I'm just not sympathetic. College isn't meant to be free, and choosing private colleges without considering the costs just isn't somebody else's fault.

I've got 3 kids to put through college, the first just finished freshman year. It's fine-- he broke his hump studying for a good ACT (this led to good scholarships), he's working internships over the summers to raise cash. My wife and I cover what's left, it's not too much to bear.

My son's room-mate is doing even better. He's in Army ROTC, his school is completely paid for.

We're not wealthy and college is not breaking us. If there's a college debt emergency, it's an avoidable one.