Middle class families can pay for school: In 2019-20 in state tuition and fees in California averaged $9k. 100% of which you can take a federal loan and payback <$150/mo that begins 6 months after graduating.
Rent/living cost is another matter, but tuition can be still be reasonable if you state in state and don’t attend expense universities.
But I totally agree - there is a lower/lower middle class of people that attending college is vet challenging and free tuition for all at some schools would be massively beneficial for them and society.
Even if you live at home and stay on your parents plan in state tuition is 14k. Add another 2k for books and at a minimum your talking 16k. That's a pretty big chunk if your only at 150k for a family of 4.
If I was to propose something I'd make in state tuition fully free for residents, and if that cost too much maybe make people do the first 2 years at a community college. Honestly I credit community college with turning my life around. I ended up graduating from a state school and I'm very happy with my degree! It's not in computer science, but after a very long journey I feel it's something to be proud of.
The best part about college is your free to take time off and finish later.
That 9k number I bet is averaging community colages with California State and University of california, because 9k is far too low from my two kids recent tuitions.
Rent/living cost is another matter, but tuition can be still be reasonable if you state in state and don’t attend expense universities.
But I totally agree - there is a lower/lower middle class of people that attending college is vet challenging and free tuition for all at some schools would be massively beneficial for them and society.