While on the surface this article is about tuition-free colleges in Germany, when read in depth it highlights differences from the stereotypical U.S.A. college experience such as:
- applying to a specific program within the college,
- studies which are career-focused,
- few amenities on campus,
- serving a large population of commuter students.

The described German approach to higher education is similar to technical colleges in the U.S.A.