I went to a school whose tuition bill for 4 1/4 years (I did a 5 year dual degree program _really_ quickly) came to about $140,000 (tuition & room - not books nor food).

Most everyone I knew had (still has) loans. My parents saved for years to pay for my & my brother's college (approx the same price). I graduated in 1993. I knew one girl who had to leave school as her parents couldn't make tuition or the loans and she didn't qualify for aid. I think she ended up at a state school (tuition approx. $25,000 for 4 years). There are plenty of people who have to pay the full sticker price for good education.

-Zeke