I'm interested in gaining a bit more perspective from parents about how they think about college these days.
As a first generation college graduate myself, I was surprised as I went through elementary, junior high and high school that it didn't occur to some members of our family that girls would even go to college, much less expect to. Needless to say, there was no funding or savings available for my sisters' or my way, but we found other sources. Luckily, I landed a scholarship to help, but now I look at today's school prices and am wondering whether there are additional nonsexist reasons why people might consider that their son or daughter might not go to college.
In your experience, what are the most significant considerations when you and/or your kids think about whether or not to attend college, or where? What do people think of children attending 2-year institutions versus 4-year institutions? What about traditional versus online schools and universities?
Whether it's right or not, I
Whether it's right or not, I think employers will always ask about a college degree. I'm in a business where experience definately counts over a college degree but it's still required by employers. I'm dreading the cost for my two boys but am slowly saving now. College wasn't ever presented as an option in my house - we just knew we had to go, and I'm going to try that same approach with my kids.
Susie is a discussion leader in the east valley for arizonamoms.com. She has two sons, ages 6 and 2.
I think you're absolutely
I think you're absolutely right about the degree--it impacts salary, and does seem to be the employment equivalent of the 1950's high school diploma. I just wonder, sometimes, how ready kids are these days to really take on the education without some sort of a break (good for perspective? And for some, to learn the value of having that degree?)
College is expected in our
College is expected in our family, not saying we all HAVE to go, but from childhood there is always talk of WHEN we'd go and WHERE we'd go, not IF we'd go.
There were family members who chose careers that didn't require a college education and no one 'looked down' on them or anything.
We are doing the same thing with our kid: talking of college as if it's "13th grade." We also take our kids on tours of colleges (to see the libraries, theatrical productions, etc.) to help boost their interest in college life.
New to AZ --- still working out the kinks!
My dad was a college grad my
My dad was a college grad my mom had a couple of years. There are 5 kids in the family and we all have college degrees. When I was growing up college was a givin. It was what came after high school. My dad was determined to pay tuition no matter what it took.I questioned if I wanted to go or not because I didn't know what I would study and my dad was very firm in the fact that it was absurd that I would turn down college if he was making it a priority.
I did apply for some loan and grant $$ because I lived out of the house and I like to pay my way. But as an adult with a college age kid now I see how ridiculously small my contribution was. THANKS DAD!!!
My kids were raised the same. We expect college and they do too.
I think if the student does better in smaller classes and still needs some hand holding a jr college is better. Also if $$ is an issue you can get the prerequisites out of the way at lower cost there.
My husband and I agreed that if they want to go away to a more expensive school they should be responsible for pulling together scholarship $$ to help pay for it. It they really want it they should put some work into getting it so they value it more and hopefully won't waste the opportunity.
As I said in another post,
As I said in another post, college was always in our plans growing up. It was just what you do after high school. We tell our kids the same thing. It's not "if you go to college, but when you go to college..."
When I went to college for a psych degree, getting a masters degree was needed and a PhD gave you the edge. Soon after I graduated, a Phd was necessary to work.
For most careers, a bachelors degree is necessary and if you want to climb the ladder, you have to have a masters. Teachers, engineers, managers all need masters degrees to get ahead and get that salary needed to live comfortably.
I know a lot of nurses who are getting their degrees at community colleges. They still have to pass their boards and do the necessary internships, but they aren't paying the money they would if they went to a 4 year school. Nice option! Going to community colleges is a great way to get those basic courses out of the way before transferring to another school to finish in a desired major. Community colleges are also terrific for those who don't know what they want to do so soon.
My son is taking honors courses in high school and gets college credit for most of them. He'll be able to start in Arizona schools as a 2nd semester sophomore when he gets there in two years! We pay about $1000 a year for three courses, but that will save us a bundle later! If he chooses not to go to an AZ school, he'll still be able to transfer most of his math, science and language credits. with 4 kids to send to school, that's a deal!
Also, there are a TON of scholarships out there if you know where to look. that's another thing we've told our kids repeatedly, "Get good grades, you're going to need them to get scholarships!" Of course, we'd pay no matter what, but it's nice to get that bit of info into their heads, too.
I look at college as a must
I look at college as a must these days. If my kids were not ready for a 4 year college then I would consider a 2 year college to keep them engaged in the process. We have always talked about college as a continuation of the learning process and basically our kids think of it as a given that they will further their studies after high school. They work extremely hard to earn good grades and know that that is their primary job right now.
We will explore all options of funding for our kids and help them however possible. At this time I would not consider online schooling to be a good option for my children. I think the socialization piece is too important a component to overlook for undergraduate studies.
JuneSlager is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com, raising three children (ages 15, 14, & 11) in Northeast Phoenix.