Anonymous wrote:I'd have to think about it more but I might tell the kids they can either go to my school or pay for their own if they don't want to. College is REALLY expensive.

Anonymous wrote:Make? No.

Strongly encourage? Yes.

This is a no-brainer decision. If DC doesn't see that then the parents should make the kid read personal finance books.

Anonymous wrote:I wish my parents had talked to me more, MUCH more, from the time I was young about money in general.

They were so anxious for me not to be hindered by financial constraints-- as they were; both went to community college-- that they never even discussed the financial aspect to me. Unfortunately, we were not rich. My mom worked for a college I could have attended for free-- a great one!-- and I didn't even apply, didn't even realize the benefit at the time. I also received almost full scholarships to very good schools, pretty much on par with the one I ultimately chose-- but it was the ONE that offered me zero money.

As an adult, I would have much rather started my career without burdensome student loans, and I would have a lot more saved up now-- and have had more freedom when choosing my first job, which would have been nice.

I think it's very reasonable for parents to say, "We cannot help you out financially with tuition anywhere you choose, but your mom took this job because she wanted to be able to guarantee you a college education." Of course, they cannot force their children to do anything at that age. But that is a gift, and I'm not sure how many 18-year-olds are mature enough to recognize it as such, esp. since some adults seem to have trouble doing so.

Anonymous wrote:I would encourage them, and explain their other options. Assuming its a decent school, I would hope my kids would understand the value and opt to go the more affordable route as opposed to taking out loans for a different school.

Fwiw, I know a few families who let their kids pass up free rides (scholarships) at one school to attend another school at nearly $50k a year. Absurd if you ask me...I would not have allowed my kids to make such a silly choice. As an example: is $50k a year at Syracuse better than free ride at the honors program at U Md? I think not.

Anonymous wrote:My friend recently switched jobs and took a position at a small university. I was casually asking her about her new position and asked if it was a step up from her previous job and she said "no it was a lateral move and I took an 8 percent pay cut but I am guaranteed free tuition for up to 3 children. Even if they reduce or take away the benefit at a later date I will be grandfathered in." She was very excited about this benefit. I have to wonder though what are the chances her kids will want to attend this small liberal arts college that is 20 minutes away from her house? Her husband makes good money and she makes decent money so it seems like a silly reason to take a paycut and totally change up your career. Her children are all at least 6 years away from college and I just cant help but think it sounds very short cited just to assume this university will automatically fit each childs needs and wants.