Average Joe I would have to agree with you but I'd add one point. The people are a definite plus point, nicest people in the world...and the health care system ( or lack)is absolutely terrifying.
However this home-state free university education for those who can't afford - if I understand that a arite - is great. In fact it seems to me in comparing the two an American education seems pretty damned good.
Perhaps someone from the US can confirm or deny, as they say?
Also Rainbow_troll why not try sunny Scotland...another place to get a free university education with the added advantage they speak your language ( well...usually LoL!!)