In state at the local community state college is about $4000 per year, straight tuition. With books let’s call it $5000.
If a person makes $10/hr, and works full time in the summer, they can pay for that, live with a roomate, and eat.
It ain’t Ivy League, and it ain’t a sweet dorm, but its a degree.
I think you just agreed with me. Four year universities are not available to those without loans, family money, etc. They *used* to be available.