Should U Send Your Kids to College?

[Ted Harris]

What if your son or daughter isn't sure what they want to do? Can you afford to spend $100k+ to educate them .... is it worth saddling them (or you) with so much debt that it will take years to pay back? Has college outpriced itself for those who aren't sure what they want to do for a living? Are some better off averting college and using the $$$ to invest in real estate? Maybe get a degree at Bigger Pockets?! :mrgreen:

[Ralph S.]

Growing up, college wasn't an option. Education just wasn't complete until you graduated from college, period. Even then, that was a minimum. With 4 kids, the bank of mom and dad wasn't really open, except in rare emergencies. Parents and Grandparents did what they could to help with the tuition, but we were on our own as far as books and supplies, and supporting ourselves. Junior or Community Colleges for the first two years, living at home, summers working at a local mill, school terms working for minimum wage in bars, restaurants and gas stations to get by.

Parents putting their kids through college isn't a gift. Making them truely work and struggle for the first time in their lives is the real life challenge. Top Ramen instead of Mom's home cooking. No more of Dad ranting to turn off the lights, they stay off when you get the bill. A time to prove yourself and test your mettle for the first time. It also humbles the know it all kid.

I used to think that "having it made" meant I could afford a full tank of gas.

Perhaps a little more of a "tough love" approach, but a lesson I learned, and think I'm better for it.

IMHO, college teaches you a the language of your chosen profession, that's all. It opens doors that would not otherwise be open to you, but success depends more upon you than your formal education. Character, drive, dependability and a host of other personal characteristics have a lot more to do with success in life.