From what you’ve described, it sounds like she’s a straight forward and direct person, which is good. Just be straight forward and direct (but tactful) with her. Something like, “I’m sorry, I think I misunderstood the situation. I’d like to hang out as friends, but I’m not looking for anything more.” Optionally, “We can have that drink if it’s just as friends, but I’m not going to lead you on if you want something more.”
The tuition you paid was not the full cost of your degree. You paid probably about 1/3 of the true cost while the province paid the other 2/3. The province in recent years put a freeze tuition, and also capped what it provides to school; meanwhile inflation continues.