Tuition at our local community college is only $1300 per semester. In my state, we do have a state academic scholarship, which virtually all worthy students qualify for, and it ranges from $2,000 to $7,600 per year, depending upon the students achievement level in high school. The middle scholarship level is $5,000 a year, which would cover the entire cost of community college plus books, and still leave the student with some money for food and transportation.
Tuition at our 4 year state colleges is around $12k per year, but the most expensive private college in our state is priced at a little more than $50k including room and board (required of all students). My state kicks in an additional $2000/yr tuition grant for all students attending a private college. One private jr college in my county advertises "free" college for any student with at least a 3.0 gpa in high school plus a SAT (two part) score of 1000 (which is about the average score). It's not really free, but they will provide a scholarship to make up the difference between the tuition cost and any other scholarship or grant money.
College in the US isn't nearly as unaffordable as many make it out to be - it's just a matter of being willing to do whatever it takes (making decent grades in high school, joining the military, working a part time or summer job), and going to a college that is within ones budget.