Does end justifies the means?

Stealing, Mugging, Robbing, etc.. is against the law. Poverty doesn't give anyone the right to do illicit acts to gain money. If my parents were to do that then I'd feel inclined to tell them what I think is right. There are many public universities out there that offers "free education" to the 'needy and righteous', they have libraries to provide educational resources (free), they offer 'scholarships' and even allowances to those who deserve, etc.. I firmly believe that perseverance and dedication is enough for one to pursue knowledge, achieve his goals, realize his dreams, and get the hell out of the impoverished cycle of life many people are enduring, more especially nowadays where corrupt government officials sprouted like mushrooms - bringing the economy down closer to it's knees.

In this case, No. There are always alternative ways to accomplish things. Performing an illegal act to justify a positive gesture could never be the right solution. If you persuade your wrong impulses to solve a solution, difficult or not, your guilt will still hang in the balance.

No ideal, no matter how noble, justifies stealing. The act described above is a perfect example of 'robbing Peter to pay Paul'. Education is a noble and fair end. Stealing in whatever guise or in whatever form is ignoble. Only a noble and fair means can justifiably justify a noble and fair end. No Machiavellian approach to a noble cause is acceptable in any decent society. However, in some isolated instances, stealing could be justified. In an extreme case of hunger, a moderate amount of another person's food item could be taken if the owner is not available to grant permission, such as on a farm. If the owner is available, the use of force to obtain such a thing, no matter how pressing the need is, is armed robbery.

No ideal, no matter how noble, justifies stealing. The act described above is a perfect example of 'robbing Peter to pay Paul'. Education is a noble and fair end. Stealing in whatever guise or in whatever form is ignoble. Only a noble and fair means can justifiably justify a noble and fair end. No Machiavellian approach to a noble cause is acceptable in any decent society. However, in some isolated instances, stealing could be justified. In an extreme case of hunger, a moderate amount of another person's food item could be taken if the owner is not available to grant permission, such as on a farm. If the owner is available, the use of force to obtain such a thing, no matter how pressing the need is, is armed robbery.