> this is part of why I live in Europe where university students in general are seen as an investment by the state and not so much a business to be optimised I

> this is part of why I live in Europe where university students in general are seen as an investment by the state and not so much a business to be optimised In this specific case, though, I don't think these two things are in conflict at all. By selecting the best candidates on the basis of merit, MIT is doing what's best for both MIT as well as the broader society. We all benefit from living in a country that produces top-tier scientists and engineers, and MIT benefits from being a place that is known for producing top-tier scientists and engineers.