Originally Posted by Bostonian
I agree, but "free tuition at US public universities" sends the message that everyone should go to college....

On the contrary. Easy admissions and our educational establishment send that message. Minimum entry requirements (as noted by ColinsMum) send the message that only people who do well on the test should go to college.

Ireland abolished fees some years ago in attempt to equalize the SES distribution in higher education. It didn't work out as planned.

People who don't enjoy studying are unlikely to go to college if there are 1) reasonable options for employment and 2) there's no general message telling them the NEED TO GO TO COLLEGE!!!