If only US society actually did provide four years of education and living expenses, then patio11 would be correct. Sure, such offers exist but only if you're poor. Or are the valedictorian. Average Joe gets no free ride for four years.
He meant a social subsidy, as opposed to monetary. Basically, you aren't too strait-jacketed as a student, the world is your oyster, you can try out lots of different things, etc.
That's a plausible interpretation of patio11's comment. I, however, think it's a bit of a stretch given the language of the comment. Perhaps it was his intent to say what you interpreted, but I'm inclined to disagree.
