Unfortunately, the US poor and middle class cannot usually attend higher-education unless given a massive scholarship through some sort of application process (

Unfortunately, the US poor and middle class cannot usually attend higher-education unless given a massive scholarship through some sort of application process (which they might not even get) or take out large loans that take decades to pay back in most cases. Athletic programs offer help to the few that perform at the peak of their sport. It's not a great system, it's a lottery for student athletes who can't afford college. I don't think university athletics programs are the worst thing, it should be separate but it's not the major problem. The major issue is the requirement of a college degree for anything and the lack of major public funding. Sure, you can get grants from the govt that help cover school but very few people can attend school with zero expenses. I think that part needs to change. I think free college (and discounted university tuition) would greatly improve things. It would also have an affect of university athletics program where they wouldn't be able to dangle such massive opportunities in poor people's faces to attract them to their school. If kids are less focused on getting the athletic scholarship, they would be able to focus on school more.