The key difference between the parent commenter's proposal and a loan, is that the proposal ties the amount paid back to the income of the graduate. The thinki

The key difference between the parent commenter's proposal and a loan, is that the proposal ties the amount paid back to the income of the graduate. The thinking is that conditions would be structured to better ensure the college degree provides suitable income (only for certain majors, only if the college provides certain data about grads, etc).