I think it's an honest view into his mindset and the mindset of a lot of other people. They view these people as non-conformists and don't see a difference betw

I think it's an honest view into his mindset and the mindset of a lot of other people. They view these people as non-conformists and don't see a difference between choosing not to attend college and not being able to afford[1] attending college [1]: Afford in time, energy, money or other resource, not strictly money.