My experience supports the view that even with aid, American university prices can be prohibitively high. Back in 2011, I got into a few prestigious schools (C

My experience supports the view that even with aid, American university prices can be prohibitively high. Back in 2011, I got into a few prestigious schools (CMU, U Chicago) that talked a big game about need-based aid. They trimmed a good bit off the sticker price for me, but it was still more than I could afford without getting into more debt than I was comfortable with. I'm graduating next month from the University of Pittsburgh where I pay no tuition because I grew up nearby and my high school performance was up to par. So my friends who do pay tuition are subsidizing my degree.