I think it is easier to go to college now as an underpriviledged person in America than when I started in the 60s In Georgia the HOPE grant is available to all students who have a B average in HIgh School. There are more low interest loans, more grants more scholarships, etc than ever before. I went to professional school in the late 70s and had a wife and 3 children. We worked, got food stamps, ate lots of ramen and borrowed the money at a rate, I might add, that would scare you to death compared to today's rates. The last of the $80,000 I borrowed was at 19.25%. Hard to convince me that you can't do it, as I did it. and I come from a millworker bluecollar family.   I agree that the cost of education itself is very high today, but if a student wants an education, there is nothing stopping him or her.