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Before the economy went to the crapper, and even during the bad economy for a while I made a good bit more without a degree than most of my friends did with one. It all depends on the individual, and what they want to do with their life. Just because you couldn't afford to throw away $80,000 on a degree doesn't mean you should be doomed to poverty for the rest of your life.
It's 80,000 over 25 years. It's not as bad as it sounds.
Well, everyone spends their money differently... I put most of mine towards rent (which is a LOT more than $560), and the rest has to be distributed between my food, my pet's food (I'd starve myself before them), bills, car expenses, etc. Oh, and I do have a social life - not going out like I used to, but as often as I can still afford. Good budgeting is all relative, I suppose.
Well said. Different people have different priorities. Some people don't realize that there are many different things that their money goes towards. Not everyone has the luxury of being able to live on what seems to be less than $900/month. And living in a state where the cost of living is an order of magnitude higher compared to many places in the country, you really have to get as much as you can from your money.
Before the economy went to the crapper, and even during the bad economy for a while I made a good bit more without a degree than most of my friends did with one. It all depends on the individual, and what they want to do with their life. Just because you couldn't afford to throw away $80,000 on a degree doesn't mean you should be doomed to poverty for the rest of your life.
I'm not saying you can't make a good living without a degree... but having one does increase your chances, and usually offers more job stability in the long-run. I don't feel it was a waste of money, and wouldn't give back my degrees for anything.
Unless you can't get a loan or grants. Then it's pretty darned unattainable.
Scholarships, state schools, community college... viable options for those who can't get loans/grants. My education didn't cost $80K, and I came out with a BA and Master's.
Unless you can't get a loan or grants. Then it's pretty darned unattainable.
The first half of college cost about $6000 if you go to community college. After that, you're on the hook for whatever your local state school charges. You have the option to take one or two classes per semester... whatever it takes. College is expensive but attainable.
Well, everyone spends their money differently... I put most of mine towards rent (which is a LOT more than $560), and the rest has to be distributed between my food, my pet's food (I'd starve myself before them), bills, car expenses, etc. Oh, and I do have a social life - not going out like I used to, but as often as I can still afford. Good budgeting is all relative, I suppose.
Well, that's $1120 a month, basically. But that includes utilities. And it's only 2/3 of the total, since my room mate chips in the other third. She's disabled, and only gets about half what I'm making, so that's fair.
I just don't have any money for extras. Which reminds me, I have to put $20 on my phone next paycheck...that comes out of the food budget.
The first half of college cost about $6000 if you go to community college. After that, you're on the hook for whatever your local state school charges. You have the option to take one or two classes per semester... whatever it takes. College is expensive but attainable.
I've actually been looking into my options for a while now... but it's still looking pretty unattainable. The only grant I can get is the Pell grant. I can't get any loans, as my credit is faaar over extended just to survive, and I have no money or income of my own in a few weeks when extended benefits run out. I've been on the verge of bankruptcy for a year now. Even $6000 for the first half of college is out of reach, and what would I live on while going to college?
I have a degree and am having trouble finding employment like everyone else but mine didn't cost me any money. It only cost my soul. Any healthy able bodied American with a clean record could earn their degree the same way I did.
And as far as the older crowd not getting it and thinking you are lazy for not having a job they are out of touch with reality. That's par for the course for the Baby Boomer Generation. They entered the workforce and had the world handed to them on a silver platter with the entire industrial world in ruins after the end of WWII. If it cheers you up any the majority of them will be dead or retired in the next ten years and their jobs will be ripe for the taking.
I've actually been looking into my options for a while now... but it's still looking pretty unattainable. The only grant I can get is the Pell grant. I can't get any loans, as my credit is faaar over extended just to survive, and I have no money or income of my own in a few weeks when extended benefits run out. I've been on the verge of bankruptcy for a year now. Even $6000 for the first half of college is out of reach, and what would I live on while going to college?
In NJ, if you are unemployed, your tuition to any state school is waived. I wonder if there is anything like that for you in your state.
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