College

Will/are you encouraging your child(ren) into practical or academic pursuits in college?

Do you think your working status has made an impact on your decision?

I am 37 years old and in my first year in college and I am still feeling out my major. At a recent dinner party, I was introduced to a student that attends the same community college that I do. When I told her that I was considering transferring to the state university to pursue a degree in sociology, she nearly spit her drink out of her nose in laughter and told me that it would be completely worthless. She's getting an associate's degree in social work and already knows the wage and benefit package to work as an eligibility specialist at the Department of Human Services. She's going to make $18 an hour and have $7 copays on her comprehensive medical plan.

Aside from her bluntless, I keep having this same conversation with other students no matter their age; they are highly specific in their college plans and know how much they'll make when they finish, and it blows their mind that I really don't a plan. I understand that student debt is an issue, which is exactly why I am going to a community college to knock out the basics and a handful of core credits. I am scheduled for an academic advising appointment next week and I wonder if each degree comes with a sheet selling each student on return of investment for their time and student loan dollars? This attitude is so persistant that I'm considering making an application for the dental hygiene program instead (which I have an interest in), and only return to school once I am settled in a lucrative and flexible position to study what I want.