Part of the whole college cost discussion, has to do with how expensive private universities have become. And another is the expectation so many have to go away to college.
In both cases, families would save a lot of money, if their students went to a local public college or university, and lived at home while doing so.
Also, with technology having developed as it has, there should be more opportunities for online learning and courses, which hopefully would be a lot less expensive.
“another is the expectation so many have to go away to college.”
I believe this expectation arose because of the Vietnam War draft.
There was a draft exemption for college students.
For young men in the late 1960’s, it was often a choice of college or getting shot at (or the Coast Guard[my neighbor] or National Guard[my brother-in-law]).
“how expensive private universities have become”
Part of that is because many students are charged top dollar so many others can pay comparatively little.
William Walker the 3rd might pay $50,000/year so Bob Bad Background can pay $7,000/year.