Regarding "free" college, I think you can set it up so that everybody with the grades to be admitted gets one free shot at state school. You can charge them but waive the fee if you'd like until they complete their degree in 5 years lets say, barring special circumstances like a military deployment, hospitalization, etc. That would give directionless students some time to find themselves or whatever they call it now, but also there is the specter of having to pay up if you don't make the effort to get a diploma.
I also agree that too many jobs require a degree when it isn't needed but there's zero hope of legislating that away. I also agree at least in Mass that there are way too many political hacks drawing fat salaries out of line with the work they're doing. If each state is on the hook somewhat for the free tuition part of the equation, perhaps they'll also look at reducing some unneeded expenses as well.