“In MA if you score high enough on the standardized tests for high school seniors, you get free tuition at Mass State colleges.”
A lot of states seem to do that. I have no problem with grade-based stuff like that. I survived by getting scholarships to get an engineering degree. Earning help by having a high GPA is one thing, but giving just anyone money for nothing is a waste. At least those that have the higher GPAs are likely to graduate and get a job. Verses, grants where you get money just because you are poor. I knew a girl who got grants - and actually got an extra $1000 just for going to school. She never graduated, of course.
I think those getting help that are in the service or pre-service (ROTC) is good too - those are the ones more likely to use the education as well.
One of my daughter’s “friends” used their student loan to buy a girlfriend a piece of jewelry. Not an engagement ring ( which would still be improper) but a valentine’s day gift.
He was soon out of school. No girlfriend. No jewel. No money.
Those fools are always around. While you sometimes loan money to fools, I would prefer to make that plan on my own, and not have the State do it for me.