An apple can cost $30k if someone is willing to pay it. I’m sure there are more reasonable prices, many community colleges are far cheaper.
Problem is 18 year old that down know how to do a simple cash flow analysis being given tens of thousands of dollars as they see fit, as long as it’s at a “school”, however that’s defined. Obviously the “schools” have figured out how to best benefit from the hydrant of money available to them.
For a lot of the programs through the public school system you need to enroll as a junior in high school. So if you don't choose that career by the ripe old age of 16 or 17 then public school isn't an option. A high school senior who decides to go into cosmetology only has the option of paying for school or finding a two-year unpaid apprenticeship.