I wanted my girls to experience life away from home to help them grow up which they needed so I bit the bullet and sent them to good schools many miles from home.
Financial aid was not an option since my wife and I worked for a living. So I worked harder and paid cash on the barrel head for their college years. My choice. Don’t regret it. But this was 25 years ago. Doubt I could do the same now since all that financial aid has driven costs well beyond any benefit in the majority of students.
My daughter has told me that, when she would tell people who asked that she didn't have college loans, she was met with disbelief. That was 88 thru 92 at an in state land grant university main campus. I agree that I couldn't do it today.