I'm honestly not against an application fee. it helps fend off the students who think "aw what the hell, I'll apply and see what happens, even though I don't really want to go there". every application takes somebody time and money to review, which could be better spent on students who are more interested.
but really if you won't find a way to pay for a specialty education (acting, art, medicine, whatever) don't go. that's ok. I took on a load of debt to become a doctor. and I don't like it, but I didn't have 200k on me at the time. If I ever get mad about what I did (nobody put a gun to my head) I just realize I couldn't do what I do without it, and I love what I do so it's a worthwhile investment/expense to me.
I don't like twitter and FB and other social media in that it can allow people to make a mountain out of a molehill. no, I don't think the response was the best, but it might be a pretty stock answer. And it's true, if you can't swing $60, where are you getting $60,000? Most schools are for profit, or at least can't operate on a deficit. they need money coming in to pay for electricity, teachers, you know the stuff that makes them a school.
I try to help students understand the ramifications of their financial actions, but it's up to them to follow up on it and make good choices.