“Average students from directionals have a tough road ahead because their college has less rigor than lacs and fewer resources per student than either LAC or flagship, their alumni network is not as expensive or strong as either…”
Directionals pay 10K a year, LACs 70K a year, for that difference the LACs better offer a much better experience. What you’re saying is that a $700K house is better than a $100K house, of course that’s true. The question the OP is asking is why should someone pay the price for a LAC, financial aid package or not than a public school. And since the LAC proponents keep saying the same things over and over again, it’s a good question.
Also directionals are commuter schools so there are no fees for room and board typically.