You can reduce the cost of college by attending a community college to get your pre-reqs out of the way. You'll take classes for often 1/3rd what you'd pay a four year college. You also can work and get scholarships or financial aid.
Laziness, well not much to be said about that. Gotta make a living in the world.
Not knowing what you want to study is an issue. In some ways, a CC degree can help you figure it out at less cost. Also, some people take time off to figure it out. Some people find a job they like, work it for a while, and get a degree only when it becomes time to promote.
A degree's worth varies with the degrees subject. Yes, a degree in Men's studies, or cross cultural gender studies might not carry much weight, but a degree in nursing or engineering is worth a lot.