One of the writers, Ronald D. Moore, wanted to write Voyager as this lone starship where scarcity exists. But the executives basically wanted a full reset every episode.

Moore got his wish when he left Star Trek and developed Battlestar Galactica.

There are ways to make it cheaper. Community college then transfer.

But then you miss out on the freshman and dorm experience.

Personally I enjoyed my experience but then I was on a scholarship.

Because a bachelors degree + computer software is experiences better than just computer software experience to employers.