I think this is over-hyped. Yes, it can cost $250,000 for four years at an ivy league school. I can also cost $25,000 for four years at an accredited institution in your home state, less for an accredited institution in some countries.

And yes, college costs have gone up faster than inflation and so on college hour per work hour basis it is more expensive, there are yet options for folks across a wide range of abilities to pay.