The newspaper should be free to all the students.
The newspaper should be free for all the students.
Are both 'to' and 'for' correct?
***** NOT A TEACHER *****
(1) This
non-teacher may be wrong (and probably
is), but he feels
that there may be a slight difference.
(a) We are planning a newspaper that will be free
to all the students.
(i) I get the sense that you expect that all the students will want a copy
and will receive a copy.
(a) For example, copies will be distributed (free) in all the
classrooms. In theory, all the students at your school will receive
and (hopefully) read a copy.
(2) We are planning a newspaper that will be free
for all the students.
(i) I get the idea that it will be available (free) if a student wants
a copy.
(a) For example, copies will be placed in newspaper boxes located
at different places on the campus, and students who are interested
will be able to get a copy -- if they so choose.
(3) If I were forced to choose, I should choose "to."