Time to subsidize 100% college educations for public universities. ...

[iemanja]

9. Most first world countries do not do it

Not for a majority of the population. In the US, anyone who can manage tuition costs or get a loan can seek higher education. In most European countries, higher ed is restricted to far fewer. There are very strict entrance exams and only a minority get to have publicly paid for higher education. Citizens in those countries also pay 50% income tax (which goes toward other social programs as well, like national healthcare). It's a decision they make to pool resources for the betterment of society, but everyone has to pay, not just the rich. So if you want free college for the smartest young people, are you willing to pay for it? Are you willing to pay half your income in taxes knowing that your children and family members may not make the cut?

Politicians make empty promises without leveling with voters about what the costs and downsides are. They shouldn't get away with it, but voters can't bother to inform themselves, so they continue to mislead. And voters wonder why they can't have everything without consequence.

BTW, some public institutions charge quite high tuition. In my state it's about 12k a semester.