But it doesn't HAVE to. Poor decisions spur many of those with huge debt. Taking your gen-eds at a local community college as opposed to the 4-year university is a great way to save money. Not like those gen-eds you take in your first 2 years are much different from school-to-school. In my experience, many times, those with mass debt didn't know what they wanted to do when they went into college and 'experimented', changing majors like I change socks.
The armed forces are still hiring and provide great educational benefits. Lastly, not everyone's meant for the ivory. Trade schools can prepare you for a great career. Check out Mike Rowe Works for examples. I'd love to see the folks that work on my F6B be treated, taught, and experienced like those Porche maintenance apprentices I used to drink with over in Germany, instead of some junior that went to a current highschool that doesn't even include a shop-class.