Thank you for posting that.
My point was that I did not go to my dream school, they did not accept financial aid (it was against their political beliefs) and I was not offered a "full ride" there. I settled on my second choice, and had about 80% covered. I also said it did not occur to me to apply for food stamps (and I was not directed to at my private, four year university). My grandmother and I were not on food stamps - however, we did take advantage of government surplus food days once or twice a month. I had a job since I was 14 and I lied about my age. I was taught to work hard and live within my means, values I still abide by to this day. It has served me well, I am at the top of my game, in demand, and can provide for my family.
It really rubbed me that a poster or two kept saying that there are full rides if you are that poor. That is a common misconception. Rarely is it completely free - the student is expected to work just to cover books and tuition and fees, let alone if the student decides to live off campus as I did my junior and senior years, and other living expenses. Unless you have been there, done that, please don't post it as fact. Your opinion may be that it seems like there is money free flowing if you are poor, but in my experience, it was not. Wiki was not around 15 years ago, let alone those programs at a FEW SELECT schools.
It is NOT that easy to break the cycle of poverty. I scored a 26 on the ACTs and had a 3.3 GPA, not exceptional, but not bad when you consider I was working and taking care of a dying grandmother in highschool in the inner city. I had a high school counselor that cared about me and a teacher that pushed me to find the right school. It was actually a teacher that went to check out colleges with me. Without them, and extended family that pitched in when they could, I would not be here.
All that being said, I still stand by my observation that she is spoiled. She blames the American Private Education System, that is certainly not to blame. Competition in higher education is a good thing - more choices, more options, and schools competing for talent - this is all good! Her lack of perspective and personal responsibility is to blame for her situation.
and was incredibly surprised at the inflation from 20 years ago.
The truth is, even their choice of majors should have given them a direction 4 years ago: there are careers where the starting salary is low, so better to afford a public university debt; Careers with high-dollar starting salaries can make private college debt more managable. DD has a friend who will come out of a 4-year private college and teach elementary school--she's now seeing how long it's going to take her to even make a dent in that type of debt. Where were mom and Dad....basically saying yes yes to whatever she said along the way. 
however, we DO manage money well and communicate ALOT to our kids about being financial responsibility. After all, that's how they learn
