Molson Hart

When I was 18 I didn’t want to go to college. I was an idiot and didn’t reach this decision through reasoning. It just didn’t feel like a good move for me. Unbeknownst to me, we didn’t have the money and I and my parents were loading me up with student loan debt.

I got lucky and my parents were able to sell their company and pay it down. Besides social education and fun, the people only two things I got out of it were an understanding of mathematical and a math prof telling me to learn to program which I did by myself in a bookstore.

Other than that, it was pretty much a waste of 4 years and a lot of money. So for those contemplating it... You better think long and hard about whether you want to be a slave to those 4 years of drinking, partying, and cramming then forgetting crap that is mostly useless.

It's not even close unless it's a top 20 school, then the connections/relationships are worth it.

I have a contrarian opinion: All the top 100 colleges are underpriced — especially if you play the games to get discounts (aka “student aid” and scholarships).

Relative to other colleges, perhaps. What about starting work experience at 18? Get paid (even peanuts) to learn a craft. Great foundation by 22. I paid $0 for my engineering degree. Still think kids should consider alternatives. My wife respectfully disagrees.

I think you make a great point that people conflate education and degrees. Lots of ways to get educated with or without a degree. But all require hard work.

One challenge is: What % of 18-22 year olds have the work ethic, discipline, and focus to apply any form of education? It took me until my mid-20s to develop those qualities. I'm guilty of viewing opportunities for younger age groups through my present lens.