I think even way back then I might have had options - if I didn’t bury my head in the sand. Funnily enough, a few years ago, I helped develop a series of online courses for SALT/ASA on student loans. I learned so much about student loans - and thinking of college (and if necessary loans) with an ROI attitude.
If anyone is struggling with loans, lenders really will work with you - and there are now numerous protections for borrowers. BUT, and this is in the course multiple times- ignoring it will not make the problem go away.