When something is "free" at point of service, that means the costs are being transferred to other individuals. Who should pay for these students to attain higher degrees and the potentially higher salaries they may expect to earn? Who should sacrifice so they may benefit?
Ah-
duh. They're supposed to go on and make discoveries that will ultimately improve the lives of others. Research studentships are supposed to be investments in the future of the society, but selfish Americans have trouble seeing past the idea that they're getting a "free" Ph.D. (note: they're actually working their little backsides off).
They work for peanuts, which is why the universities love them and why there are too many of them.
