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On Friday, February 19, 2021 at 12:09:16 AM UTC-5, Jim Joyce wrote:

I borrowed $40K for college and my wife borrowed $35K. For both of us,
the
loans have been paid off long ago, but the experience leads me to believe
that, depending on specific requirements and restrictions, higher
education
should be free*, just as formal K-12 education is free*.

I disagree, although the solution I propose might be just as expensive.

From what I can see, most high schools push nearly all their students
to what we used to call the college-prep track, and have gutted the
"industrial arts" programs. Bring back the idea that high schools prepare
their students for what they'll actually face when they leave. Some
students will go to a four-year university. Most students will require
some additional education, including two-year programs, vocational
training, and apprenticeships (I can hear everybody laughing).

Additionally, make that additional education more affordable. Public
universities need to keep their undergraduate tuition in check. For
advanced degrees in practical subjects--especially medicine and
dentistry--a system of subsidy in return for post-graduation work in
areas where their skills are most needed.

But people tend not to value things that they get for free.
Make those kids pay _something_ for their higher education,
but not so they leave school with crushing debt.

Why does that make sense for higher education but not school education ?