I'm still amazed at the cost of a college education in the US. My computer engineering degree in Australia cost $15k total, then a PhD was free (with many, including myself, getting a scholarship to pay for living expenses).
I'm from Europe, and my electrical engineering degree didn't cost me a single euro. So with me, it was more question like "Is it worth the time? I could spend time on something much more interesting."
I'm from Slovenia, but I think most European faculties (colleges in Europe) don't charge students for degrees. We pay that through taxes. I hope that answers your question.
Most people in the US don't spend hundreds of thousands on undergrad education, just the people who blog about it a lot. I went to Iowa State. Tuition was about 1500 a semester, so 12k total, for a double degree in computer engineering and math. I'm totally satisfied with the quality of the education and social experience.
