Those generalized estimators are kind of misleading, IMO, because tuition costs vary so wildly that an average is really only useful for statistical purposes. I just looked up a sampling of Colorado college costs, and the tuition and fees range from
about $3K to $44K per year. Books probably add about another $1K, at least at the lower end.
So it is still possible to get a college education out of pocket or with only minimal loans if you apply for FAFSA and stay with your parents and work part time or summers, start with community college and then transfer your credits to a four year school, things like that.
It's not as easy as it used to be, and make no mistake that shit is fucked up and bullshit, but you can get a college education for a lot less than those estimators say.
I do agree with that lady that most kids shouldn't go to college right out of high school, though. It helps to spend a little time working and being a sort of grownup first.