Persuasive Essay Topics for College: Fun, Creative Ideas for Every Student

A persuasive essay is a type of academic writing that aims to convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. It uses logical reasoning, evidence, and emotional appeals to present arguments and counterarguments, ultimately persuading the audience of the writer's stance on a given topic.

This article is here to help you find a topic that’s perfect for your next persuasive essay. We’ve put together a list of engaging and interesting persuasive essay topics for college students — whether you’re into ethics, politics, or the latest trends in technology.

And if you’re looking for a little more guidance or someone to bounce ideas off, essay writing company EssayHub is always here. From choosing the best persuasive essay topic to putting together an entire essay, we will make that paper a standout!

Best Persuasive Essay Topics for College Students

If you're looking for a topic that sparks real debate, these college persuasive essay ideas are anything but stale; they're relevant and sure to get people talking!

1. Should colleges offer "fail-proof" grading to encourage risk-taking in learning?
2. Is it time to replace traditional student loans with an income-share agreement model?
3. Should campus libraries be open 24/7 to support different study habits?
4. Is enforcing attendance policies in college classes outdated?
5. Should students have the right to choose pass/fail grading for any course?
6. Should colleges provide free professional headshots for students' job applications?
7. Is banning smartphones in classrooms an effective way to improve focus?
8. Should professors be required to make their course materials available as open-source content?
9. Would implementing a four-day college week improve student performance?
10. Should unpaid internships be banned as exploitative labor?

Culture

Culture shapes our world, from the entertainment we consume to the values we hold. Here's a list of college persuasive essays that'll push the conversation forward.

1. Is internet slang evolving language or harming communication skills?
2. Should schools teach dialects and regional languages alongside standard languages?
3. Has meme culture replaced traditional forms of satire and critique?
4. Should historical figures be judged by today's moral standards?
5. Is digital art as valuable as traditional paintings and sculptures?
6. Are reality TV shows negatively influencing modern relationships?
7. Should museums include disclaimers for exhibits with controversial histories?
8. Is globalization erasing cultural diversity or enhancing it?
9. Should fan fiction be legally recognized as transformative art?
10. Has the rise of AI-generated art devalued creative professions?

Economy

Money makes the world go round, but should it? These topics challenge conventional economic thinking with a focus on real-world impact.

1. Should all jobs have a minimum wage tied to inflation rates?
2. Is "Buy Now, Pay Later" fueling a new kind of consumer debt crisis?
3. Should influencers be required to disclose their annual earnings publicly?
4. Are universal free public transportation systems economically sustainable?
5. Should companies be taxed based on their environmental impact?
6. Would a four-day workweek boost productivity or harm the economy?
7. Should AI-generated products be taxed at higher rates to protect human jobs?
8. Is stock market investing becoming more like legalized gambling?
9. Should fast-food chains be required to pay workers living wages?
10. Are billionaires ethically obligated to donate a percentage of their wealth?

For persuasive speech topics for college, make sure to check out this dedicated blog article!

Education

The way we learn is constantly evolving. These topics let you go into the changes that could shape future education.

1. Should students be allowed to design their own majors?
2. Are final exams an outdated way to assess student knowledge?
3. Should schools introduce mandatory conflict resolution training?
4. Are online degrees as valuable as in-person college education?
5. Should classrooms be restructured to prioritize hands-on learning?
6. Should schools eliminate traditional grading and switch to skill-based assessments?
7. Would removing deadlines from coursework help or harm students?
8. Should coding be considered a core subject like math and science?
9. Is bilingual education necessary for students in today's global economy?
10. Should schools have AI tutors available for all students?

Already picked your topic? Great! Now, it's time to master persuasion. Check out our step-by-step guide to writing a persuasive essay!

Ethics

What's right and what's wrong? These college level persuasive essay topics explore modern ethical dilemmas with no easy answers.

1. Should AI be allowed to create realistic digital versions of deceased actors?
2. Is it ethical for companies to track employee productivity through software?
3. Should there be an expiration date on non-disclosure agreements?
4. Is it ethical for brands to profit from "greenwashing" campaigns?
5. Should people be required to opt in for organ donation rather than opt-out?
6. Is it ethical to create AI-generated influencers that compete with real ones?
7. Should people be held legally accountable for offensive social media posts from years ago?
8. Should companies be required to disclose their use of AI-generated content?
9. Is it ethical for schools to collect student data to improve learning outcomes?
10. Should genetic modification in humans be legal for non-medical purposes?

Politics

Political discussions can be intense, but these topics bring fresh, specific angles to common debates:

1. Should there be term limits for Supreme Court justices?
2. Should voting rights be extended to 16-year-olds?
3. Is gerrymandering the biggest threat to fair elections?
4. Should there be stricter laws against deepfake political ads?
5. Is mandatory voting a solution to low election turnout?
6. Should public officials be banned from stock market trading?
7. Should political parties be abolished in favor of independent candidates?
8. Is lowering the voting age in local elections a good idea?
9. Should election ballots be available in multiple languages?
10. Do countries have a moral obligation to accept more refugees?

Health

Health policies and personal well-being choices aren't always simple. These topics explore modern health dilemmas:

1. Should fast food restaurants be required to post mental health warnings?
2. Is banning vaping more important than banning cigarettes?
3. Should social media companies be responsible for users' mental health?
4. Should health insurance companies be required to cover therapy for burnout?
5. Do wearable health trackers invade personal privacy?
6. Should grocery stores have "junk food" tax labels on unhealthy items?
7. Is intermittent fasting actually beneficial, or is it just a diet fad?
8. Should hospitals refuse treatment to repeat offenders of substance abuse?
9. Is the anti-aging industry misleading consumers?
10. Should remote therapy replace in-person counseling?

History

History is more than just the past; rather, it influences decisions today. These unique topics for history will certainly challenge perspectives:

1. Was the moon landing more about politics than science?
2. Did the Industrial Revolution create more harm than progress?
3. Should ancient artifacts in museums be returned to their original countries?
4. Did the Cold War delay global cooperation on climate change?
5. Was the Great Depression preventable with better policies?
6. Is the "American Dream" a historical myth?
7. Did the Renaissance truly benefit all of Europe or just the elite?
8. Were the Vikings more traders than conquerors?
9. Could the Roman Empire have lasted longer with modern economic strategies?
10. Did prohibition cause more crime than it prevented?

Science

The scientific world is full of controversial and exciting discoveries. These science persuasive essay topics explore current debates:

1. Should governments regulate human brain-chip interfaces?
2. Is quantum computing a security threat to personal privacy?
3. Should private companies be allowed to mine asteroids for profit?
4. Can AI-generated scientific research be trusted?
5. Is synthetic meat the future of sustainable food?
6. Should weather modification be used to prevent natural disasters?
7. Is it ethical to use AI to predict criminal behavior?
8. Should microplastics in food be considered a public health crisis?
9. Can fungi-based materials replace plastic in packaging?
10. Is developing artificial womb technology ethical?

Sports

Sports aren't just about competition; they raise deeper social and ethical questions. Here are some sports persuasive essay topics to get you started:

1. Should Olympic athletes be required to live in their representing country?
2. Is college football too dangerous to continue?
3. Should stadiums be required to have sustainability initiatives?
4. Is sports gambling causing more harm than entertainment?
5. Should national anthems be played before sports games?
6. Is Formula 1 too environmentally damaging to justify its existence?
7. Should transgender athletes have a separate competition category?
8. Are esports more physically demanding than traditional sports?
9. Is owning exotic pets as sports mascots unethical?
10. Should there be an age limit for professional athletes?

Technology

Tech is reshaping the world at lightning speed, but should we slow down? Here are some thought-provoking technology persuasive essay topics:

1. Should AI-generated voices require consent from the original speaker?
2. Is brainwave-controlled technology an invasion of privacy?
3. Should companies be banned from using biometric data for marketing?
4. Are smart cities just another form of surveillance?
5. Is cryptocurrency sustainable in an energy-conscious world?
6. Should people have the right to remain anonymous online?
7. Can deepfake videos ever be used ethically?
8. Are we too reliant on cloud storage instead of physical backups?
9. Should there be a global digital currency?
10. Are smart home devices making people lazier?

Social Media

Social media is where everyone hangs out and where some of the biggest debates happen. If you want to dig into the deeper issues, check out these unique persuasive essay topics: 

1. Should TikTok be banned in schools to prevent distractions?
2. Is it ethical for AI-generated influencers to promote brands?
3. Do social media companies have a duty to combat misinformation faster?
4. Should users be required to verify their identity before creating an account?
5. Are reaction videos and “duets” unfairly profiting from original content?
6. Would removing comment sections on platforms reduce online toxicity?
7. Should social media algorithms be made public to ensure fairness?
8. Is canceling culture on social media doing more harm than good?
9. Should influencers be legally responsible for promoting harmful trends?
10. Does excessive social media use contribute to increased loneliness?

Easy Persuasive Essay Topics for College

Want a debate topic that's engaging but not overly complex? These easy persuasive essay topics keep things interesting without getting too overwhelming:

1. Should all college dorms come with mandatory quiet hours?
2. Would switching to a four-day school week improve student performance?
3. Should students be allowed to test out of general education courses?
4. Is group work in college classes actually beneficial?
5. Should campus gyms be free for all students?
6. Would allowing pets in dorms improve student well-being?
7. Should professors be required to provide trigger warnings for sensitive topics?
8. Are recorded lectures a better learning tool than live classes?
9. Should universities eliminate final exams in favor of project-based assessments?
10. Would providing free laundry services reduce financial stress for students?

Good Persuasive Essay Topics for College

If you're looking for persuasive essay topics that'll get people talking, these ideas are perfect for sparking debate:

1. Should college degrees have an expiration date to keep professionals up to date?
2. Is requiring unpaid internships unethical in today’s job market?
3. Should universities limit enrollment in oversaturated majors?
4. Would making all college courses available online make higher education more accessible?
5. Should students be able to challenge a grade through an independent review board?
6. Is a gap year before college beneficial or just a delay?
7. Should colleges offer financial incentives for students who graduate early?
8. Do campus dress codes limit students’ freedom of expression?
9. Should universities cut funding for sports programs that don’t generate revenue?
10. Is attending a prestigious college worth the extra cost, or is it overrated?

How to Pick a Good Persuasive Essay Topic for College?

Choosing persuasive essay topics for college students can be the hardest part of writing an essay. The trick is to go for something you’re genuinely curious about and that your audience will care about too. Here’s a quick guide to make the process easier:

Tips for Creating a Good Persuasive Essay

Writing a compelling persuasive essay doesn’t have to be a nightmare. If you’re working on persuasive essay topics college students can relate to, try these tips to make the process smoother:

• State Your Opinion Right Away
  Make your stance clear from the get-go. Don’t leave readers guessing. Say something like, “Online classes are better for today’s students,” instead of, “There are pros and cons to online classes.” Be bold!
• Create a Simple Structure
  Sketch out your essay before you start writing. Think: intro, main points, and a solid conclusion. This helps you stay organized and avoids that dreaded “Where do I go next?” feeling.
• Plan for the Haters
  Don’t pretend like the opposing view doesn’t exist. Bring up the counterarguments and then explain why they don’t hold water. For example, if you’re all for free college tuition, mention the funding concerns and then make your case for why it’s still a good move.
• Use Facts, Not Just Opinions
  Saying “a lot of people think” isn’t gonna cut it. Use stats and real examples. Instead of “Online classes are popular,” say “A 2023 survey showed that 65% of students felt online classes helped balance their schedules better.”
• Sound Confident
  Use strong language. Words like “definitely” and “clearly” show you’re confident in what you’re saying, while “maybe” or “I think” make you sound unsure. Be firm, like you really believe in what you’re arguing.
• Edit and Revise
  Never skip this step. Write your first draft, then take a break before you come back to it. Look for spots where your argument could be stronger and fix any grammar mistakes. Read it out loud, too, it helps catch awkward sentences. 

Final Thoughts: Picking the Perfect Topic

Choosing the right topic can totally make or break your persuasive essay. It’s the foundation of your entire argument. A well-chosen topic keeps your readers hooked, makes it easier for you to build a strong case, and lets you show off what you know. 

But if you’ve read through this article and still feel like none of the ideas are clicking, no worries! Sometimes you just need a fresh pair of eyes or a little push in the right direction. EssayHub is a great place to get that extra boost. Whether it’s fine-tuning your persuasive essay topic or putting together a whole essay, we can help you create something that stands out. Use our assignment help to ensure your arguments pack a punch and leave a lasting impression!