[pbourke]

What do you mean by “function independently?”

Why do you immediately separate eduction by wealth?

I suspect you mean that the purpose of eduction is to ensure that an individual can be gainfully employed and not be a burden on the state. One of your aims would be heading off any poor students pursuing a less lucrative degree (liberal arts).

This seems like a rather sad view of education.

[truly]

I mean to function without being babysat, not (only) from an economic perspective.

I'm not suggesting in any way a class-based education system, which are awful. I'm simply stating that if you are poor, your best bet is to pursue whatever education lands you the best possible job.