I agree. Too many students and their parents seem to engage in wishful thinking about college and not do due diligence when considering the costs. The schools have a financial conflict of interest: they get paid whether or not the student succeeds. Here are some conversations to start the process:
1) Does the student have a history of completing what they start? If not, consider a part-time trial at a community college with expectation of finishing with decent grades in courses that will transfer.
2) Will the student need remedial classes? The school gets paid but these courses do not satisfy graduation requirements. They do increase debt!
3) Does the student have a clear goal for a major? College is an expensive place to "find yourself."
4) What are the job prospects for that degree? How likely is it that the student will be high in the distribution of the graduates? Will the anticipated salary permit repayment of debt and self-support?
5) Are the time-to-graduate estimates realistic? A surprisingly low percentage of students complete a degree in 4 years. 5-6 is more common and results in more debt...
6) Has the student learned to live within budget? There are many distractions at college. Spring Break trips add cost...
1) Does the student have a history of completing what they start? If not, consider a part-time trial at a community college with expectation of finishing with decent grades in courses that will transfer.
2) Will the student need remedial classes? The school gets paid but these courses do not satisfy graduation requirements. They do increase debt!
3) Does the student have a clear goal for a major? College is an expensive place to "find yourself."
4) What are the job prospects for that degree? How likely is it that the student will be high in the distribution of the graduates? Will the anticipated salary permit repayment of debt and self-support?
5) Are the time-to-graduate estimates realistic? A surprisingly low percentage of students complete a degree in 4 years. 5-6 is more common and results in more debt...
6) Has the student learned to live within budget? There are many distractions at college. Spring Break trips add cost...