[Willie Green]

4 years full time at Penn State: $10,000
degree: accounting
two years later: passing CPA exam and practicing accounting

Not sure where you got that info.
A quick check of PSU's Tuition Rates shows it's roughly $10K per year for state residents, and TWICE that amount for non-residents.

Then you have to add room & board, not to mention various other fees and living expenses.

[Ciexyz]

The waitress in the article works in Pittsburgh PA. There are few entry level jobs in Pittsburgh PA. It's a very competitive marketplace. She'd do better to move to another city, where she'd possibly get higher wages for her entry level job.