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I understand that some students might not feel as comfortable in the environment of a Uni as large as the typical UC although I think more would manage it much better than they think - it’s not that difficult and now’s the time for one to start taking charge of their lives. There are already other public options though, at least in California, with a wide variety of state schools from very large ones to fairly small ones. If a student is looking for the right ‘fit’ and they don’t want to pay the megabucks (assuming no scholarships/grants) for a private, then they can choose from the variety of publics available. That’s what they’re for and we taxpayers are already subsidizing them. </p>
<p>If the idea is that anyone should be permitted to go to the ‘private’ college of their choice on someone else’s dime, which usually means on my dime as a taxpayer, then I don’t go along with that and think it would be impractical and only serve to have college costs increase even more and enrich the coffers of a private business.</p>
<p>I understand that not all states have as many public options as California but I do think people should at least consider what’s already available in the public sector if finances are a concern (and even if finances are of no concern) and not dismiss them simply because they’re ‘public’ (I know you haven’t stated that). </p>
<p>I’m not sure what you mean by “NEED a protected environment”. If it’s due to some disability then many publics can already accommodate depending on what it is. If it means the student is shy and just not that outgoing, many will manage just fine once they have more of a need to take charge of themselves and move out of the umbrella of others taking care of them.</p>