<p>I don’t think it’s possible for the average student to pay a $25-60K tuition alone. By average student, I mean one who does not qualify for a lot of need based aid, doesn’t have the stats or talent for big merit aid (big like full tuition), isn’t a trust fund baby or a well paid actor or musician, or a recruited athlete, etc. Average students who are paying for college on their own are most likely going to a local state school or community college and living at home.</p>