COMMENT | Public universities were established to develop national talent. They are meant to provide all capable and hardworking students, especially those from low-income families, a fair chance to continue their studies through higher education pathways.If these institutions start deviating into a more profit-driven model, they risk undermining their foundational mission and betraying their vital role in serving the public good through education.Public universities’ core role lies in public support and governmental support, such as taxpayer money and separate government funding.As such, they are meant to assist students who achieve strong academic results and wish to advance into higher education but may not have the financial means.