People needs concrete goals to set themselves. Given that the couple are both graduate students, it would seem likely that they would, by default, instill in th

People needs concrete goals to set themselves. Given that the couple are both graduate students, it would seem likely that they would, by default, instill in their children the urge to go to college. I think (no proof or statistics to back this up) that the majority of wage-earners hold a college or university degree. Social proof is a strong motivator when people are in uncertain situations. Education seems to be one of the most widely held beliefs that has a high probability of leading to better economic conditions. From there, the leap is that most people are better off paying to attend a post-secondary institution. If you have the money to pay for college, and if it could benefit you in the future, why not? If, on the other hand, the person in question believes they can strike out on their own and start a startup, then that would probably be the preferred HN opinion, given the audience that frequent the site.