Quote:Well that's the problem here that we're trying to discuss. Most jobs these days require at least a college degree. High school diplomas and GED's just don't cut it anymore. The only other alternatives are either to go to a community college, a trade school, or some form of alternative higher education. Sad but true.

 

 

Quote:Most of them do have jobs.  Minimum wage doesn't come close to cutting it.  In fact in 2011 71% of undergraduates had jobs. Most didn't have full time jobs -- but they were working.  


It's easy to suggest people go work minimum wage jobs in today's economy, and say "save up for college yourself, you bum!" But I seriously doubt anyone who's saying that has done it themselves (In today's economy, with minimum wage having not caught up with inflation at all.  Not to mention rising tuition rates)

I made it through UNF with a part-time job and living in cheap places with roommates.

 

I realize not everyone has that option, but I have also noticed there are plenty of folks who feel that they deserve a "college experience", wherein they don't work at all, pay to stay on campus, eschew their state's public universities for an out-of-state private school, get a degree they find interesting instead of useful, spend more on booze than books, and then complain incessantly about their incredible debt burden years later.

 

Wanna do it on the cheap, and still get a quality education?  Get the AA or AS at the local community college, perform well enough to get into one of your state's quality public institutions, and hold a part-time job throughout.  Get the loans, by all means.  Just don't use the bank as a means to have fun now and pay through the nose later.  Got good grades, but still poor and desperate?  The armed forces will be glad to help you get that education - at the price of years of paid service.

 

I really do have sympathy for those that find rising tuition unbearable, but not much for those not willing to compromise to make their education happen.

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