If a student took up a trade in High School, they may not need to pursue a higher education. This is because a trade would have been taught to the student, and would just need to get certification. Once certified, the student will be able to enter the work force under their trade. However, if this is not the case, then the student will need to enter higher education.
Trade schools are available to anyone, but I would see this being an option for those that do not wish to invest in the expense of university education. With that said, the nation will need tradesmen that can do electrical engineering, mechanics, and other trades. If the student comes from a low income household, learning a trade will give the opportunity to get out of poverty which is good for the student and nation. Low income households will likely have programs to help a student in trade school.
University will have other rules, and a low income student isn’t guaranteed free education. However, they can apply for scholarships, and grants to lessen the blow. There might also be additional programs to help the student get the degree they need or want. There will be only 1 university so all schools have an equal footing, and allow the government to focus their attention on one school, rather than potentially dozens of schools.