[OPINION] Online College Loans: Not just about costs, but perceptions about the future. So, what can the government do?

Online College Loans: Not just about costs, but perceptions about the future. So, what can the government do?

The issue of people taking out online loans to continue higher education, especially for poor or near-poor groups, is a concern in the world of education today. Most of them choose this path as an alternative when negotiations with universities do not produce results. However, this phenomenon can be seen and studied further from various aspects.

First, There are concerns that campuses do not properly select prospective students based on their financial capabilities. This phenomenon can occur because of exclusion and inclusion errors. It is possible that prospective students who can actually afford to pay for college will be detected as those who cannot afford it, which would be better. This can cause problems, especially when the student has difficulty paying the loan and interest in the future.

Second guess leads to children's perceptions regarding work opportunities after graduating from higher education (S1). There is a tendency to assume that with this degree, they can more easily get a decent job. This idea also arises because there are many job vacancies that require prospective workers to have at least a Bachelor's degree.

Third guess covers the job market needs for undergraduate graduates with the ability to think logically. Job seekers consider that logical thinking is an important aspect, although hard skills (hard skills) is also required. This leads to comparisons with vocational graduates who are considered to have the combination of logical abilities and technical skills required by many industries.

To overcome the problem of online loans for access to higher education, several solutions that can be considered are: First, Universities can improve the selection process of prospective students by minimizing exclusion and inclusion errors by looking back at the background of the individuals who register, the interview selection is also stricter.

Second, implement an affirmation policy for students who are financially disadvantaged but have the potential and interest to continue to higher education for clear and appropriate reasons, such as having achievements, or having a target to get a job in a sector even before studying. The implementation of this policy ensures that diversity and equality in education can be realized.

Furthermore, efforts to provide complete information to improve children's perceptions regarding job opportunities after graduating from S1 are also important steps that need to be taken. Accurate information regarding education and job opportunities needs to be disseminated so that prospective students can make decisions based on a realistic understanding of the job market. 

Final, Vocational education as a level of education that is believed to be able to prepare children to enter the world of work and industry needs to be optimized. If children and parents understand the advantages and disadvantages of higher education and choose to work after graduating from high school, then vocational school will be one of the main goals. Good quality vocational schools, in line with industry needs, and providing speed in the job search process can reduce children entering higher education due to the misperception that higher education is easier to provide jobs.

By implementing these solutions, it is hoped that it can reduce financial risks for disadvantaged students, improve prospective students' perceptions of job opportunities, and ensure that higher education truly meets the needs of the job market. A better understanding of the dynamics between education and industry will also help create graduates who are better prepared to face the demands of the ever-changing world of work.

-YusufFM-