As far as degree deflation CUNY and SUNY have been free (given income < $120k/yr) for a few years, but nearly free for decades. This doesn't make their STEM degree programs any less competitive -- the difference is that the "weeders" of the system are very difficult classes at the beginning, not whose parents have how much money.
As far as going back to school, generally only the first bachelor's degree is free for states that have "free college." Master's won't be free. But, Ph. D. programs have been free for decades -- they often actually pay you for teaching and doing research.
It's not GOOD pay (like $30k/yr + $10k/yr housing stipend), but it's better than having to pay THEM.
