Our costs (NZ) are steadily increasing but still cheap by world standards and there are interest free loans and allowances for poorer students (for a limited period). But really there are too dormant people going to university so now you need a degree to do things that really don't require it and don't pay enough to justify one. For something that used to require a degree you now practically need a PhD. People are expected to study or work after leaving school and with fewer jobs more people study appropriate or not. And there are some courses you can get loans for that traditionally done while working (diving and aviation for a start) and have high fees.