general Is education free in equestria?

[Berry-Bliss-Sundae 1,275]

I have had this question since I first saw '' the school for gifted unicorns '' ... I mean, in the series some schools have been seen (the ponyville school, Wonderbolt Academy, the flight school in cloudsdale) but ... these schools will be paid or free(paid by the government) to use for any pony that wants to attend?
Obviously the school of unicorns is not free, just to enter you need to pass an admission test 

Maybe my question is a bit ignorant, but at least in my country public universities are considered "the best in the country" given their high academic level ... private universities usually you pay when you are not able to pass public universities (basically you pay for having a degree) or have a relatively easy career that, besides liking you this career, this career is not taught by the public university. Thanks to this '' lifestyle '' I do not know the educational system in other countries, but I do know that in countries like the United States and England schools, universities and... basically you pay for everything. 

[SharpWit 2,647]

I would say that the school for gifted unicorns requires payment by the attendee's parents since it is an advanced education, but that they also might recieve a subsidy or tax break to help cover costs, since the graduates are more likely to be officials of some sort, and the school is run by Celestia after all. The Wonderbolts Academy I would say charges for it's entry exam along with room and board until basic training is past. From there the cadets are a reserve force for the wonderbolts and would be paid for their service. This would also help cover losses made from taking time away from their regular job for further training and drill practice. The Flight School in Cloudsdale I think is fully funded by the government, however they hold high standards and will expel you if you don't meet them. Part of this is because Cloudsdale in my opinion, being more isolated and densely packed and originally coming from a militarized society, is more authority centered. I need more evidence to confirm that, but they definately have somewhat of a unique culture from the rest of Equestria. I would have said that it's probably 50/50 between regular teachers like Miss Cheerilee being payed by the town or by her student's caretakers since Ponyville is one of what I assume is a fair number of small towns, and Equestria doesn't have the most modern of societies but after seeing that there is an Equestrian Education Association, I'd lean more towards them general education being provided freely. Perhaps a budget is provided and divided among EEA approved schools and this is received from taxes across the nation.

[Twiggy 2,966]

I now desire a several part episode going in-depth into the socioeconomics and geopolitics of Equestria. Partially because I'm curious about it and partially because the discussions should be very, VERY entertaining for me.

To answer your question though the school for gifted unicorns is likely paid for by the state in return for some form of service to the state by the student after graduation. That's how I would run it if I were an eternal God-King at least.

[Brony Number 42 10,069]

How about an episode where Applejack is going through the finances, trying to figure out how to pay for Apple Bloom's community college. Meanwhile, Sweetie Belle gets into Canterlot U because Rarity "knows ponies." 

Scootaloo never went to college. She drifted around, always dreaming of joining the Wonderbolt Academy, but she found out you have to have a degree or recommendation. She thought Rainbow Dash would recommend her, but Dash said something about "not Wonderbolt material yet." Scootaloo never knew when "yet" would come. Truth is, she knew it was because she couldn't fly.

They lost touch despite a promise to "be best friends forever." Apple Bloom was resentful that Sweetie Belle joined the elite sorority and just seemed to have her grades given to her because she was rich. Apple Bloom saw Scootaloo sweeping floors at sugar cube corner and they chatted. Apple Bloom met a nice colt in school, while Scootaloo made a vague reference to seeing "somepony," but she didn't want to talk about it. In fact, she didn't want Apple Bloom to visit her place for some reason. Kept saying the place "was a mess."

Sweetie Belle showed up back in Ponyville in a fancy car with some stuck up socialite who didn't seem to even want to breathe Ponyville air. She didn't even tell Apple Bloom. She only came to pack up her things and see her sister. Apple Bloom heard about it a day later and felt snubbed. 

Turns out ponies change.

Anyway, I think they have to pay for it.

[SharpWit 2,647]

20 minutes ago, BronyNumber42licious said:

Anyway, I think they have to pay for it.

That took an unexpected turn,,,

[The Kaeya Simp 13,988]

I think schools like the School for gifted unicorns would not be free but schools like Ponyville School House would be

[TBD 17,254]

I don't think so, Cherilee gonna make a living too ya know?

[DubWolf 17,263]

1 hour ago, TBD said:

I don't think so, Cherilee gonna make a living too ya know?

Free doesn’t mean nobody is paying for it  .

[Cash In 22,309]

Hi @Berry-Bliss-Sundae

Since this thread is discussing the wonderful world of Equestria, it will be better suited to MLP:FiM Canon Discussion. I shall move it there now.

[Sturmponiere 122]

The very fact of your question is a bit confusing. Free? Are you a co...