Completely anecdotal, current student, but some people learn differently from in person class vs online/remote. Also, imo not every degree/course is best done online (e.g., trades, arts, performing arts). Right now I am taking classes which cannot be done online.

I do however understand where you are coming from. MIT courseware is abundant, youtube, library resources, github `awesome` lists...

If there wasn't bureaucracy/capitalism surrounding higher education i wouldn't mind it coming from tax dollars since it would be another log added to the fire per se. Plus it helps to create a stronger workforce (theoretically, assuming graduates). Without the right safeguards, free college edu wouldn't work, would be nice tho