4 ms·

> Not all degrees pay equally so people with lower paying degrees will be disproportionately represented in that data set. This is true. A degree that doesn't

> Not all degrees pay equally so people with lower paying degrees will be disproportionately represented in that data set. This is true. A degree that doesn't increase earnings by at least $1/hour (enough to cover the payments on a $25k student loan), is a financial mistake. If someone spends four years doing what they love and not working, without a care for what will happen afterwards, they should expect it to significantly impact their quality of life afterwards. Being able to do that at all is quite a privilege. I come from a working class family in which most people didn't go to college, so I don't forget what a privilege it was to be able to go to college nor how valuable a well chosen education is.

shkkmo 3y ago
> This is true. A degree that doesn't increase earnings by at least $1/hour (enough to cover the payments on a $25k student loan), is a financial mistake. 1$ per hour seems on the far low end to cover that much debt. Also, the 25k number isn't the amount that was owed at graduation, but rather still owed some number of years into the repayment term so the actuall monthly payment is likely even higher. Additionally, many of the lower paying jobs are still ones that we need as a society. While everyone picking lucrative degrees is good for them, it would be bad for us as a society. Even so, I'm not disputing that the vast majority do pay for themselves in time. I'm saying that financial burdens imposed by student loan are significant. I would also posit that this repayment can hamper the ability for people to make other investments that improve their productivity and long term earning potential. Instead of the financial safety net enjoyed by the more well off, it does the opposite and increases risks.