All the schools shutting down and going to online made me think - what if "free college" was an accredited online program only?  Do you think that goes over like a lead balloon with the Bernie Bros?

It's really the only fair and practical option, right?  Books are still pretty expensive, and maybe you need some supplemental class room time.  Doesn't work as well in some disciplines, probably.

But the idea someone gets a "free" $70k per year to study art history at Columbia is neither fair nor practical.  Then pay your own way to Columbia, or choose the free online program that only the poor and stupid take....and you're inherently "rigging the system" even more!

Imho, if the government wants to provide free college (or healthcare) then they should create govt hospitals and universities and fix the cost. I feel like there are many state funded hospitals and colleges so they can start there. But I don't want them to just start opening up the check book and paying for everything. That will just inflate the price. 

posted by FatHobbit

 But I don't want them to just start opening up the check book and paying for everything. That will just inflate the price.

Biden proposed something like that last night.  And that's the huge concern I had - if you just give people $6k tuition reimbursement, then it's just going to inflate prices.  Not to mention lower tier programs accepting subpar students as basically a pseudo welfare program.

Like I said, you can see the other, bigger problem is this doesn't enable people to go to the best schools.  And why stop with undergrad - if you need an advanced degree to get ahead, then is it unfair if that isn't also free?

Not sure how this can work without some sort of cost controls.  I'm with you - this will become another massively underfunded entitlement.  I say if states want to have free college for residents, then let them raise the levies on THEIR taxpayers to pay for it.  That's how it should work.  But liberals know that won't pass - they need the federal govt to print money for this to work.

posted by gut

Biden proposed something like that last night.  And that's the huge concern I had - if you just give people $6k tuition reimbursement, then it's just going to inflate prices.  Not to mention lower tier programs accepting subpar students as basically a pseudo welfare program.

Like I said, you can see the other, bigger problem is this doesn't enable people to go to the best schools.  And why stop with undergrad - if you need an advanced degree to get ahead, then is it unfair if that isn't also free?

Not sure how this can work without some sort of cost controls.  I'm with you - this will become another massively underfunded entitlement.  I say if states want to have free college for residents, then let them raise the levies on THEIR taxpayers to pay for it.  That's how it should work.  But liberals know that won't pass - they need the federal govt to print money for this to work.

bingo

Pipe dream.  A higher education is not a universal right.  

Free college for degrees in engineering or education .....no way.  Free vocational degrees in HVAC, construction etc......sure.

How does one obtain a dregree?

posted by ernest_t_bass

How does one obtain a dregree?

degree would be useless just like a HS diploma.

THe goal post for most jobs will just get pushed farther back and require a masters degree.  You might need a PHD in some stuff to get a "good" job.

posted by Spock

degree would be useless just like a HS diploma.

 

THe goal post for most jobs will just get pushed farther back and require a masters degree.  You might need a PHD in some stuff to get a "good" job.

Do you have a dregree?