As much as we’d like to think it doesn’t happen, it’s common for academically able kids to have to turn down college to work and support family. Sometimes parents aren’t working/around/smart so they’re actually doing it for their siblings. Other times parents are there - at least one - but they just don’t have the funds. It’s tough to save anything, even if the family income is $20-$30/hr (41K-62K before taxes) when other issues are involved (medical, etc). There’s still rent, food, insurance, etc, taking a big chunk of that income. It’s tough to share a place when you have a family.
I applaud states that have an affordable option for those who need it.