Higher education has exerted a substantial bearing on economic growth.

Higher education has been a vital determinant of economic growth

… has engendered/ triggered some valid concerns.
Irrespective of = regardless of N
Subsidize: a financial support from the government to reduce the price of something.
Be entitled to N = have the right to N
Determinant = factor
Vital = essential
Are inclined to do st = is likely to do st
Apply oneself to Ving = try one best to do st
To be dispensed with a cost = to erase a cost

Counter-argument
Body 1: Opposite argument (1 sentence)
Explain the opposite argument (1 sentence)
However, this thinking is flawed/ short-sighted because … (1 sentence)
Explain further (1 sentence)

Body 2: Propose your own argument and explain

Help st do st = enable sb to V
To be conducive to st = to be beneficial to sb

This is a testament to how subsidizing tertiary education can take on toll on job guarantee.

Inversion: conditional sentences -> inversion

Academic vs vocational

Liberal arts college >< business school, engineering schools

First two years: learn many subjects from different disciplines (social science, natural science,
math, arts,…)
Last two years: decide and pursue major (education)

Business school, engineering school: 4 years just to pursue major

Academic school: theoretical, broad-based

Vocational: hands-on experience, applied courses, major-focused