I attended an Ivy for undergrad. This was the mid-1990s.

You see, there is this beautiful thing called “need based financial aid.” Because my family was poor, I graduated with only about $12K in debt. I think we had to pay about $1000-2000 per year toward expenses, as well. I did have to get a job (work-study, probably about 6-8 hrs/week) and that gave me my pocket change/spending money.

If I had gone there more recently, I would have graduated with ZERO debt, as families who make under a certain amount ($50K, I think) have to contribute zero now.

I would have no hesitation about sending my kids there (although it is far too early to know if they will have the aptitude or interest in attending), but unless our financial circumstances change for the worse, I doubt they will be receiving any need-based financial aid.