In Britain, they don’t. Nor France, etc. Scholarships are available but the college/university bound students are not a high percentage of the population. Do you know the percentage of students that go on to higher education in Finland? I know in Britain, it used to be about 5%.
It is 25% in Finland. The taxpayers foot the bill all the way through masters. In addition, some also go into taxpayer funded vocational training, but I don’t know that percentage.
The Scandinavians have much more of a welfare state than Britain or France. Smaller populations, and have been socialist for much longer I guess.
Now hand over ~70% of your income to the government, and you too can have “free” university and healthcare.
I think Nokia either purchased a university or started its own, back in its heyday (which was about six years ago).
Then it stumbled, and I wouldn't be surprised if all that came to a screeching halt.
I know someone who finished public school in England (and that was it) in the mid-70’s. I assure you that she was and is more literate and knowledgeable in history, current affairs, finance, and practical matters than 80% of present-day college graduates.