I have 4 kids—Gen Z. I saved up for their college (4 years only, in state public university only and frugal housing) through 529 plans and I can tell you that the college costs alone were a half million dollars. It’s $15k/year tuition plus $15k/year room and board times 4 years times 4 kids. Two are done, one in college now, one in college next year. They work during the summers but can only make $2k/summer. No loans. I’m proud to have saved up for them but saving a half million dollars is not for the faint of heart and I benefitted from the stock runuo from 2010-2020 (when I did most of the investing).
The only way to make college costs cheaper is to do the 1st two years at community college and live at home. (Not a bad plan at all.)
I agree especially if you do not know what you want to do. My eldest daughter worked hard and got excellent grades. Got a great scholarship to the University and worked as well. She got accepted to Grad school (one of top 4 in the country) and is getting paid for it. She really helped herself and helped us out as well. A real Godsend, blessing from God and an Angel to boot. We really don't deserve her but God blessed us anyway.
My parents liked my plan better: 4 year Army ROTC scholarship. Paid all academic expenses, my summer jobs paid for room and board.
However, I'm not a big fan of today's woke military. Gut it out, do your 4 years active duty requirement, then move on...that would be my advice today.