I do not think colleges should be free. No way. University education is a WANT. It is not a need.
This is a place people WANT to be and people WANT to do something.

I do not get some of you guys who are totally Conservatives.
You sound like a real Liberal there. That sounds so Liberal. Free colleges!!! Where does it stop! I used to work with some really Conservative girls, we got along great by the way, but I sounded far more Conservative the they did. I am Moderate ..Independent... in politics. I do not even vote even more. Conservative with money, crime, values, etc. Liberal on your choice, your decision ,and so then deal with it on your own.

Free colleges would bring down the universities. Bad enough you have students in public high schools who are just there. At least in elementary, you can try to reach them. Turn their path to the right way.
You do not need people in universities who are just there, killing some time...

There are ways for people who take loans to pay them off or pay a far lesser amount by doing things involving working in inner city places. Title I schools, you can pay off a lesser amount or something. I have heard some school teachers do this.
I knew of a dentist who had her loans reduced or moreso by working some hours at jail. Free dental care for prisoners. Lord have mercy!! I am glad she had that chance to greatly reduce her loans or more, but dental care for prisoners paid by Yours Truly (Me, You, We taxpayers) is just stupid.

In France, you have to pass rigorous testing to even qualify for universities. Your scores can determine which of the prestigious schools you may be able to even have a shot at. If your aptitude fails you, then you must be destined for a different skill set, one designed for trade schools. There are, of course, still private institutions.