College May Not Be Worth It

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Most conscientious students will benefit from learning and social experiences regardless of the college or major. Colleges must encourage students to become more self-sufficient, creative, and innovative while developing their public speaking and presentation skills.

The rewards for attending any college will vary by the type of college, net price, and the projected demand for the student’s services after graduation. A four-year degree may not be enough for some positions that require advanced degrees and experience. Therefore, it is essential to have long-term academic and financial goals to reap the benefits of a college education.

College can also be an expense and a good investment with long-term value. Therefore, families should perform their due diligence by being aware of each college’s reputation, retention rates, net costs, and post-graduate job opportunities to understand the expected return on their investments. This way, they can gain peace of mind regarding a valuable decision and investment.

I am amazed by students who have yet to create a college list until pressured. This is often the first costly mistake that can drive parents to waste hard-earned money. As I mentioned, students who don’t want to attend may be scared or unmotivated to try. Here are some of the unacceptable reasons to participate in specific colleges:

·       My friends are going there.

·       There’s nothing else to do.

·       I want to live as far away from you as possible.

·       They have a very high acceptance rate.

·       If I don’t like it, I’ll drop out.

·       It’s better than the military.

·       The students are rude.

Determining Value

·       Why pursue a degree in social work or education at an expensive private college when the same degree is available at a less expensive public university?

·       Is it worth pursuing an expensive engineering degree at a private college that may require substantial student loans but offers a larger starting salary?

·       Why attend a four-year private college with a high acceptance rate when attending a two-year college and transferring to a state college may be a better choice?

·       Which careers pay the most after graduation?

·       Which careers require advanced degrees?

At times, students and parents speak different languages. Parents are generally more pragmatic, while students can be the idealistic dreamers without focusing on funding sources and liabilities. Because of this, bridging the communications gap should not be a “winner takes all” competition but rather a well-orchestrated game plan that ensures that both sides are on the same track.

This quote by Fred Rogers exemplifies my point: “Honesty is often tough. The truth is often painful. But the freedom it can bring is worth trying.”

Let’s look at the typical questions parents may ask their students.

·       Why do you want to attend college?

·       What factors did you use to select your colleges?

·       Do you know the net costs of each college?

·       Why won’t you consider an in-state college?

·       What are the college’s financial aid policies?

·       What are your top schools and why?

·       How important is the prestige of the college to you?

·       What do you think about my joining ROTC?

·       Students should understand the difference between short and long-term costs. Long-term costs include the net cost of attendance over four years, accumulated interest over ten years or more, and lost wages for not working during college. Then, who pays for it after graduation?

Congratulations, But I’m Not Jealous

Stella brags about her child, Oswald, who received a full scholarship to an Ivy League College. Oswald was a valedictorian in high school and wanted to major in dipterology, studying flies. This was somewhat disheartening since her son, Leonid, struggled to get into any college with a 1.1 GPA. Despite his initial envy, he regained his composure and assured her he would make much more money as a plumber, flushing any envy down the drain. As the song goes: “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” Bobby McFerrin