This was done in California in the 50s/60s (Google Clark Kerr and the Master Plan for Higher Education). It helped California become the great, innovative state it became, and then the politicians took over. 

TNStacker

Damn. Texas is doing blue state stuff better than the blue states and without a state income tax.

I was fortunate enough to qualify for enough grants/scholarships that I graduated with low 5-figure debt in California, but I know many people that have 6-figure debt well after graduating.

k00b

This is good to hear. Great step in a direction toward information and education being 100% free for the most human flourishing. 