In NYS it’s still possible. There are parts of the state where it’s difficult to get to a college, but many where it’s not. Many kids can commute to a local cc (tuition is ~$4500/year) or to a 4-year SUNY (tuition ~$8k/year). NYC has the CUNY system and I think tuition is low there too.
Kids who can’t commute sometimes work for seed money then get a shared apartment in or near a college community, get a full-time job, and attend college full-time. I’ve only known a few who went this route, but it was recent so I know it’s still possible.