It’s 2026, and People Still Think the Same Way About College

[Anonymous]

Don’t we need some kind of shift in perception? It’s quite obvious that the middle class—including the upper middle class—is shrinking faster than ever.

[Anonymous]

The UMC is getting much bigger. That is part of the wealth gap.

The middle middle class is shrinking.

[Anonymous]

I recently saw an international student with a relatively less competitive academic profile admitted to MIT. No offense to the student, but it makes me wonder about the priorities in admissions when so many highly competitive students don’t get in.

I see a similar pattern in the workplace. Companies offshore jobs or rely on contractors but seem reluctant to hire and train American workers for entry level jobs. Young people are told to work hard and do everything right, yet many still feel like the system isn’t really built for them anymore.

Like seriously, what's the expectation for the American youth? Live with their parents and lead a life with no future after graduation?

[Anonymous]

Here is the 2025 version
https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1292731.page

[Anonymous]

In real dollar terms of income, the middle class is shrinking because incomes are rising and more are now upper class. I know people don't want to admit this and, sure, income isn't everything. But the idea that we're getting poorer really isn't correct.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don’t we need some kind of shift in perception? It’s quite obvious that the middle class—including the upper middle class—is shrinking faster than ever.

How would you like to think about college, OP?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In real dollar terms of income, the middle class is shrinking because incomes are rising and more are now upper class. I know people don't want to admit this and, sure, income isn't everything. But the idea that we're getting poorer really isn't correct.

Who can confidently say
1. They can quit any time now
2. They are risk free even if 2009 style crash comes again
3. They aren't worried about retirement savings and health insurance after they lose jobs.
4. They aren't worried about their kids education will turn into nothing - no jobs
5. They aren't worried about layoff AT ALL.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don’t we need some kind of shift in perception? It’s quite obvious that the middle class—including the upper middle class—is shrinking faster than ever.

Do we?

[Anonymous]

Community colleges are booming, and rightly so. I know a community college grad who did two years of university for the four-year degree and is off to medical school soon. There's more than one route to one's destination.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Community colleges are booming, and rightly so. I know a community college grad who did two years of university for the four-year degree and is off to medical school soon. There's more than one route to one's destination.

+1 DD went to NOVA a few years after high school due to mental health issues. Got better and because of how well she did at NOVA she’s now at a T10 LAC. NOVA has a great pipeline to UVA, too. You don’t have to kill yourself during high school to get the prestige. She did less than her classmates did in high school and she graduates with the same degree still.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don’t we need some kind of shift in perception? It’s quite obvious that the middle class—including the upper middle class—is shrinking faster than ever.

Do we?

We do because I don't see colleges are incentive to help American kids and middle class families.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In real dollar terms of income, the middle class is shrinking because incomes are rising and more are now upper class. I know people don't want to admit this and, sure, income isn't everything. But the idea that we're getting poorer really isn't correct.

This think you are correct.

[Anonymous]

The foreign kids unless from a few countries are going to college in a foreign language.

[Anonymous]

lol you think the middle class had access to college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don’t we need some kind of shift in perception? It’s quite obvious that the middle class—including the upper middle class—is shrinking faster than ever.

Do we?

We do because I don't see colleges are incentive to help American kids and middle class families.

They never have