Free College Degree for US

[mrs.b]

If public (currently, state) colleges were free in the U.S., I'd argue that the standards of entry should not be raised - that might create adverse impact for prospective students coming from lower-performing high schools (yet another debate for another day). I do, however, think that all students should be considered on academic probation for the duration of their free education. Once in school, are they capable of learning and actively trying? That should be the deciding factor. Students from those lower-performing high schools might need remedial courses to catch up, but if they put in the effort and perform well in them - great. If any student from any high school background chooses partying over studying and grades (in whatever classes they enroll) and dip below the probation line, no more free education - go get a job, or go to a private school on your own dime.

Taxpayers funds most education now, anyway, at both public and private colleges and universities. The default rate on student loans is so horrible, we already foot a lot of the outrageous tuition bills, regardless of completion rates. Perhaps if the condition of education was actual academic performance once admitted, not parents' ability to pay or students' ability to complete loan applications, there would be more incentive to put in the time and effort to earn the quality of education that once was represented in a college degree. At least that way, we would only be funding public educations. Mom and Dad could still choose to buy their party kid a degree on their own dime at private schools.