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Joined: 01/05/2001 Posts: 6942
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1. I agree, 2. I also don't think the avg student debt of $20-$30k is

really an issue it is the really high numbers that are questionable, 3. the community college model etc. saves a lot.

College costs are sticky for lots of reasons. Very little productivity enhancement over the last 30+ years (or longer) Increased demands by students, parents, govt agencies (VT is audited by 20+ different agencies)etc. , and reduced state help (but that causes increased taxes). Change in mindset to worrying about rankings, feedback, "customers" etc. that increase amenities, ability to raise tuition that has put off hard decisions. College also serves as a partial safe place for young people to leave home, live on their own. Take out the housing, feeding, medical care, counseling, etc. and the cost drops in half roughly. I think the average (not really top students) would be better off, going off for 3-4 years to the military, apprenticeships, work of some kind, saving some money and then going. Perhaps they knock off prerequisites during this time in a cheap online or CC way.

(In response to this post by `lag)

Posted: 05/30/2019 at 12:05PM

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1. I agree, 2. I also don't think the avg student debt of $20-$30k is

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