This article discusses whether it is advisable to introduce tuition fees in French universities. For this purpose, we first present the theoretical motivations behind the introduction of tuition fees. We then consider the empirical effects of these fees, starting with a comparison between different institutional contexts, before considering the effects of the introduction of tuition fees in a French university. We conclude that the introduction of tuition fees at the University Paris 9 Dauphine had effects that could potentially increase the effects of segregation and social inequalities on student careers, and that, contrary to theoretical predictions, the introduction of tuition fees in this University had no effect on student achievement.