Is a college degree the waste of time and money that some people say it is?

[Anonymous]

I think that rates on student loans should be higher for degrees that don't pay well. This would deter people from taking them and also recoup costs quicker in case of default because of non payment.

[Anonymous]

My parents stopped paying for college when I was a sophomore. I took out federal and private loans to finish my degree at liberal arts college. I saved money by graduating a semester early. Still, I racked up about $70,000 in debt at the age of 21 in 1999. This was an ENORMOUS sum in 1999. The average college debt then was about $15,000. Now, I think the average is $25,000 or so. Still, that is manageable. To me, even 40-50k is manageable, considering my first job only paid $24,000 and I had a 70k debt on my back.

I don't regret it. I would not have the job or career I have without my degree. Major matters sometimes, but not always. I was an English major. I make six figures. My brother was a philosophy and economics major and is extremely wealthy (he earns more than most surgeons). I paid off my $70,000 debt at age 32. Yes, it sucked to work three jobs from age 21-32, but now, at age 36, I'm doing well and don't regret the debt. (I also have a graduate degree...also in English...which most people say you'd be poor...bull, if you are ambitious and smart about your career).

I think grad school is more important than college. Your college major doesn't matter than much at all if you plan on going to graduate school.

I think graduate degrees are pretty much needed to get ahead now. So, yes, a college degree is very necessary.

[Anonymous]

Yes college is worth it unless you are paying $60,000 a year and your kid spends every weekend binge drinking!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes college is worth it unless you are paying $60,000 a year and your kid spends every weekend binge drinking!

So is $60,000 a year worth it if they aren't binge drinking?

[Anonymous]

Statistically, getting a college degree is definitely worth its money, as is graduate school.

The PPs are all spouting anecdotes, which while interesting, are not statistics.