Birthrates in the U.S. hit historic low in 2023, preliminary CDC data show

[Ana the Ist]

I ain’t never been in no college (I determined that had I attended an institute of higher learnin’, I’d’ve never escaped), but the myth that every American Child deserves/aspires to a college education is a factor in the inflation of college tuition.
IF future children need “more schoolin’” before taking their place in the workforce, the Nation would serve itself well to adequately provide such.
Once this becomes a policy-goal of a government, then the meritocracy model can be implemented.
Right now, it’s “can you afford it!? Sure you can, with these humongous loans!”

The "You get what you pay for" principle applies here.

Our public school education system isn't exactly so great that it's the envy of all nations across the globe. I can only imagine our higher education system would similarly fall if we were to fund it in the same manner as our K-12 school systems.