In my state (Massachusetts) community college is in fact free.

In other states, for example Texas, it’s a little over $3000 a year on average for in state:

https://www.communitycollegereview.com/tuition-stats/texas#:...

That’s much cheaper than the tens of thousands for a public 4 year university.

And we should point out that for trades, you are getting paid in an apprenticeship. That’s better than cheap or free.