Universities and colleges are businesses that get their money from the government and you or
your student. Or all 3.
So the idea that their number one priority is “they are there with the student’s best interest at
heart” is ridiculous.
In 2021 and 2022, on residence students, of age, were treated more like they were paying to be
jailed. Only 4 to a room, don’t go out, learn online. But paying full tuition for this treatment.
People paid for this “privilege”. Worse, many got loans that they will be paying back, for who
knows how long.
In November and December of 2023, there were pleading posts on FB. These were from
students who were out of food,or didn’t have the rent that was due in a few days, and they were
looking for help. Just until the next portion of their student loan arrived in January.
What kind of way is this to set up our kids’ beliefs about how life works?
● that you are supposed to borrow, when you have no actual credit yourself.
● that getting any degree is better than not having one. No matter the cost, and even
though there is no one hiring for your degree.
It’s like sending them through a maze. What should happen is they have a destination and a
map. (This article is only about those going to school to come out with skills that get them paid.
If you are going for the joy of learning, have at it). And paid in a way that matches what school
cost them. Or even better, the pay quickly outweighs the cost of school.
We’ve been taught to have some sort of reverence for university. “I hope I get accepted”. “I have
to write an essay to get in”. People competing to get a space in a degree that has NO JOBS AT
THE END.
There are entire businesses that are based on getting students into universities.
University is treated like the outcome. It isn’t.
Students are paying top dollar to attend. And they are now paying top dollar to rent a room, just
a room, in a house or apartment. Food is expensive and will only continue to go up in cost, and
we may also be at risk of food shortages.
Accidentally teaching constant debt from the time you are 17 is something we need to stop
doing. Today.
So what DO we do? Give them a way to learn about themselves, first. Sign up here for simple
steps to take the stress and expense out of post-high school decisions.