Final answer:
The debate on free university-level education on its potential to create a qualified workforce and enhance productivity. However, there are questions about the limits of additional benefits from higher education and concerns about maintaining education quality to ensure it translates to economic and social benefits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether university-level education should be free for all students addresses a complex social and economic issue. Advocates for free higher education often argue that it can lead to a more qualified workforce and boost productivity within organizations. The experience of countries like Finland supports this idea, showing how an equitable education system can prevent the waste of potential skills and contribute to the development of human capital.
However, there is a debate about the extent of educational benefits and whether they have diminishing returns. Some experts suggest that while education is crucial for human capital deepening, there may be limits to the additional benefits as people become highly educated. On the other hand, for low-income nations, an increase in human capital through education appears to significantly enhance productivity and growth.
Problems with education quality are also a concern even with increased access to education. The focus on the quality of education is vital as it directly impacts the level of education received and the consequent benefits in terms of economic and social outcomes. Thus, while making education accessible is important, ensuring its quality is equally crucial for maximizing the returns from investment in human capital.