I worked full time during summers (making over x4 minimum wage), TA'd during three semesters, went to a CC for the first two years, a state school for the second half. I lived with roommates for $500/mo for a year then with my parents for a the rest. At the end I still came out with $15k in dept.

That's getting shafted. For me it's fine because I had a career easily lined up. I don't see how the average person isn't getting hosed now though.