I think it's important to get a higher education if you can. I know the more prestigious universites are absurdly unaffordable in the US but what about community colleges? What are the prices like there? The main draw for the high tier universities from what i can see seems to be networking. If you don't plan on making connections with the elite then i think you might just as well go to a cheaper college.

Another option, and this is the one i would recommend, would be going to study abroad. Don't pick countries like the UK, Canada or Australia where university is also very expensive, pick a country where college is either free (like some European countries) or very cheap. I know this is not going to be an option for everyone because there are also costs of living that need to be taken into consideration if you move to another country, but overall i think you will probably still come out cheaper. If you are prepared to put in the effort up front to do some research on the kinds of applications/paperwork you need to fill out, and to familiarize yourself with another language, then i think it's a very viable option.

And besides, studying in another country gives you invaluable life experience and lets you see how other people live and immerse yourself in other cultures. This may even more more important than just the education aspect. It really opens your mind and broadens your horizons. This is especially important for leftists and socialists. Even just doing a single year abroad can be extremely enlightening.