University. College. Apprenticeships.
Nowadays, students from across the globe are struggling to afford the crippling debt attached to higher education.
But, how different would the world look if it was free?
Ask Hillary Clinton.
On Wednesday, the Democratic presidential nominee announced plans to make college free for families who make under £96,000.
According to her website, the 68-year-old sympathises with families struggling to copy with supporting their children through higher education.
As a result, the former First Lady has devised a scheme to make tuition free for those who aren't able to afford it.
At first, free tuition would be awarded at public schools to students in families earning £65,000 a year or less, with annual incomes increasing to £96,000 by 2021.
But it gets better.
For students forced to take out student loans, Clinton plans to implement a three-month freeze on loan payments to help students refinance the borrowed money, 'whether by enrolling in an income-based repayment plan, consolidating their loans, or taking advantage of reduced monthly interest payments and fees.'
Many believe the proposal to be a clever tactic to win over Democratic rival Senator Bernie Sanders and his loyal supporters, given Sanders had already pledged to make tuition at public institutions free for all students.
However, Senator Sanders – who has yet to step down from his candidacy – congratulated his opponent's idea, calling it a 'very bold initiative'.
'The final product is the work of both campaigns,' he added.
While Clinton hasn't said how much it will cost to fund college students or where the government would find the money, it's a promising step for the Democratic and for the US.
On second thoughts, we've got plenty of student debts you can help us out with, Hillary.
Fancy running for Prime Minister, too?
Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
