Is college really worth it?

[enlightenment]

26. Given that he doesn't have a clear sense of what he wants to do.

it might benefit you both to sit down and discuss some options.

Consider the possibility of going to a community (2 year) college. At the very least, he could enroll in a 'General Education' associate degree program, which offers several benefits:

1. it is cheaper than a four-year.

2. it would allow him to experience higher ed and expose him to potential fields of study he may not have thought about.

3. it would, particularly if he completes the degree, give him a good head start if he decides to go on to a four-year program - a completed A.A. or A.S. is usually completely transferable, so he would be able to bypass many of the core gen-ed requirements at the four-year school (another $$ savings).

Additionally, most community colleges offer degrees in areas that used to be the purview of vo-techs, so if he truly has no interest in pursuing an 'academic' course of study, he could still get the training and skills he needs to find a decent job. Many offer culinary degrees; firefighting; various health related fields (respiratory techs, EMTs, etc). Some offer degrees in mechanics of various types; drafting; even truck driving.

Best of luck to you both.