Whittlethefiddle
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I know almost everyone faces this now and I'm not in any way special. I just don't understand how others deal with it.
As a senior in high school, applying to college, if I go to an in state school, I will still be 30k in debt and so will my parents, assuming we split costs evenly.
My parents basically told me there is no way in hell we would ever get financial aid based on need, and they don't have savings, although I am lucky and they can pay a decent amount.
I'm applying to mostly large state schools. UC Berkeley and U Washington are my dream schools, and I would have a decent chance at getting in. I am not even applying to either because they give no merit aid and I don't want to be 150k in debt with my parents cosigning and paying it off for the rest of their lives.
I don't know what I want to do in terms of a career or major, but I'm planning on putting down engineering on the app because I would make a decent amount of money to pay off debt, if I were to do well.
It seems like many of you have been around the block with college and student loan debt, any advice?
GoBlue
https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/
beachyrox
My community college classes mirrored the courses and material of my Penn State counterparts. Like I studied with them.
SterlingArcherSecretAgent
I don't condone violence. But to be honest, that guy did have the most annoying laugh. Yes, I'm that old - I've seen this one with sound!!!
Frost72
I went to ITT tech for 18 months. I was told those schools suck but did it anyways. Making 70,000 a year. No student loans , paid off.
Whittlethefiddle
What was your major?
Frost72
Computer Aided Drafting and Design. It took a few years to get where I'm at, but I think you can use it as a foot step for better things.
Britich
Join the Army/Air Force or Navy. Youll get certification, experience and employers will love it.
Whittlethefiddle
I've thought about this. Might sound dumb but I don't think my personality is conducive to it. I'm not great with little freedom of choice
Britich
Boot is where its bad, day to day isnt so bad.
edrazzar
Hehe is how I'm doing college. I went top a community college for two years because all the credits would transfer. I found a decent (1/?)
edrazzar
Paying job and since my parents let me live at home I put my paychecks directly to my tuition so the first two years were debt free (2/?)
edrazzar
Now I'm at a state school and going to graduate under $16k debt. My goal is next semester looking for internships through the university(3/?
edrazzar
This way when I start my masters I have an in/experience. But I agree if you don't know what to do wait a year and do research.
BigBadGuitarPlayer
Currently several thousand in debt. Take some time and figure out what you want to do with your life. The biggest motivator for me was
BigBadGuitarPlayer
Spending a few years working retail jobs and seeing how unhappy it made me and my coworkers. As for specific advice, I majored in software
Whittlethefiddle
Thanks. Bro did something like this. The main problem for me would be, most scholarships are only valid if you go straight to college
BigBadGuitarPlayer
development. If you have a smart, analytical mind and enjoy solving problems, then I'd say go for it. The hours/money are good.
BigBadGuitarPlayer
And there's always going to be need for software developers, so that's nice. Also most software dev. places have chill work environments.
taodih
sometimes I wonder if you could just live abroad with that money, get your degree there and still pay less. just wondering.
Whittlethefiddle
Actually seriously thought about this too. I have a serious passion for language/culture learning and I wanted to go to Germany for a bit1/2
taodih
thinking if you can somehow get 150k you would be able to. Though there will be an even higher bar to reach than normal as well.
Whittlethefiddle
But I decided I really want to stay in the US. European degrees focus on theory rather than application and don't have all the extra pro 2/3
Whittlethefiddle
grams like the US, the huge music ensembles especially Marching Band. I have also never lived away from home so it would be a bit much
taodih
Honestly, if your parents would allow it ,just work for a year at shit jobs. you'll learn what you want and have time to think.
taodih
This however is a risky thing.. DON'T get stuck in that, it's a year to sustain yourself (work), realise what you want and then study.
Whittlethefiddle
My parents probably would not be chill with it. I'd consider it though, and thank you
Whittlethefiddle
Ye I worry I wouldn't be able to "find my passion" by working shitty jobs, esp since I've researched lots already and have come up empty
taodih
All aside, sometimes it gets down to willpower and if you dont have that you cant really find what you want. Debt is another drive (fear).
Krimper
I skipped college and went straight into welding. 23 and making a little over 40k/yr. I feel like I limited myself by skipping college.
Whittlethefiddle
Do you at least enjoy what you do?
Krimper
I enjoy the work, I'd just like to make more money. 40k/yr doesn't go very far once you buy a house.
Whittlethefiddle
Mhm. I'm guessing going back to school wouldn't be much of an option?
Krimper
It is, just not a convenient option. At this point I'm leaning more towards working for myself doing whatever I want.