It is a difficult problem. On the one hand, money problems should not prevent a bright student from studying at a university. On the other hand, some degrees at

It is a difficult problem. On the one hand, money problems should not prevent a bright student from studying at a university. On the other hand, some degrees at some universities for some people are a waste of time and money, and the time would've been better spent learning a trade. To make the problem a bit simpler by considering the extremes - if a student is so bright and capable that they get into MIT or Harvard on merit alone, financial difficulty should not be preventing them from studying. However it is done, the kid and, if applicable, their family, need to be made financially secure for the duration of the studies.