I know, that's why I added it's outrageously high in some places.
For comparison, tuition at universities and colleges here is €2.200 per year for EU citizens (only half for the first year). Back in my days you'd also get 100 to 250 a month from the government for the nominal duration of your study (depending on whether you live with your parents or not), more if your parent's income is low, which would be forgiven upon completion of your degree. Unfortunately that has been changed to a loan a couple of years ago.