Lots of kids start community colleges at high schools

In my town, high school kids take courses from community colleges is normal. They got college credits, or even a two year degree. Our community college has arranged school buses to take them from high schools to their own campus everyday,  then drop them off at home. Those students can save two years of study at state universities. I know two brothers got their engineering degrees from NC state in two years. They both found good jobs.

It's not just a strategy for low income families. Middle class families need to budget too, or even more because the higher household income isn't helpful in getting financial aids like Pell Grant, etc.. 

Save money, live better.  The bottom line is to graduate on time and find a stable job. 

No one cares which school, if not the worst school,  you go for colleges. What's more important is what you're majored in for the undergraduate degree. If you are getting an engineering or computer degree, your chances of making a good income, with no student loan debts, is way better than being a med student. Med school is a bad choice for most people because of the possibility of dropping out and a long time of study, the cost is too high to shoulder. If you are forced to quit in the middle, it's a great loss. You might get burnt out even before start reaping up the benefits and making decent income.