I can't think of a worse investment than a college education right now. Houses, cars and even AIG stock are at bargain prices, but the prices for degrees keep going up. And the resulting debt looks scarier by the day, considering the job markets.
Just look at the amount of debt students are taking on just to get a degree - $22,000 on average. That's more money than people pay for anything except their houses
I think this is just as dangerous as the mortgage mess. Sure it's less money than a house costs, but it's also debt taken on by people who are beginning their lives, and have absolutely no savings to fall back on.
I seriously think we need to rethink our education system in this country because of debt issues. After the mortgage mess, any system that convinces people they need something to live the American dream - and puts them in debt to get it - needs to be reconsidered.
What do you think?
I guess they will be fine when they retire from their high-paying jobs selling French fries at McDonald's.
This is the dumbest thing I have read all year, and that includes what comes out of the mouth of George W. Bush!
I was hoping someone would make the counterpoint for me. So then the question is: If you don't think McDonald's is a viable alternative to college, what do we do about the debt problems it is causing?
Just deal with it. I've borrowed about $34K so that my family doesn't need to suffer while I get my Master's degree at Penn State.
I totally agree with this article. College is a big waste of money. Unless you get out of college and make $100K+ right away...how can you afford all that debt? You're stuck with another mortgage payment every month! Give me a break!
I see many non-college grads out there making more than I do...and I've got a Master's degree and 10 years on my job. A college education doesn't guarantee you anything.
And the old McDonald's joke is not funny. Back in the old days...my grandparents considered burger flipping an OPPORTUNITY. They wound up going from flipping burgers to owning the restaurant...WITHOUT a college degree.
A job is an end result.
An education is a tool for advancement
and opportunity.
Yes, one needs to weigh cost and time
against immeadiate restictions, but once
one narrows their outlook to the short
term - you find yourself on a one way street
with limited opportunities for a u-turn.
I owuld ask Brent if the newspaper would
have hired him to write this piece without
that diploma??
Case and point.