The debate over whether higher education is an opportunity or a right creates a false dichotomy between the two terms. And, there are justifiable reasons to argue that higher education falls into both of these categories. For instance, Merriam-Webster defines “opportunity” as “a good chance for advancement or progress” and it is difficult to deny that higher education functions as a vehicle for progress. In fact, many students matriculate into colleges across the country every year with the primary purpose of expand¬ing their job opportunities and poten¬tial lifelong earnings. On the other hand, higher educa¬tion can also reasonably be viewed as a “right.” Merriam-Webster defines a right as “something to which one has a just claim” and the assertion that higher education is a right is logical for many reasons. For example, given the fact that our economy is progressively more knowledge- based, higher edu¬cation is increasingly seen as necessary for many people to achieve economic self- sufficiency. And, it is difficult to argue with the notion that people should have the right to be economi¬cally stable. Furthmore, what about phrases from our founding our Creator has be-men (and women) the of “life, liberty, and happiness?” If shouldn’t we con-to pursue happiness, a college education economic self-sufficien-of the side of the de-one falls, any claim education is distinctly or a right requires a assumption that something so neatly and exclusively one of those two cat-course, this is not true. whether higher educa-opportunity or a right whom you ask and where refugee who is escap-country might see ac-education in the United incredible opportunity, billionaire’s child might see it right that can and will away. This question of higher education, has value because it thought, reflection on our own values, and the exchange of ideas that lead to progress. However, an informed discussion of this ques-tion requires a consideration of other critical questions about the role of higher education in larger society. Indeed, the competing sides of this debate focus on the role of higher education in the lives of the individual – whether it is an individual’s right or opportunity. But, such a focus distracts us from questions about the public val-ue of higher education. It detracts at-tention from the fact that greater num-bers of college graduates translate into higher average earnings, increased tax contributions, a more qualified work-force, and lower incarceration and poverty rates across the nation. If we consider this fact that each and every student’s success benefits us all, would we not conclude that the opportunity to pursue higher education should be treated as a right to which every American is entitled? If so, we might conclude that higher education is both an opportunity and a right.