unfortunately, many folks cannot start saving while their kids are young. It was the case for my parents. I qualified for free lunches for most of my childhood, and I have 2 younger siblings. I tried the cheapest college - in town, even, and they didn't provide loans to cover the costs. We were told my parents were expected to pay 10% of their before tax income to college due to the last year's tax returns.

The kid that graduated 2nd in the class had trouble getting a scholarship. He was afraid he wouldn't go to college because his family didn't have funds and despite his best efforts, he hadn't saved up enough money himself. He worked part-time through high school. I think he was barely above the cut-off for the need-based scholarships, and found the merit-based few and far between. He did find out in May our senior year that he finally found a full scholarship - at the same low-cost, in-town option I was going to.

The athletes, though, they had scholarships pretty early.

It hurts for everyone, and even the local choice isn't a good one. Even if folks that make it through can do well enough. I didn't stay in college (so few regrets on my end, I like my life), but the friend did rather well.