General Discussion

LisaM

(29,691 posts)

5. I had student loans from the 80s. They took me a while to pay back, but it was doable.

Tue Nov 28, 2017, 10:04 PM

Nov 2017

Mostly, the problem was that I wasn't working in very highly paid jobs, but I stuck to it and eventually cleared them out.

But, I didn't really go to college to monetize a degree, and that's a huge difference. I was an English major, but I wanted the opportunity to take a wide range of classes (things like computer programming, which I'm really glad I did), astronomy, figure drawing, etc., even some math classes that I knew would not be in my wheelhouse and that I'd get average grades in those compared to the higher grades in my major. I just wanted a good education.

I don't know if that's completely impossible now, or if people only see a college degree as a financial investment for high salaries?

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Democrats and Republicans disagree whether college is worth the cost [View all] Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin Nov 2017 OP

There are a lot of people out there customerserviceguy Nov 2017 #1

I had student loans from the 80s. They took me a while to pay back, but it was doable. LisaM Nov 2017 #5

Back when college was cheap customerserviceguy Nov 2017 #13

You can do it at lesser-known schools, which are cheaper. LisaM Nov 2017 #14

If students did not need to borrow huge sums to get a degree DBoon Nov 2017 #26

It's not so much the costs that are rising so fast (at least at large public universities)... Salviati Nov 2017 #28

There are a lot of people, especially business majors, who are in college "studying" Sophia4 Nov 2017 #2

You are so right, but part of the problem is employers. LisaM Nov 2017 #6

One of the most vicious cycles in job hunting Proud Liberal Dem Nov 2017 #18

Even a specific technical certification isn't enough DBoon Nov 2017 #27

Students should concentrate on learning something by age 22 that will enable them to make a living FarCenter Nov 2017 #10

They should first learn to think, and then learn to make a living. Sophia4 Nov 2017 #12

You can learn to think while studying a topic germane to making a living. FarCenter Nov 2017 #15

If you study something, you need a teacher. Sophia4 Nov 2017 #17

But you can take a course in Introduction to Computer Science using Python from MIT FarCenter Nov 2017 #22

Computer science is relatively cut and dry. Sophia4 Nov 2017 #31

I don't recall much interaction with professors in college. FarCenter Nov 2017 #32

In addition to my undergraduate degree, I have graduate degrees in two Sophia4 Nov 2017 #33

Wow, that's harsh. LisaM Nov 2017 #19

OK, how about by age 25? And not a lifetime career, just a start in the world or work. FarCenter Nov 2017 #20

But I didn't go to college to get a career. I went to get an education. LisaM Nov 2017 #21

Politically, many advocate for "investing" in education, while what you describe is an expense. FarCenter Nov 2017 #24

Well, you just seem tied to the idea that education is strictly for earning money, and not LisaM Nov 2017 #25

If you view the world as simply one of money and things, then your view makes Sophia4 Nov 2017 #34

I'd prefer physicians/educators/scientists/etc... to blow off college - total waste of time tenderfoot Nov 2017 #3

+1000 LongTomH Nov 2017 #7

Jealousy on the part of those who can't measure up in the classroom. That's all this is. Sophia4 Nov 2017 #8

Well said. N/t Iris Nov 2017 #11

The math is simple mythology Nov 2017 #4

Bricks and mortar colleges will go the way of bricks and mortar retailing FarCenter Nov 2017 #9

Meanwhile, rich Republicans send their kids to the Ivy League. WinkyDink Nov 2017 #16

They see college as a private club for the children of the elite DBoon Nov 2017 #29

Precisely! The better to keep the Ruling Class going. WinkyDink Nov 2017 #30

That is an unfair question... lame54 Nov 2017 #23

College isnt as useful anymore due to the cost USsoccerfan Dec 2017 #35