In the months following the 2018 election, the “free college for all” movement appeared to be on its deathbed. “Bernie Bros” across the country had buried the dream of debt-free college alongside their “Feel the Bern” bumper stickers and had surrendered the socialistic promise to the ash heap of history.

At the same time, however, free community college programs have gained steam in blue and red states alike. Currently 17 states offer tuition-free community college programs for high school graduates. While these programs have unquestionably provided unique opportunities to motivated students, politicians have not stopped debating the overall effectiveness of free college.