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In your opinion, is college "too" expensive?

In your own words, do you think colleges ask too much money for an education?
Remember, there isn't a "right" or "wrong" answer, this is based off of opinion.
#opinions #collegemoney #college

Thank you comment icon George hits it right in the money, it's all about Present Value (PV) vs Future Value (FV), this is at the core of Finance 101. You invest in today (PV) anticipating a bigger payout later on (FV). It's what we do when we invest in stocks, bonds, real estate, and education is no different. Would you invest in $10 today knowing that 4 years from it will be worth $5? Would you invest in an education today at 60k/yr knowing that in 4 yrs, your salary will be 20k/yr? It's all about the relationship with PV and FV. If you pay 60k/yr today, but after you graduate you are earning 60k+, bonus, salary increases, someone's criteria may see it as worth it, what are your criterias? Furgencio Herrera, MBA

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David’s Answer

Interesting question. Higher education in our country is expensive. However, without an education it is difficult to make a good living and your life opportunities are limited. I happen to be a believer in education and consider it a good investment in your future. Our world is constantly changing and that "too expensive" education can help you from being left in the dust of change.
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Ilene’s Answer

I will tell you from experience that not having a degree can be a real obstacle. Life throws us curve balls and having options is invaluable. While having a degree may or may not earn you a higher salary, it confers a sense of discipline and goal orientation to prospective employers. It gives you options. Importantly, some of the most valuable lessons learned in college don't come from your field of study. College is a time to explore who you are, learn to exercise your decision-muscles and generally, learn to think. All valuable. Its not that you can't get these lessons on your own, but coupled with a usable degree, generally college is a good choice. Yes, its expensive, and perhaps a combination of community and state school is a way to keep it from being "too expensive". Me? I spent two years on campus then left for a year to take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Unfortunately, my father was very chauvinistic and as his oldest daughter, he decided I didn't need college. I went on to have a wonderful career, but my lack of degree got in the way more than once. My one regret in life is that I didn't have the courage to push back more and find a way to get a degree.

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George’s Answer

This is a really good question. To answer it first you have to know what you want to study and what kind of outcome you are looking for. For instance if you want to become a neurosurgeon you know that you have to go to college for a pre-med degree and on to medical school and internships etc. This is really expensive but, neurosurgeons make a lot of money so it is probably worth it. If on the other hand you want to go to college without any idea of what you want to study or do after you graduate, it might just be a waste of money and yes too expensive. So my point is that while college can be very expensive, if you study something that prepares you for a profession with a high salary then it may well be worth every penny you spend on it. However, if you really have no idea of what you want to study or do with your life, you may well be better off waiting until you have a better idea.
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