I went to the University in Czech Republic. There's no tuition for public universities. They are very competitive and only the best get into those. There's no "general studies" type of classes in college. You go study your major. General studies are done in high school. No reason to repeat them in college. You don't go get an undergraduate degree and then apply for law school, medical school, vet school, etc. You go to those directly from high school based on your entrance exams and your grades. You go to college with serious knowledge already acquired and you build on it. Those who are not good enough to get into the public university can chose a private and pay for it. Great system! Wish we had it here in the US!