Yes, 17 year-olds are being indoctrinated into the idea that a degree is the Key To Success, but it's not like the issue of having to pay back the loans isn't b

Yes, 17 year-olds are being indoctrinated into the idea that a degree is the Key To Success, but it's not like the issue of having to pay back the loans isn't brought up. I went to college not to terribly long ago, and I remember having conversations with various people (guidance councilors, parents, teachers, peers, etc.) about career prospects and the kind of income one can expect. In fact, I switched to Computer Science precisely because of a conversation with a fellow student regarding future income potential. I also saw many/most fellow students actively ignore or avoid the issue of future debt. Granted, they were supported in their behavior by various authority figures, but they still had a choice. Of course, the solution isn't to complain about the stupidity of teenagers. Personally, I think the solution is fixing how the banks give out loans in the first place (i.e. allowing them to refuse to issue loans unless they think they'll get their money back).