University education should be free for all Romanian citizens. Education is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Many talented students from rural areas or low-income families cannot afford even "budget" living costs in university cities, let alone tuition. Countries with free education (Germany, Norway, Finland) consistently outperform in innovation and economic growth. When you remove financial barriers, you unlock potential from every corner of society. Romania loses brilliant minds to financial exclusion every year. The ROI for the state is clear: educated citizens earn more, pay more taxes, start businesses, and drive innovation. The cost of free education is an investment, not an expense. Every lei spent on a student returns multiple lei to the economy over their career.

Making all university education free would be a disaster for quality and fairness. Romania's universities already struggle with underfunding — spreading resources even thinner would make education worse for everyone. Merit-based funding ensures that public money goes to students who will use it best. Why should taxpayers fund someone who chose a degree with no market demand and drops out in the second year? Budget spots already exist for the best students. Free education sounds noble but creates perverse incentives. Students who pay nothing value their education less and have higher dropout rates. In countries with partial fees, completion rates are higher because students have skin in the game. We should increase scholarships for exceptional students from disadvantaged backgrounds, not make everything free for everyone including those who can afford to pay.