What do you mean by "the experience?" Do you mean obnoxious parties with people who act half their age, and then half again once they're drunk? Eating Ramen to survive, and being treated as a number? Taking 18 credit hours just so that you don't end up with the bill and face academic probation? Dealing with annoying dorm mates and then even worse room mates when renting a house? pfft.
I go to a Community College, I'm paying half the cash, and the government is paying 90% of it. I have relationships with my teachers, all of whom know me by name. I get all the help I need, when I need it. Yeah, my school doesn't have a football team or a competitive band, but it has all of the practical functions that I need.
But that's just here in the US, it might be different in Canada.
Not trying to sound snarky, just trying to point out a few things.