The $10,000-a-year college education has arrived (1981) 11 years ago
What makes all the difference in the world now compared to the jaw-dropping prices in '81 is we have alternative education options. There were virtually no other paths to career success 30 years ago... heck... 15 years ago! A traditional path towards a degree was the only way to assure a positive career outlook.
I don't think MOOCs are the panacea, but all types of learning resources (books, classes, organizations, events, people) are all more accessible. The entrepreneurial approach to learning.