Feeling fortunate: 4 kids...no college debt. They all attended local Junior College first and lived at home. All lived on a shoestring for sure. One only attended long enough to be certified with a practical skill, but no degree. Two now has a PhD. Three is now a stay-at-home Mom with a four year degree. Four, has a four year degree, and has never used it... instead by following a passion.
My husband was determined that we would give our kids a debt free 4 year degree (in state) as his parents and mine had done for their children. It wasn’t easy for them nor was it for us. There was a real learning curve on the value of dollar and how to best stretch it. Side jobs helped provide ....
Great job Mom - hats off to you.
One daughter is going into nursing. Local community college has a good program, tuition is about $8K/year. After two years you get your associates degree, and can get your RN license. Then another two years to get your BS in nursing, while working as one on the side. Hope to see her get her BSN with little or no debt.