If you set a maximum, people will charge the maximum. Oxbridge is highly competetive and they can easily charge whatever they like. Places like DMU would have more difficulty justifying expenditure.

In the end, it's the poorer people who suffer.

I do think that Cambridge and Oxford are worth probably a lot more. Though I do agree about the poorer suffering more as a result of these. It will be a millstone that the rich will not have to bear because they will pay upfront.

Doxbridge also have some of the best grant and scholarship programs in the country.

*Awaits JJ*

Yes but they may not reach all those who need it. It is still better than nothing.

i stated some time ago we were heading for a US type/style of higher education
it looks like we are heading there, rapidly ...

No and I do not like it. I would far prefer free university education but for far fewer students.

How is it that the poorer people will suffer? They are poor and will get all the help they need. Those just above the cut off point will be worst hit, if anyone is hit at all...

When I went to Oxford in 1988, it cost exactly the same as any other university would have. That is, nothing at all beyond living expenses.

My parents at the time didn't think they could afford a university education for me. I only went because I could demonstrate it wouldn't cost them a penny. I worked and saved when I could, and although I did end up in some debt it was all cleared in a few years when I started working.

If it cost £27,000 in fees alone then there's not a chance I would have gone. In some places, you can buy an entire university for that amount of cash.

I'm all for free education, but then I would be. I can understand a lot of people don't want it and don't see why they should pay for it, but I think investing in the education of the next generation is about the single most important thing a country can do to maintain it's position in the world. We don't need graduates in finger painting, but we do need intellectuals, engineers and scientist. In an ideal world, everyone should be educated to the highest level they can achieve in order to better the future of all.

One reason I voted LibDem was their stance on fees...

holdfast and on to your values with the libdems
the first and only thing that is required at this time is that a 'coalition' works
all other considerations are secondary (heated maybe, but secondary)

it must go full term, regardless of any secondary arguments

there is just too much at stake to change direction ...

Or you could do a course at Delhi university all in for less than £1,500 per annum. That includes all tuition and registration fees, and private accomodation. It doesn't include flights but all courses are taught in English.

Fees are only repayable AFTER you complete the course if you get a student loan. I don't see why people say they won't be able to afford uni?

Yes but these will be charged interest which will climb in future. It will also take years to clear, just when you are saving for a mortgage and if you follow government policy get a pension then your standard of living will be lower.