I think we've already had the cost of college now vs. cost of college 25-30 years ago when you and I went to college discussion.
I'm grateful my parents paid for my bachelor's education (in-state tuition), a scholarship (and a 30 hour a week job)partially paid for my first master's degree, and my employer (you, the taxpayer) paid for my second master's.
And none of that made me lazy. If I'm lazy about anything, it's blue collar grunt work. Grew up on a dairy farm, and don't care to do any more physical labor the rest of my life. Other than running marathons.
americans want everything given to them without having to work for it. thats why americans are so jealous of people who have made it and are doing fine. they want that type of comfortablity given to them. and it all starts with school. i think students should be forced to get jobs and balance real life work while getting their education, instead of scholarships. hands out are hands out, no matter how you label them.
I worked when I went to school. 30 hours a week at least while going full-time. Got two bachelor degree and owed zero dollars. I don't think merit based scholarships make you lazy. But student loans are terrible ideas.