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, 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

Need a perfect topic that’ll grab attention faster than the latest TikTok trend? You’re in the right place. Here are some totally on-point college persuasive essay topics that’ll get people thinking, debating, and maybe even a little fired up:

1. Should professors start grading with AI to get rid of bias?
2. Should college dorms allow pets for emotional support?
3. Do we need a mandatory “Adulting 101” class for all freshmen?
4. Is it time for colleges to scrap textbooks and go all-digital?
5. Are student evaluations of professors fair, or just popularity contests?
6. Should campus cafeterias go all-vegetarian to help the environment?
7. Is banning social media on campus Wi-Fi networks too extreme?
8. Should colleges give students a mental health day off every semester?
9. Is it time to get rid of letter grades and switch to written evaluations?
10. Should group projects be banned in favor of solo work?

Culture

Here’s a list of college persuasive essays that’ll challenge the way people think about the world around them:

1. Is cancel culture more harmful than beneficial to public discourse?
2. Should cultural appropriation be considered a form of intellectual property theft?
3. Does the rise of influencer culture undermine traditional career aspirations?
4. Should streaming platforms be required to produce more content in minority languages?
5. Is it ethical for fashion brands to profit from social justice movements?
6. Do museums have a responsibility to return cultural artifacts to their countries of origin?
7. Is there a place for traditional gender roles in modern society?
8. Should pop culture be included in college curriculums as a legitimate field of study?
9. Does the media play a role in perpetuating beauty standards that harm self-image?
10. Should social media platforms censor cultural and political opinions to prevent misinformation?

Economy

Ready to get into some money talk? These argumentative persuasive speech topics for college cut through the noise and go straight to what’s affecting students and families right now. Take a look:

1. Should we put a cap on student loan interest so people aren’t stuck paying forever?
2. Is universal basic income the answer to shrinking paychecks and rising rents?
3. Should big tech companies like Google and Amazon pay more taxes to support small businesses?
4. Is it a good idea to use crypto as a legit currency or is it just too risky?
5. Should college tuition costs be based on how much grads actually earn in that field?
6. Is the gig economy giving people freedom or just another way to underpay workers?
7. Should the government step in and offer cheaper housing options for college students?
8. Is it time to say goodbye to cash and switch to digital-only payments?
9. Do corporate sponsors ruin college sports, or are they necessary for funding?
10. Should the government wipe out all student debt to give the economy a boost?

Education

Let’s get into some hot-button issues that people are actually talking about. These persuasive essay topics are for anyone who’s tired of the same old debates and wants to talk about something real:

1. The case for replacing traditional classrooms with open learning spaces
2. Cutting back on screen time in online classes to help students stay focused
3. Letting students rewrite outdated courses to make them more relevant
4. No more homework—would it make classes more engaging?
5. How essay-writing services are becoming the go-to for stressed-out students
6. Swapping tenure for more diverse and flexible faculty hiring
7. Do standardized tests provide an accurate measure of a high school student’s knowledge and potential?
8. Are schools putting too much emphasis on computer science over arts and humanities?
9. Should mandatory drug testing be required for high school students participating in sports?
10. Would providing more online courses help prepare students better for the digital workforce?

Ethics

Let’s be honest, ethical debates can get intense, and the stakes are high when it comes to real-life decisions. Check out these fresh, college level persuasive essay topics that will make people stop and think:

1. Is it fair to grant parole to inmates based on good behavior alone?
2. Should there be age limits for politicians holding public office?
3. Does banning books in schools cross an ethical line?
4. Is it wrong for parents to monitor their kids’ digital activity 24/7?
5. Is it morally acceptable for athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs if they’re legal?
6. Should surrogacy be allowed when it’s purely for profit?
7. Is it ethical for employers to demand social media access during hiring?
8. Are there ethical implications in using facial recognition technology on college campuses?
9. Should free speech be limited on college campuses to prevent hate speech?
10. Is it ethical to deny same-sex marriage rights in certain parts of the world?

Politics

Politics is one of those topics where everyone’s got an opinion, but finding a unique angle? That’s the trick. Here are some college level topics that go beyond the obvious debates:

1. Age limits for political candidates: too old or too young to run?
2. Should election days be national holidays to boost voter turnout?
3. Requiring political candidates to pass a civics exam before running for office
4. Banning political lobbying by former government officials
5. Publicly funded elections: leveling the playing field or wasting tax dollars?
6. Allowing non-citizens to vote in local elections: fair or unfair?
7. The ethics of mandatory military or public service for young adults
8. Limiting political campaign lengths to reduce media burnout
9. Granting asylum to climate refugees: is it time to redefine refugee status?
10. Banning political donations from billionaires: protecting democracy or restricting freedom?

Health

When it comes to health, everyone’s got something to say. But there’s a lot more to it than just eating veggies and hitting the gym:

1. Should people be allowed to sell their own organs to solve the organ shortage?
2. Is mandatory genetic testing for all newborns crossing the line?
3. Is the body positivity movement promoting unhealthy habits?
4. Should insurance cover things like acupuncture or other alternative treatments?
5. Why capping the number of elective cosmetic surgeries might be a good idea
6. Are annual mental health check-ups as important as physical ones?
7. Would a “sugar tax” on sodas and snacks actually help people eat better?
8. Letting terminally ill patients try experimental drugs—too risky or their choice?
9. Should we pay people to donate their organs?
10. Does sex education in high school need to include more information on mental health?

History

History’s full of stories that make you go, “Wait, that really happened?” But there are still a lot of debates that need some serious discussion. Here are some unique topics for history:

1. Did the Allied bombing of civilian cities in World War II cross a moral line?
2. Was the U.S. justified in its annexation of Hawaii in the 1890s?
3. Did the Marshall Plan set a precedent for modern foreign aid or just extend American influence?
4. Should more countries formally recognize the Armenian Genocide?
5. Was the Space Race more about science or flexing political muscle?
6. Could the Cold War have been avoided with better diplomatic efforts?
7. Were the Crusades driven by religious zeal or economic greed?
8. Did colonialism contribute to modern global inequalities?
9. Was the French Revolution a success or a tragic failure of ideals?
10. Could the Vietnam War have been won with different military strategies?

Science

Science is constantly pushing boundaries and raising questions that make us rethink what we know. If you're into big ideas and controversial debates, these science persuasive essay topics are just for you:

1. Should we bring extinct species back through cloning?
2. Is colonizing Mars a realistic solution to overpopulation on Earth?
3. Can CRISPR technology be trusted to modify human genes safely?
4. Are self-driving cars truly safe, or are we rushing into the future too fast?
5. Should scientists be allowed to create fully synthetic life forms in the lab?
6. Are we ready to move beyond fossil fuels and go 100% renewable energy?
7. Is too much emphasis placed on space exploration programs rather than solving Earth’s problems?
8. Are there ethical implications in using scientific research to alter human genes?
9. Should medical research focus more on developing cures for rare diseases?
10. Is the cost of space exploration justified when compared to other pressing global issues?

Sports

Sports are way more than just the scores. They’re packed with all kinds of debates and drama. If you want to talk about the stuff that really gets people going, here are some sports persuasive essay topics to get you started:

1. Should transgender athletes be able to compete in the gender category they identify with?
2. Is it crazy that some soccer players make more money in a week than most people earn in a year?
3. Do we need to rethink banning certain performance-enhancing drugs if they’re used safely?
4. Are eSports legit enough to be in the Olympics, or is that a stretch?
5. Should college athletes get a piece of the pie when their schools profit off their talent?
6. Are full-contact sports like football and boxing just too risky for high schoolers?
7. Is it time to put limits on instant replay so games don’t drag on forever?
8. Is youth sports becoming way too serious and losing the fun?
9. Is it okay for athletes to kneel during the national anthem, or does it cross a line?
10. Are pro athletes getting paid ridiculous amounts compared to what they actually contribute?

Technology

Tech is everywhere, and there’s no shortage of things to debate about it. If you want to talk about the things people are actually worried about (or arguing over), check out these technology persuasive essay topics:

1. Does banning TikTok on government phones make us safer, or is it just a distraction?
2. Is remote work messing up work-life balance instead of making it better?
3. Should there be a minimum age for using social media because of mental health concerns?
4. Are self-driving cars a disaster waiting to happen, or are we just scared of new things?
5. Should we have laws that limit screen time for kids under 12?
6. Is artificial intelligence writing and art killing jobs for real writers and artists?
7. Can virtual reality therapy ever really replace sitting down with a counselor?
8. Is facial recognition technology an invasion of privacy or a necessary tool for security?
9. Should computer science programs be required for all students to keep up with technological advances?
10. Are video games beneficial for developing logical arguments and critical thinking skills?

Social Media

Social media is where everyone’s hanging out, but it’s also where all the debates are happening. Here are some unique persuasive essay topics that really explore the bigger questions:

1. Should Instagram hide likes permanently to reduce social pressure?
2. Is it ethical for influencers to promote products they don’t use or believe in?
3. Do social media platforms need a “fact-check” button for every post?
4. Should parents post pictures of their kids online, or is that violating their privacy?
5. Are Snapchat’s disappearing messages encouraging risky behavior?
6. Can banning filters on social media reduce unrealistic beauty standards?
7. Is it fair for employers to check your social media profiles during hiring?
8. Should social media companies be responsible for cyberbullying on their platforms?
9. Is spending money on social media ads a better investment than traditional marketing?
10. Do we need limits on how much time kids can spend on social media every day?

Easy Persuasive Essay Topics for College

Looking for something simple but still interesting enough to get people thinking? These easy persuasive essay topics are perfect for starting some good discussions without getting too complicated:

1. Is it better to live on campus or off campus during college?
2. Should all colleges have a pass/fail grading option for stressful semesters?
3. Is it a good idea to let students choose their own class schedules?
4. Should cafeterias offer more plant-based options for students?
5. Is it time to make textbooks free for all students?
6. Should students get extra credit for attending college events?
7. Are online classes better than traditional ones for saving time and money?
8. Should professors be required to post grades within a week of assignments being turned in?
9. Is banning laptops in lectures helping or hurting students’ learning?
10. Should colleges have stricter rules about cheating in online exams?

Good Persuasive Essay Topics for College

Need some solid persuasive essay topics that’ll actually get people talking? These are great for sparking a good debate and sharing your opinion without getting too deep in the weeds:

1. Should students be able to rate their professors like you do on Yelp?
2. Is making attendance mandatory for college classes just a waste of time?
3. Do colleges need to offer more mental health days for students to actually breathe?
4. Would requiring internships for every degree make college more practical?
5. Are those expensive meal plans really worth it for students living on campus?
6. Should colleges go 100% paperless to save trees (and maybe a little sanity)?
7. Is grading on a curve just unfair, or is it necessary?
8. Would paying students for good grades motivate them or just add pressure?
9. Should you have to complete community service hours to graduate, or is that outdated?
10. Is it time to say goodbye to Greek life on college campuses?

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.