Well, fabulous it may be, but for us it’s too late 
Still, this year, NU did thankfully add no debt to my D’s package (they met her need without loans) so that is fabulous. Even so, she will be graduating with about $20K in debt. My D at Williams graduated with only about $7K because they actually reversed their no-debt decision midway through her tenure there, which was frustrating. My other kids will be graduating with debt as well. Am I the only one who finds all this sort of terrifying?
For us, since we are high need, the private schools with high endowments have been the cheapest option; for instance, Williams and NU are cheaper than Rutgers (our state university). This is also something to bear in mind for those who, like us, meet the high need definition according to FAFSA and Profile.
As far as work–I totally agree with @MomCares, that their own debt load/parent help/outright funding does matter. I guess you just have to do the best with the cards you’re dealt, and there are positives to having to make your own way. I do think if you are frugal and budget, you can survive on your own in most markets while paying off a loan.