text: At the very bottom of this discussion is the question of defining the "public's" role in providing public education...specifically, education beyond K-12.  As a State we can't even decide if K-12 is worth the investment; some contend it badly underfunded; others that the system is inefficient, wasteful and not worth of support....compounded by a non-uncommon resentment of public employees.
  
  College/university education is expensive and someone has to "carry the freight" of that expense.  The University already recruits out-of-state/out of country students as a "profit center."  The State taxpayers are reluctant to support the universities with significant public monies and, presto, this all leaves the in-state students as the obvious target for tuition increases.  Many working/middle class students are getting "priced-out" of a college education.  At some point we, as citizens and taxpayers, need to openly decide if this is OK with us, then, perhaps do something about it.  Gary Crum