a college freshman (or high school senior) may factually understand that their chosen major is very risky, but I don't think most of them are in a position to r

a college freshman (or high school senior) may factually understand that their chosen major is very risky, but I don't think most of them are in a position to really understand the choice they are making. I knew a lot of people in highschool who bravely said they were willing to starve for their art (or other low expected income passion). it's an easy thing to say when you haven't yet had to grapple with the day-to-day experience of actually supporting yourself. several of these folks realized they were making a mistake halfway through college and pivoted. of the ones that finished the original degree, most of them had to find some unrelated work to make ends meet. I can't imagine the sense of regret that must come from paying off debt for a degree you don't even use.