How Milton Friedman Could Make Free College Education a Reality

Photo by Griszka Niewiadomski

TThe late Nobel Laureate economist and author of “Capitalism and Freedom,” Milton Friedman, was quoted as saying: “A society that puts equality before freedom will get neither. A society that puts freedom before equality will get a high degree of both.” Nowhere has this observation been proven more true than on the nation’s college campuses. Some believe that, due to the overwhelming preponderance of left-leaning faculty and administrations, many of today’s universities have become indoctrination centers for an ideology that places the values of diversity and equality of outcomes above those of intellectual freedom.

Some, like conservative activist Charlie Kirk, have characterized colleges as political battlefields. Others, like University of Toronto professor, Jordan Peterson, claim that dangerous people are brainwashing our children to embrace cultural Marxism. George Mason University Economics professor Bryan Caplan has become an outspoken opponent of higher education altogether, claiming that modern undergraduate programs are scam factories that charge exorbitant fees in order to pay pampered tenured do-nothing professors who do an extremely poor job of preparing students towards successful careers.

This last point is indisputable. There were five times as many Psychology majors receiving Bachelor’s Degrees this year than Engineering majors. A quick look at many university’s marketing campaigns, and it’s apparent that the emphasis has shifted from academics to amenities. Gourmet cuisine in the dorm cafeteria. Study abroad programs and other lavish perks guarantee that the cost of college is destined to continue its three-times-the-rate of inflation rise.

Caplan argues that whereas at one time a college degree was a mark of exceptional ability, in today’s environment it has become the de rigueur requirement for even the most menial types of employment. Online ads for restaurant waitstaff commonly state: “Bachelors Degree or higher required.” In essence, by extending higher education to everyone, it becomes meaningful to no one. And, of course Bernie Sanders, in his undisguised pandering for the 18 to 25 year old vote, intends to make this trend even more pronounced by offering free college education for all and wiping out all existing student debt.

Clearly what is needed is a new type of college. One that will tightly focus on preparing students for successful and productive post-college careers. I believe that turning to the principles put forward by Milton Friedman, just such a college may be established. And the ironic part is this: Were such a school to open it doors, Bernie’s dream of a free college education would be partially realized. I say partially because while matriculating at the envisioned college would be free of all immediate cost to the student, it would not be available “for all.” The school’s motto could read: “A free college education for the motivated, the dedicated, and the worthy.”

Here is how I envision Friedman College operating:

1. Degree programs would be fast-tracked resulting in the awarding of a Bachelor’s Degree in 2 years.
   Students would intensely study one subject at a time in a pedagogical sequenced progression.
2. All subjects taught will be aimed at providing students with the necessary job and life skills to promote their postgraduate success in the professions or the world of commerce.
   Classes would meet for a minimum of 6 hours per day. Homework assignments and reading should require no more than 2 to 3 hours per day.
3. Classes would meet six days per week year round for 48 weeks. Two weeks off in December and in July.
4. Students would be required to live in on-campus housing. Spartan, but somewhat more comfortable than military housing.
5. Instructors will be required to refrain from espousing political dogma. Failure to comply would result in discharge for cause. There would be no such thing as tenure.
6. Applicants will undergo a rigorous admissions assessment that seeks to identify the most highly motivated and qualified candidates. Family income would not be a factor.
7. All students accepted for entry would pay nothing for classes, books or housing.
8. All students accepted would be required to sign a Future Earnings Contract in which they pledge to repay to the College a sum equal to five percent of their adjusted gross income during the first five years following the completion of their education.
9. While post-college job placement would not be guaranteed, the College would work closely with recruiters and only offer classes in those fields that are in high demand.
10. The College would also be supported by major corporate sponsors whose interests would be well served by the school producing qualified future executive candidates.
11. The College will coordinate with their corporate sponsors to determine what types of jobs they anticipate will be in high demand and will tailor its curriculum in such a way that graduates will be fully prepared to take on such jobs.
12. The curriculum will include a full spectrum of required physical sports and fitness programs to promote overall well-being.
13. While students will be able to enjoy a limited social life during their matriculation, such activities will be monitored and alcohol and substance abuse will not be tolerated.

The rigorous, almost military-style environment described here is intended to develop not only students’ intellectual capacity and needed job skills, but also hone the work habits that will serve them for a lifetime.

Naturally, such a school will be tarred as a “Temple of Capitalism” by its socialist detractors. Yet, once it has proven itself — once its graduates begin demonstrating how they received a free education that landed them a high-paying job or launched them on an entrepreneurial or professional career — such howling will diminish.

My plan for an envisioned Friedman Career College, built on the namesake’s and Adam Smith’s faith in the capitalist system, is guaranteed to produce a school that will place freedom above equality and thereby achieve a high degree of both.