Why do Universities receive taxpayer money?

I know there are exceptions, like Hillsdale college, but why would others take money from
tax payers? Would they not be able to survive on their own with just tuitions? How does
Hillsdale do it?

Is it like NPR and PBS? Their business model is not strong enough to support itself?

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Heartlander · 80-89, M

A lot of private/parochial schools are seriously against taking public funds. They fear it's the first step in opening the doors to government intrusion which would be near impossible to escape from later.

About 15% of all K-12 students attend private/parochial schools. Post secondary it's closer to 28%. Post secondary do accept pubic funds in on way or another, such as VA, Merit scholars, Pell, etc. It seems like nonpublic colleges and universities have successfully kept government hands at a distance.