Calling BS. If you are good student with poor parents, your college will be paid by the state. It won’t be enough to cover tuition plus all living expenses but it will be close. If you live with friends or family, and driver Uber or work at a restaurant, you can do it.
No, you can’t do the Ivy League Indoctrination Centers. But they are an utter waste of money. There is no reason at all other than snobism to pay for an Ivy League school if you are poor. (Poor, good students who make a partial sport or academic scholarship at an Ivy League might benefit from student loans to get to play and study there, only exception I know of.)
Worked full time for 2 years between high school and college. Not because I was saving for college, but just didn’t know what I wanted to do. Lived at home. Worked full time at a grocery store for $4.60/hour. Saved the vast majority of that money.
Started college in Fall ‘76 at a state university. I think cost/quarter including room and board was $650.00. Did not qualify for any financial aid and did not take any student loans.
Worked summers doing construction, roofing, gutters, siding for $4.00/hour.
Graduated Fall ‘80. I had to borrow $100 from my father the last month to eat for and gas to drive home, otherwise it was all paid for by me. Skipped graduation ceremonies because the cost of cap/gown rental and didn’t have a job, so it seemed a waste of time.
I could be done then. Without working during the school year. Doubt it could be done today on these terms.