[Bavarian]

In order to get a studium platz in Germany one must have a high grade on their Abitur.
The US college tuition is high now because the colleges feel they can charge more because the low cost student loans make the students/tuition payers less averse to these high costs.

The German industries are lacking Apprentices for the skilled labor force, like machinists, electricians, pipe fitters. Same as here.

Talking to the son of a friend of ours before we moved, he said that University of Maryland let him take two years at Community College the last two years at MD, his degree would be from MD. Another solution.

Or, like I did commuted to college, staying at home.