OregonDeadGrants and other financial aid were originally a military defense project in the USA. We wouldn’t have enough of a skilled population to draw from if the military didn’t pay for it
It makes sense in your not so smart system. I already have mandatory service so It wouldn't work.
Degree is free here so I'm talking about living expenses. Biggest problem is that jobless rats and junkies get more financial support than students which makes no sense. Government pays around 300€+certain amount of your rent for students+~2€ meal per day. Jobless people get whole lot more. That is not enough to live so you need take a loan or get a job. Job is not an option for everyone. Loan is not great option either. Summer job is the only good way to get more money but there is limits to how much you can make before the support gets smaller.
Personally I'm not going to live with roommates or stop my hobbies so I will probably have to get a job for a whole year and a loan. But in my case it makes sense. Goverment should not be required to support my expensive hobbies.