i've talked previously about the realities around the continuing expansion of the higher education system being as much about using the university as a tool of social welfare as it is about the expanding corporate influence into the education sector. we focus so much on the corporate welfare, this being a type of corporate welfare that i'm personally not all that opposed to - it's a better idea than using market theory to try to spur innovation, anyways. we forget that, for so many people, the university is the only way out of wage slavery.
almost none of these kids will ever pay these loans down.
in late capitalism, the university is adjunct to the welfare office. that's the primary social role of vast components of this system. and, that should be understood clearly - and without delusions - as the system is overhauled into sustainability.
if higher education is to be interpreted primarily as a means of social welfare, it should be free to attend - but harder to gain entry to.