I went to college 2 years for a diploma. I supported myself all the way. Worked my ass off the summer before I went to school and I paid cash for my tuition and books all the time. It feels great really, you don't have that after-graduating burden at all like most 21-22-23 year olds have.
I think it's just some of those people who do not look for a job that'll pay them well enough to cover mostly everything for school. Of course, there are those aspiring doctors and lawyers, who are obviously facing financial burdens unless they're wealthy or have a scholarship - those can be excused. I think most students just care about what's the most "fun-job" they can have for the summer, and in most cases, they end up blowing it elsewhere.
If you're a college student who's reading this, you know what you've done to help yourself financially. I'm not in anyway poking fun at those people who are in debt, I'm more of making points to those people who seem not to care at all whether or not they'll be in debt by the time they graduate. Different people have different ways of managing their finances. Now, if you're one of those people who's trying their best to avoid any financial burdens after graduation, I salute you. You're helping yourself in a big way, trust me. I might not be the wealthiest 22 year old around my block, but I can sleep sound at night knowing I don't owe any money to anyone and I actually paid to educate myself.
To answer the question of this thread: YES, if they choose to be one.