While on the topic of the universities...

What kinds of resources were necessary to support someone at either Oxford or Cambridge? The Thorpe's consider the Morlands to be rather well off. I'm wondering if it might have something to do with being at Oxford for James's education. On the other hand, the Thorpe's are not rich, and I suspect that John is overspending on his horse and gig. How is it that John could afford his education? Were Oxford and Cambridge educations within the grasp of most of the sons of the gentry, if they were properly prepared, or did the lower gentry rely on some system of support for their educations at the universities?