Why can't college be FREE?

It can be.  I have seen college be "free" for many students.  As a former college and career advisor in one of California's largest school districts, I saw and steered students to colleges where they could receive a college education for "free." 

Some of these students had great college test scores and excellent grades. They were from low income families. If they chose a public state college, they would have to pay quite a bit. On the other hand, outstanding small and mid-sized private colleges provided FREE tuition and room and board for these same students. College was FREE.  It brought me so much joy to see these students earn FREE college by getting all of their financial need met by private liberal arts colleges.

Other students went to college for FREE by receiving full rides in return for serving in the Marines or Navy for 4 years immediately after graduating from college.   College was FREE for going into the ROTC.

Other students received FULL rides because of their athletic prowess.  But, not many students have the athletic ability and grades to earn full rides for Basketball or Football.  These students went to college for FREE. 

Finally, my own daughter received an academic FULL RIDE (Tuition, Room, Board, Books) to Fresno State University. She did not want to go to school in Fresno.  She passed up FREE college to go to a school where she really wanted to go -- Arizona State University.    Sometimes FREE is nice.  But, you gotta go where you are going to be happy.  My daughter LOVED Arizona State, graduated, and is raising her own family in Tempe, AZ - home of ASU. 

College can be FREE. 

Hi Nancy,

I agree, college should be more price friendly for students. Unfortunate we have to pay for tuition and books. If you decide to further your education, it will be more expensive. All we can do is try to do our best with paying for school. I hope this helps.

Serge

Hello Nancy,

College can be free if you work hard in high school, get good grades and earn scholarships and grants to pay for your college tuition. If you excel at sports in addition to getting good grades then you will definitely increase your chances of going to college for free. College costs because there is a value placed on that the time and commitment required to earn a degree. Make sure you pick a degree in something you enjoy doing and do not do it for the money.

There are a few tuition free colleges for students with certain majors and situations.

Have a look at this article: https://thebestschools.org/magazine/tuition-free-colleges/

I coach students with excellent grades or specific talents (like musical prodigies) to apply to these schools although they may be far away from home or seem like they may be more difficult academically. Many of these tuition free schools are hard to get into but have excellent graduation rates so if you are accepted, there is a great chance that you will make it all the way through.