I don't understand why this comment is downvoted. There are many many inexpensive state/community colleges that have pretty affordable programs which would prob

I don't understand why this comment is downvoted. There are many many inexpensive state/community colleges that have pretty affordable programs which would probably provide the same level of education. If one is hell-bent on getting a degree from a better Uni, you can always apply and transfer later. This option should most certainly be made clearer to students. I don't want to play a blame game, but I think its somewhat related to the culture of parents wanting "the best" for their kids and considering all money spent on education as an "investment". Its not. Its a huge financial commitment and should be thought through carefully. Now, its not like college is completely useless. The connections you form there last for life. Many founders initially met in college and so on. But someone considering taking on ginormous student loan debt probably should consider whether that is worth paying off loans for decades.