The trades are important work. Go into a trade because you love it. Don’t go into a trade just because you don’t think you can afford college.
Any student can get a college degree with zero debt. There was never a need to borrow money for college. Working your way through college has always been an option.
First, do your best to qualify for scholarships, especially a full scholarship.
If that doesn’t work, then finish your first two years at a community college. Then, transfer to a university as a junior and part-time student while working. Today, you don’t even have to go to the campus for most classes. Most courses are offered online, and you can take them from home.
I agree with what you said but would like to add the following ;
Be sure you take the RIGHT COURSE. By that, I mean, a degree where there will be strong market demand.
Needless to say, the math and science ( including health sciences ) courses are the ones where there will be most demand. If you enroll in the liberal arts, be sure you choose the right college because the majority of liberal arts colleges are teaching BS today,