervention and sustainable practices.” You may also be interested in our undergraduate thesis statement .

100 Thesis Statement Examples for College Essay

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Crafting an impactful thesis statement for a college essay requires both precision and depth. Serving as the foundation for your argument, a well-constructed thesis captures the essence of your essay topic and directs the narrative. For college essays, the good thesis statement often provides analysis, context, or a unique perspective.

The Impacts of Social Media: “The pervasive influence of social media on contemporary society extends beyond communication, reshaping personal identities, societal norms, and global politics.”
Modern Feminism: “Third-wave feminism, while building on the achievements of the past, focuses on dismantling patriarchal norms in media, workplace dynamics, and intersectional discrimination.”
AI and Ethics: “The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence necessitates the development of comprehensive ethical guidelines to prevent potential misuse and protect individual rights.”
The Evolution of Jazz: “The metamorphosis of jazz from the 1920s to the present showcases a rich interplay of cultural influences, technological advances, and individual genius.”
Climate Change Politics: “The divisive politics surrounding climate change hinder comprehensive global policies, despite overwhelming scientific consensus and observable ecological shifts.”
Renaissance Art: “The art of the Renaissance, deeply rooted in religious themes, also mirrored societal shifts towards individualism and secularism, forever changing the trajectory of Western art.”
Quantum Mechanics for Laymen: “The principles of quantum mechanics, while seemingly abstract and counterintuitive, have direct implications on daily technologies, from smartphones to medical equipment.”
Mental Health in Universities: “The alarming rise in mental health issues among university students calls for institutional strategies that prioritize well-being, including better counseling services and academic support.”
Post-Colonial African Economies: “The economic landscapes of post-colonial African nations are shaped by both remnants of colonial exploitation and emerging local innovations, demanding a nuanced understanding.”
Veganism and Health: “Adopting a vegan lifestyle, while promoting ethical treatment of animals, also offers profound health benefits, including reduced risks of chronic diseases.”
Gothic Literature: “Gothic literature, with its dark motifs and introspective characters, reflects societal anxieties of its time, from feudal systems to industrial revolution repercussions.”
Cryptocurrencies and Global Finance: “The surge in cryptocurrency popularity challenges traditional financial systems, promising decentralization but also raising concerns about stability and regulation.”
The Philosophy of Science: “The philosophy of science not only questions the nature of scientific inquiry but also examines its relationship with truth, belief, and societal progress.”
Migration Patterns: “Contemporary global migration patterns, influenced by conflicts, economic opportunities, and environmental changes, reshape socio-political landscapes of both origin and host countries.”
The Role of Play in Child Development: “Structured and unstructured play, essential for child development, fosters cognitive, social, and physical skills, challenging contemporary educational paradigms.”
Fusion Cuisine: “The emergence of fusion cuisine underscores the melding of diverse cultures, reflecting globalization’s impact on gastronomy.”
Bioethical Concerns in Genetics: “Advancements in genetic engineering, while promising medical breakthroughs, raise significant bioethical concerns, from designer babies to socio-economic disparities.”
Space Exploration and Humanity: “Space exploration, beyond technological marvel, challenges our understanding of humanity’s place in the universe, posing philosophical, ethical, and existential questions.”
Gentrification and Urban Development: “The process of gentrification, while reviving urban locales, often displaces long-standing communities, creating socio-economic rifts.”
Eastern vs. Western Medicine: “The dichotomy between Eastern holistic practices and Western allopathic medicine reflects differing cultural perspectives on health, wellness, and healing.
The Impact of Greek Philosophy: “Ancient Greek philosophy, with its emphasis on introspection and ethics, has sculpted Western thought, influencing everything from science to modern governance.”
Modern Architecture: “Contemporary architectural practices, merging functionality with aesthetics, reflect society’s evolving relationship with urban spaces and sustainability.”
Digital Marketing Evolution: “The rise of digital marketing strategies, driven by analytics and personalization, is redefining brand-consumer relationships in the digital age.”
Epidemiology of Pandemics: “Historical and contemporary pandemics highlight the intricate interplay between global travel, public health infrastructure, and societal response.”
Romantic Poetry: “Romantic poetry, with its reverence for nature and emotion, represents a rebellion against Enlightenment’s rationalism and the industrial era’s dehumanization.”
Nano-technology in Medicine: “Nanotechnology’s integration in medical fields promises revolutionary treatments but also presents uncharted ethical and health concerns.”
Organic Farming vs. Conventional Methods: “Organic farming, championing biodiversity and ecological balance, counters conventional farming’s detrimental environmental effects, albeit with challenges of scalability.”
The World of eSports: “The meteoric rise of eSports blurs the lines between traditional sports and digital entertainment, demanding recognition in mainstream culture and economics.”
Biodiversity Loss: “The alarming rate of global biodiversity loss, intensified by human activities, jeopardizes ecosystem stability and human sustenance.”
Shakespeare’s Female Characters: “Shakespeare’s portrayal of female characters defies Elizabethan norms, presenting complex women who navigate power, love, and fate.”
Blockchain Beyond Cryptocurrency: “Blockchain’s potential extends beyond cryptocurrencies, promising transparency and security in sectors like healthcare, logistics, and public records.”
Impact of K-Pop: “K-Pop’s global surge underscores the power of cultural exchange in the digital age, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers.”
Neuroscience and Free Will: “Contemporary neuroscience’s insights into decision-making challenge traditional notions of free will and moral responsibility.”
Postmodern Literature: “Postmodern literature, with its fragmented narratives and metafictional techniques, mirrors society’s quest for meaning in an age of skepticism.”
Renewable Energy Solutions: “Harnessing renewable energy sources, from solar to wind, is pivotal in combating climate change, though it presents economic and infrastructural challenges.”
Virtual Reality in Education: “The integration of virtual reality in educational settings promises immersive learning experiences, revolutionizing traditional pedagogies.”
Mental Health and Pop Culture: “Pop culture’s portrayal of mental health, while often sensationalized, has ignited critical discussions about stigmatization and representation.”
Ancient Civilizations and Modern Society: “Ancient civilizations, from their governance structures to technological innovations, have indelibly shaped the socio-cultural fabric of modern societies.”
Dystopian Fiction’s Reflections: “Dystopian fiction’s grim visions echo societal anxieties about technology, governance, and human nature.”
The Ethics of Animal Testing: “Animal testing, central to many scientific breakthroughs, remains ethically contentious, balancing medical advancements against animal welfare.”
Financial Crises and Global Interconnectivity: “Recurrent financial crises underscore the intricate interdependencies in global financial systems, highlighting the need for coordinated international policies.”
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: “The integration of AI in healthcare, from diagnostics to treatment, promises precision medicine but necessitates rigorous ethical scrutiny.”
Buddhism in the Modern World: “Buddhism’s contemporary resurgence in the West showcases the quest for spiritual meaning beyond materialism.”
The Fashion Industry and Sustainability: “The fashion industry’s increasing shift towards sustainability battles its historically significant environmental footprint.”
Impacts of Colonization: “Colonization’s legacies, evident in socio-political structures and cultural dynamics, continue to influence post-colonial nations.”
Microplastics and Environmental Health: “Microplastics, pervasive in ecosystems, pose insidious threats to environmental and human health, demanding global mitigation strategies.”
Cybersecurity in the Digital Age: “In our increasingly interconnected world, cybersecurity becomes paramount, safeguarding personal, corporate, and national interests.”
Narratives in Video Games: “Modern video games, with intricate narratives and character development, challenge traditional storytelling mediums, offering immersive experiences.”
Quantum Computing’s Potential: “Quantum computing, while in its nascent stages, holds the promise to revolutionize industries from cryptography to drug discovery.”
LGBTQ+ Representation in Media: “Increased LGBTQ+ representation in media mirrors societal shifts, fostering visibility and challenging long-standing stereotypes.”
The Microbiome and Human Health: “Understanding the human microbiome’s complexity has redefined our perspectives on health, disease, and even consciousness.”
The Digital Divide: “The digital divide, separating tech-savvy communities from the underserved, intensifies socio-economic disparities in the information age.”
Evolution of Language: “The dynamic evolution of languages, shaped by socio-political changes and technological advances, encapsulates cultural histories and identities.”
Ethical Implications of Drone Warfare: “Drone warfare, while mitigating soldier casualties, raises pressing ethical concerns regarding civilian impacts and accountability.”
Impact of Streaming Services: “Streaming services, redefining media consumption, challenge traditional entertainment industries and reshape global cultural dynamics.”
Yoga’s Global Popularity: “Yoga’s global ascent, beyond a physical regimen, underscores a universal quest for holistic well-being and cultural exchange.”
Future of Work and Automation: “Automation and AI’s rise promises efficiency but also necessitates a reevaluation of work, identity, and economic structures.”
Middle Eastern Politics: “The complexities of Middle Eastern politics, rooted in historical, religious, and socio-economic intricacies, shape global geopolitics.”
Psychedelics and Mental Health: “Recent research on psychedelics hints at groundbreaking mental health treatments, challenging established therapeutic norms and societal perceptions.”
Modernism in Visual Arts: “Modernist art, with its abstracted forms and innovative techniques, reflects a tumultuous era’s socio-cultural upheavals.”
Impact of Autonomous Vehicles: “The emergence of autonomous vehicles, while promising safety and efficiency, raises ethical, economic, and infrastructural questions.”
Indigenous Rights and Globalization: “Globalization’s sweep, often erasing indigenous cultures, necessitates urgent measures to preserve native rights, languages, and traditions.”
Role of Cryptography: “Cryptography, foundational to digital security, balances the dual imperatives of privacy protection and lawful surveillance.”
The Ethics of Gene Editing: “Gene editing technologies like CRISPR, promising medical marvels, also provoke ethical dilemmas concerning genetic determinism and potential misuse.”
Music Therapy and Health: “Music therapy’s efficacy, bridging neurology and emotions, offers holistic approaches to mental and physical wellness.”
Impact of Fast Fashion: “Fast fashion’s allure of affordability comes at significant environmental and ethical costs, spotlighting the need for sustainable alternatives.”
Space Tourism’s Future: “Space tourism, once a sci-fi dream, confronts real-world challenges of safety, ethics, and environmental impact.”
Role of Microfinance in Development: “Microfinance initiatives, empowering marginalized communities, showcase a potent blend of social welfare and economic strategy.”
Migration and Globalization: “Globalization, driving migration patterns, highlights the interplay between economic opportunity, cultural exchange, and socio-political challenges.”
Role of Satire in Social Commentary: “Satire, with its humor and critique, has historically been a potent tool for social commentary, challenging power structures and societal norms.”
Evolution of E-commerce: “E-commerce, transformed by technological innovations and consumer behaviors, is reshaping global retail, logistics, and consumer expectations.”
Rise of Citizen Journalism: “Citizen journalism, democratizing news dissemination, challenges traditional media paradigms but also raises concerns about credibility and accountability.”
Green Technologies and Urban Planning: “Green technologies in urban planning promise sustainable cityscapes, melding ecological concerns with inhabitants’ well-being.”
Multilingualism and Cognitive Benefits: “Multilingualism, beyond cultural enrichment, offers cognitive benefits, enhancing problem-solving, multitasking, and memory.”
Human Rights in Digital Surveillance: “The rise of digital surveillance, while promising security, poses grave concerns about privacy, freedom, and human rights.”
History and Evolution of Tattoos: “Tattoos, once a cultural or ritualistic symbol, have evolved into a form of personal expression, influenced by global aesthetics and societal shifts.”
Neopets and Early Internet Culture: “Neopets, while a nostalgic game for many, provides insights into early internet culture, commerce, and online community dynamics.”
Historical Revolutions and Modern Impacts: “Historical revolutions, shaping nations and cultures, offer insights into resistance, societal change, and the enduring human spirit.”
Gaming and Social Skills: “Contrary to popular belief, modern multiplayer gaming environments foster critical social skills, teamwork, and global collaboration.”
Oscar Wilde’s Social Commentary: “Oscar Wilde’s literary works, beyond their wit, provide incisive social commentary on Victorian society, morality, and hypocrisy.”
Paleo Diet in Modern Times: “The Paleo diet’s resurgence, inspired by ancestral eating patterns, challenges contemporary dietary norms and industrial food practices.”
Ancient Mythologies in Modern Media: “Ancient mythologies, continually reinvented in modern media, highlight humanity’s enduring fascination with heroism, morality, and the unknown.”
Pop Art and Consumer Culture: “Pop art, celebrating and critiquing consumer culture, reflects the post-war era’s juxtaposition of prosperity and existential angst.”
Classical Music’s Modern Revival: “Classical music’s modern revival, fused with genres from rock to techno, illustrates its timeless adaptability and emotional resonance.”
Modern Slavery and Global Supply Chains: “Modern slavery, concealed within global supply chains, necessitates rigorous corporate responsibility and consumer awareness.”
Manga and Cultural Export: “Manga’s global popularity showcases Japan’s cultural export’s potency and the universality of its themes and narratives.”
Impact of Reality TV: “Reality TV, blending entertainment and real-life, influences societal norms, aspirations, and perceptions of authenticity.”
Influence of Nordic Noir on Crime Fiction: “Nordic Noir, with its bleak landscapes and introspective detectives, has reshaped global crime fiction, emphasizing atmosphere and social critique.”
Data Privacy in the Digital World: “As personal data becomes the new gold, the tug-of-war between corporate interests, governmental regulations, and individual privacy intensifies.”
Adaptations and Originality in Cinema: “Film adaptations, while deriving from original sources, pose challenges and opportunities for creativity, fidelity, and cultural interpretation.”
Eco-Tourism’s Role and Responsibilities: “Eco-tourism, promoting sustainable travel, carries the responsibility of genuine environmental stewardship, not mere green-washing.”
Post-Apocalyptic Fiction’s Appeal: “Post-apocalyptic fiction’s allure lies in exploring societal rebuilds, human resilience, and moral dilemmas in extremis.”
Veganism’s Socio-Economic Impact: “Veganism, beyond dietary choice, influences global agriculture, economies, and debates on ethics and sustainability.”
Matriarchy in Historical Societies: “Historical matriarchal societies, often overshadowed in mainstream historiography, offer insights into gender dynamics, leadership, and cultural norms.”
Impressionism and Perception: “Impressionist artists, capturing fleeting moments and atmospheres, challenge viewers to consider the subjective nature of perception.”
Decolonizing Global Education: “Decolonizing education necessitates a reevaluation of curricula, pedagogy, and institutional structures, embracing diverse knowledge systems.”
Renaissance Humanism’s Legacy: “Renaissance humanism, championing reason, art, and individual potential, laid the groundwork for modern Western thought.”
Cyberpunk and Technological Dystopia: “Cyberpunk literature, exploring high-tech dystopias, reflects anxieties about unchecked technological advancements and societal control.”
Holistic Medicine’s Role in Modern Healthcare: “Holistic medicine’s growing role emphasizes a comprehensive view of health, blending physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.”
Feminism’s Waves and Evolution: “Understanding feminism requires studying its multifaceted waves, each addressing unique socio-political contexts and challenges.

These thesis statements are designed to encompass a vast array of topics suitable for college essays, providing a foundation upon which a student can build their argument or exploration.

Thesis Statement Examples for College Argumentative Essay

In a college argumentative essay thesis statement clearly states a position on a debatable issue, setting the tone for the subsequent arguments. It’s crafted to persuade readers and backed up with solid evidence throughout the essay.

Censorship and Art: “Art should remain uncensored as it serves as society’s mirror, reflecting both its beauty and ugliness.”
Mandatory Voting: “Mandatory voting should not be imposed as it infringes on personal freedom and may lead to uninformed decisions.”
Digital Privacy: “In the digital age, individual privacy rights should supersede governmental security concerns.”
Standardized Testing: “Standardized tests fail to accurately measure student intelligence and should be de-emphasized in college admissions.”
Veganism and Environment: “Adopting a vegan lifestyle is the most impactful step an individual can take for environmental conservation.”
Space Exploration: “Investment in space exploration is not an extravagance but a necessity for scientific advancement.”
Tuition-free College: “Tuition-free college, while an idealistic notion, may not be the most practical solution for educational reform.”
Universal Basic Income: “A Universal Basic Income (UBI) can address socio-economic disparities and provide a safety net in a rapidly automating world.”
E-sports Recognition: “E-sports should receive the same recognition and support as traditional sports, given its competitive nature and vast audience.”
Language Preservation: “With globalization, proactive steps are essential to preserve endangered languages and, by extension, cultural diversity.”

Thesis Statement Examples for College Admission Essay

For a college admission essay, the thesis statement encapsulates the main idea or theme the applicant wishes to convey. It highlights personal experiences, values, or aspirations in a succinct manner.

Personal Growth: “My year volunteering in Nepal transformed my worldview, instilling in me a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and global citizenship.”
Pursuit of Medicine: “A close encounter with a life-threatening illness in my family ignited my unwavering passion for medicine.”
Artistic Endeavors: “Growing up in a family of artists, I’ve learned to view the world as a canvas of endless possibilities.”
Overcoming Adversities: “Battling dyslexia not only strengthened my resolve but also shaped my unique perspective on learning and adaptability.”
Leadership Evolution: “My role as the student council president honed my leadership skills, teaching me the nuances of collaboration and decision-making.”
Environmental Activism: “Witnessing the impact of climate change in my hometown propelled me into environmental activism, a mission I wish to expand in college.”
Science and Curiosity: “My childhood fascination with the cosmos steered me towards astrophysics, a field where my curiosity finds its calling.”
Global Engagement: “Participating in Model United Nations cultivated my interest in global affairs and diplomacy.”
Digital Innovation: “Creating my first mobile app at 15 revealed my penchant for technological innovation and problem-solving.”
Sports and Teamwork: “Being a basketball team captain taught me the balance between individual prowess and collective strength.”

3 Point Thesis Statement Examples for College Essay

A three-point thesis statement offers a concise overview of three main arguments or aspects that will be addressed in the essay. This structure helps guide the reader and provides a clear roadmap of the writer’s points.

Impact of Social Media: “Social media revolutionizes communication, influences self-perception, and has significant socio-political implications.”
Modern Education’s Challenges: “Today’s education system grapples with technological integration, evolving pedagogies, and increasing mental health concerns among students.”
Globally Influential Novels: “Novels like ‘1984,’ ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ and ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ tackle dystopian futures, racial injustice, and magical realism, respectively.”
Urbanization Concerns: “Rapid urbanization leads to infrastructural strain, environmental degradation, and socio-cultural shifts in metropolitan areas.”
The Power of Music: “Music serves as a universal language, a therapeutic tool, and a reflection of societal epochs.”
Digital Age Revolution: “The digital age reshapes information accessibility, interpersonal relationships, and global economic structures.”
Human-Animal Bond: “The relationship between humans and animals encompasses companionship, therapeutic benefits, and ethical dilemmas.”
Climate Change Effects: “Climate change precipitates extreme weather events, threatens biodiversity, and impacts global socio-economic structures.”
Ancient Civilizations’ Legacies: “Ancient Egypt, Greece, and China profoundly influenced art and architecture, political systems, and philosophical thought.”
Healthy Lifestyle Components: “A holistic healthy lifestyle encompasses balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and mental well-being.

Do College Essays Have Thesis Statements?

Absolutely. While the format might vary, the thesis statement’s role remains crucial in college essays. It captures the essence of your argument or the main point you’re conveying. From analytical to personal narratives, having a clear thesis or central idea can elevate your essay.

How Do You Write a Thesis Statement for a College Essay? – Step by Step Guide

Decipher the Prompt: Begin by breaking down the essay question. Recognize its nuances and understand its demands.
Pick a Relevant Topic: Your chosen topic should not only intrigue you but should also be relevant to your course and the prompt.
Engage in Research: Dive into scholarly articles, journals, and credible online sources to gather insights and refine your perspective.
Formulate Your Argument: Deduce your stance or the main message you want to communicate.
Aim for Precision: Your thesis should be a beacon for your essay. Avoid ambiguity and be direct.
Ensure It’s Open to Debate: Particularly for argumentative essays, your thesis should incite discussion, signaling that there’s more to be explored.
Positioning is Key: Place your thesis towards the end of your introduction to give readers a clear roadmap.
Iterate: As your essay evolves, adjust your thesis if necessary to mirror your arguments more accurately.
Seek Peer Review: A fresh set of eyes can offer valuable feedback to enhance clarity and cogency.
Solidify: Ensure that your finalized thesis seamlessly ties together the various threads of your essay.

Tips for Writing a Thesis Statement for a College Essay

Maintain Clarity: Dive straight into your point. Avoid unnecessary detours.
Stay Away from Clichés: College essays thrive on original thought. Ensure your thesis isn’t a regurgitated idea.
Be Bold: Use assertive language. Steer clear of phrases like “I feel” or “It might.”
Narrow It Down: Broad statements dilute impact. “The effects of climate change on coastal cities” is more potent than “Climate change affects the world.”
Stay Adaptable: Your essay might evolve, and that’s okay. Adjust your thesis accordingly.
Hone the Skill: Practice drafting thesis statements even outside of assignments. It’s a craft that gets sharper with use.
Echo in Conclusion: Your essay should come full circle, reiterating the essence of your thesis in the conclusion.
Avoid Overcomplicated Terms: While scholarly, your essay should be readable. Don’t overwhelm with jargon.
Stick to the Prompt: Ensure your thesis remains anchored to the essay prompt, offering a clear and direct response.
Reflect Depth: Your thesis, though concise, should hint at the depth and complexity of your exploration.

By adhering to these guidelines and tailoring them to the specific demands of each essay, you’ll enhance the quality and effectiveness of your college essays.

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Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

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Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement

1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.
An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

If you are writing a text that does not fall under these three categories (e.g., a narrative), a thesis statement somewhere in the first paragraph could still be helpful to your reader.

2. Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.

3. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.

4. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:

The paper that follows should:

Explain the analysis of the college admission process
Explain the challenge facing admissions counselors

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

Explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

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Why College Should be Free Essay

Author StudySaurus
Category Popular Essay Topics

Disclaimer: This paper has been submitted by a student. This is not a sample of the work written by professional academic writers.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this work are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of StudySaurus.

Topic: Should a college or university education be tuition free essay

College tuition fees have been on the rise in the last couple of years. Now many jobs require a college degree which makes it hard for those without higher education. The higher somebody goes in their education the easier it is to get almost any job they want. College education has become a necessity in today’s society and rising tuition fees are putting a college education out of reach for some students. The first two years of college should be provided and funded by the U.S. government because it will encourage students to achieve their college education without looking at college as such a financial obstacle.

Today the cost of attending a public university or community college is so high that most students simply cannot afford it. As a result, the federal government continues to offer financial aid and Pell grants to lower-income families. Student loans are also available and are known as the most dominant source of financial aid. “During the 2012-2013 school year alone, about 10 million college students took out loans and in 2015, the total amount of student loan debt in America was estimated to be about $1.3 trillion.” This just goes to show that even though some students are getting financial aid help to go to school, there is always a fee to pay out of pocket.

Should College be free Essay

Today’s society more and more jobs are requiring specific technical requirements or a college degree. Free college would expand higher educational benefits such as jobs and higher pay as opposed to those with little to no college background. Recovery magazine believes “By 2020, 65 percent of all jobs in the economy will require post-secondary education and training beyond high school.” (Carnavale, Smith, Strohl. pg 3) free college tuition will give so many students an equal opportunity to achieve their goals no matter if it’s just an associates degree or a doctoral degree. Achieving a college degree can not only be a life long achievement but can better their future and open doors to better job opportunities.

Of course, not everyone agrees with free college. Some argue that calling something free doesn’t make it free. Public education is funded by taxpayers and free college means higher taxes. With college tuition being so-called “free” it will attract students who are unfit for the college environment and will eventually drop out which means taxes will go up for taxpayers whether they have kids attending college or not. Some agree that college should not be free since some students will be unmotivated, lazy or unconcerned about their education. Students who are going to college are going to get their profession and will eventually be able to pay off their student debts. General taxpayers believe if a student’s desire is to attend college, then they will do whatever it takes to receive financial aid assistance. With college not being free, this is no way means students can’t receive financial aid help such as scholarships, federal Pell grand or even student loans. Overall it is important to make students understand their responsibilities in life and its wrong to place the burden of paying for their free education on the general population.

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Education Thesis Statement
Samples List

An thesis examples on education statement is a prosaic composition of a small volume and free composition, expressing individual impressions and thoughts on a specific occasion or issue and obviously not claiming a definitive or exhaustive interpretation of the subject.

Some signs of education statement thesis:

the presence of a specific topic or question. A work devoted to the analysis of a wide range of problems in biology, by definition, cannot be performed in the genre of education statement thesis topic.
The thesis expresses individual impressions and thoughts on a specific occasion or issue, in this case, on education statement and does not knowingly pretend to a definitive or exhaustive interpretation of the subject.
As a rule, an essay suggests a new, subjectively colored word about something, such a work may have a philosophical, historical, biographical, journalistic, literary, critical, popular scientific or purely fiction character.
in the content of an thesis samples on education statement, first of all, the author’s personality is assessed - his worldview, thoughts and feelings.

The goal of an thesis in education statement is to develop such skills as independent creative thinking and writing out your own thoughts.

Writing an thesis is extremely useful, because it allows the author to learn to clearly and correctly formulate thoughts, structure information, use basic concepts, highlight causal relationships, illustrate experience with relevant examples, and substantiate his conclusions.

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25 Thesis Statement Examples (2024)
Strong Thesis Statement Examples. 1. School Uniforms. "Mandatory school uniforms should be implemented in educational institutions as they promote a sense of equality, reduce distractions, and foster a focused and professional learning environment.". Best For: Argumentative Essay or Debate. Read More: School Uniforms Pros and Cons.
Is free college a good idea? Increasingly, evidence says yes
Education The promise of free college (and its potential pitfalls) Douglas N. Harris, Raquel Farmer-Hinton, Debbie Kim, John B. Diamond, Tangela Blakely Reavis, Kelly Krupa Rifelj, Hilary Lustick ...
Why College Should not Be Free:
Thesis statement: As much as I love the idea of free tuition, as an out-of-state student paying over $36,000 a year, I can recognize the fact that it would never work. Topic sentence: For starters, the most prestigious universities and highest-ranked party schools would be the top choices for incoming freshmen. Evidence & citing: The smaller schools, private schools and universities that aren ...
Education Should Be Free for Everyone
Some people are going to use free education as a way of getting out of work and as a way of doing nothing with their lives. Students up to the final year in High School are unable to get full-time jobs and live independently on their wages, which is why their education should be free. However, when a person is able to get a full-time job and ...
Should College Be Free? The Pros and Cons
For example, higher education experts Eileen Strempel and Stephen Handel published a book in 2021 titled "Beyond Free College: Making Higher Education Work for 21st Century Students." The book argues that policymakers should focus more strongly on college completion, not just college access. "There hasn't been enough laser-focus on how we ...
The Pros and Cons of Free College
Conclusion. In conclusion, free colleges are a good initiative aimed at helping students, especially those who come from low-income families and cannot afford to receive a degree. The program allows more individuals to receive a good education and become qualified in the chosen sphere.
Thesis Generator
Remember that the thesis statement is a kind of "mapping tool" that helps you organize your ideas, and it helps your reader follow your argument. After the topic sentence, include any evidence in this body paragraph, such as a quotation, statistic, or data point, that supports this first point. Explain what the evidence means. Show the reader ...
How to Write a Thesis Statement
Step 2: Write your initial answer. After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process. The internet has had more of a positive than a negative effect on education.
Should College Be Free?
Even after California recently expanded free tuition opportunities, enrollment at its community colleges fell by nearly 15 percent in 2021 from a year earlier. The push for tuition-free higher ...
Thesis Statements
A thesis statement: tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion. is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper. directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself.
Education Thesis Statement
Tips for Writing a Thesis Statement on Education Topics. Be Specific: Clearly state what your paper will address within the broad topic of education. Avoid Generalizations: Avoid overly broad or vague statements that lack focus. Express a Strong Position: Your thesis should convey a clear stance on the issue.
Strong Thesis Statements
This thesis statement is not debatable. First, the word pollution implies that something is bad or negative in some way. Furthermore, all studies agree that pollution is a problem; they simply disagree on the impact it will have or the scope of the problem. No one could reasonably argue that pollution is unambiguously good.
Developing A Thesis
A good thesis has two parts. It should tell what you plan to argue, and it should "telegraph" how you plan to argue—that is, what particular support for your claim is going where in your essay. Steps in Constructing a Thesis. First, analyze your primary sources. Look for tension, interest, ambiguity, controversy, and/or complication.
What Is a Thesis?
Revised on April 16, 2024. A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a master's program or a capstone to a bachelor's degree. Writing a thesis can be a daunting experience. Other than a dissertation, it is one of the longest pieces of writing students typically complete.
What is a Thesis Statement: Writing Guide with Examples
A thesis statement is a sentence in a paper or essay (in the opening paragraph) that introduces the main topic to the reader. As one of the first things your reader sees, your thesis statement is one of the most important sentences in your entire paper—but also one of the hardest to write! In this article, we explain how to write a thesis ...
Why College Should Be Free Essay [891 words]
Conclusion. College education should be free because of more people attending college, a more educated population and fewer student loans. It would give poor students the chance to learn and experience college. With a free college education, there will social and economic benefits fro the country. Students would be free to follow their passions ...
How to Write a Strong Thesis Statement: 4 Steps + Examples
Step 4: Revise and refine your thesis statement before you start writing. Read through your thesis statement several times before you begin to compose your full essay. You need to make sure the statement is ironclad, since it is the foundation of the entire paper. Edit it or have a peer review it for you to make sure everything makes sense and ...
College Essay Thesis Statement
100 Thesis Statement Examples for College Essay. Details. File Format. PDF. Size: 236 KB. Download. Crafting an impactful thesis statement for a college essay requires both precision and depth. Serving as the foundation for your argument, a well-constructed thesis captures the essence of your essay topic and directs the narrative.
Creating a Thesis Statement, Thesis Statement Tips
Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement. 1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing: An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.; An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.; An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies ...
Why College Should be Free Essay
Free college would expand higher educational benefits such as jobs and higher pay as opposed to those with little to no college background. Recovery magazine believes "By 2020, 65 percent of all jobs in the economy will require post-secondary education and training beyond high school." (Carnavale, Smith, Strohl. pg 3) free college tuition ...
Free Thesis Statement
Thesis statement: Free public college education in New York State should be free because it will help the student financially, will help the state economy, and will help students not stress out about student loan debt after college. Community College Week " N.Y. Education Panel Recommends Sweeping Changes, Including Free College to some High ...
How to Write a Thesis Statement
Example 1: In a biochemistry class, you've been asked to write an essay explaining the impact of bisphenol A on the human body. Your thesis statement might say, "This essay will make clear the correlation between bisphenol A exposure and hypertension.". Check Circle.
Free Education Thesis Statement Samples and Examples List
23 pages (5750 words) , Download 1 , Thesis. Preview sample. Socialization of Students Enrolled in Full-Time Online Public Schools. 46 pages (11500 words) , Download 2 , Thesis. Preview sample. Race Household Income Impact on Parental Perceptions of Homework. 73 pages (18250 words) , Download 1 , Thesis. Preview sample.
Will academic freedom and campus free speech survive?
The statement then includes a qualified extension of academic freedom protections to when faculty members "speak or write as citizens." On the other hand, free speech is the concept that everyone, not just faculty members, has the right to speak, whether that speech is well-reasoned or not, inoffensive or offensive.