Most 4-year universities in the US average around $15k after federal aid, plus rent in a city like Boston or Atlanta will probably cost you a lot more than $15k per year, not including cost of living. Interest rates for student loans can range between 4% and 17% monthly. $100,000 is a little high but very realistic.

Which part of "most people who have been paying theirs to the best of their ability for several years actually still owe MORE than the original amount borrowed" didn't you understand?

10k/y for 4 years comes out to 40k and it's not at all unusual for people to end up owing 2.5 times the original amount or more in spite of doing the literal best they can to pay it off. That's how awful the terms and conditions of student loans are.