For most the 50 year mortgage is just the equivalent of “rent.” If you can never own the place free and clear what is the point? You will have little or no equity- only interest payments.

For most affordability involves some research into what you are intellectually interested in and will give you a decent income. Unfortunately jobs that pay well also involve a lot of work and preparation. Your career choice is something you should already know by at least 18 years. Preparing the younger generation for their future work and financial life is something the U.S. education system has become profoundly bad at.