Why can't we have public colleges like public schools?

I like it public college

I think the answer would be more independence and treatment like an adult. I know sometimes college can be hard and it is wanted to be treated like a public school but the truth is all colleges care about is their money so if you flunk they will tutor you but it will cost you more $$$.

Its just something the government have decided to do to try and get more money into the economy, im not an American but i do think its a disgrace as you shouldnt need to pay for education, isnt education a free right? Its different here in the UK students who go to college get paid by the college to go to college. Its not much but it beats paying to get an education, you only get paid £40 a week whick is idk about $90-$100.

junior colleges are similar. why pay to study basics?