I never bought into the idea of $80,000 for a college education (or whatever the amount is). Room and board doesn't count in my book as you gotta pay for that anyway whether you are going to school or working or both. You don't have to have an $80,000 bill if you work part time and in the summer. I had no parental help and had to pay for my first degree but was blessed to have work pay for most of my second one.

College is gut-check time; a dose of upcoming reality. Get a job, study hard, prioritize your goals, and minimize the partying. Yeah, may not be fun, but most of life ain't fun...unless you are fishing or have a job you really enjoy.