As the price of college continues to rise and students find themselves deeper in debt, Americans are clamoring for ways to reduce their out-of-pocket college costs and debt. Some lawmakers have proposed removing the cost of college tuition as a solution. However, this brief argues three points: (1) U.S. policymakers should be wary of countries that provide "free" college to citizens. This has led to overcrowding, reduced access, and fewer resources per student; (2) "Free" college in America would be extremely expensive, with the costs burdening many taxpayers who did not obtain college degrees; and (3) Instead, the U.S. should focus on reducing college costs that are fueled by federal student loans and bolster alternative pathways like apprenticeships.