Question 1

Is college actually worth it?

Accepted Answer

For some majors, yes — nursing, engineering, and computer science have positive ROI. But for many degrees (communications, philosophy, fine arts), the debt-to-income ratio is terrible. The average graduate has $37,000 in debt and many earn less than trade school graduates.

Question 2

What's the average student loan debt?

Accepted Answer

The average is $37,338 per borrower. Total U.S. student debt exceeds $1.77 trillion. Many borrowers pay for 20+ years and end up paying 2-3x the original amount in interest.

Question 3

What are the best alternatives to college?

Accepted Answer

trade school (electrician, plumber, HVAC), coding bootcamps, apprenticeships, certifications (CompTIA, AWS, Google), military service, and starting a business. Many paths lead to six-figure incomes without a degree.

Question 4

Do trades really pay as much as degrees?

Accepted Answer

Many trades pay MORE than average degree jobs. Electricians earn $61K+, plumbers $61K+, elevator installers $97K+. Meanwhile, the median salary for all workers is $46K. Many trade workers out-earn bachelor's degree holders.

Question 5

Is trade school cheaper than college?

Accepted Answer

Yes, significantly. trade school costs $5,000-$15,000 total vs. $40,000-$200,000+ for a 4-year degree. Most trade programs take 6 months to 2 years, meaning you start earning faster.

Question 6

What about the college experience?

Accepted Answer

The 'college experience' costs $100K+ over 4 years. You can get social connections, personal growth, and life skills through work, community involvement, and military service — without the debt.

Question 7

Can I get a good job without any degree?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Tech companies like Google, Apple, and IBM have removed degree requirements. Many high-paying jobs (real estate, sales, entrepreneurship) never required degrees in the first place.

Question 8

What's the ROI of a college degree?

Accepted Answer

It varies wildly by major. Engineering ($1.5M lifetime earnings premium) vs. arts ($300K premium). But when you subtract $100K+ in debt and 4 years of lost income, many degrees have negative ROI.

Question 9

Should I go to college if I'm undecided?

Accepted Answer

No. Going to college undecided is the most expensive way to figure out what you want. Take a gap year, work, try trade school, or explore certifications first. Don't take on $100K in debt while 'finding yourself.'

Question 10

What about student loan forgiveness?

Accepted Answer

Federal forgiveness programs exist (PSLF, Teacher Loan Forgiveness) but have strict requirements and high rejection rates. Don't count on forgiveness — it affects less than 5% of borrowers.

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