Who has to go into debt to attend a reasonable college?

[ucbalumnus]

@dbandmom

My 2nd D is still a ways away from college, but based on what I see so far, she will likely be an average stats kid with no hook or talent. So, assuming our best option for her would be the commutable state school, it looks like this:

Tuition: 12,000
Books: 1,500
R&B 1st yr: 12,000 (required)

How common is it for state universities to require students to live in the dorms without exception for those within reasonable commuting distance?