While I agree that 200K in debt for a BA in English is not a wise choice, there's a whole class of families that can afford the 200K out of pocket, and will happily pay it for a top school. I have a child, and will do it for the following reasons:
- You only get one chance to be 18 - 22 years old. College is a great way to improve your appreciation of culture, society, and build social skills, prior to taking a full time job.
- I know many youngsters here will likely have a problem with this -- but the average 18 year old has some intellectual and emotional maturing to do. This can happen via the social and academic challenges of college. In fact, the best colleges will sell this over any practical skills.
Work life can be a grind, even for someone with their dream job. When was the last time you had a chance to try your hand at literary criticism, or game theory, or learning a new language? How did it go the first time you had to ask for help with an intellectual problem? (Probably a distant thought in the minds of the average senior developer). How about the last time you had to cooperate with several people you dislike? College is a good place to get started with these things.
> When was the last time you had a chance to try your hand at literary criticism, or game theory, or learning a new language? How did it go the first time you had to ask for help with an intellectual problem?
Just to be a contrarian (on HN, of all places!), I'm in my late twenties and know a couple of people who are at least a little bit bitter/regretful that they spent their early twenties learning game theory and literary criticism rather than how to function as an adult.
- You only get one chance to be 18 - 22 years old. College is a great way to improve your appreciation of culture, society, and build social skills, prior to taking a full time job.
- I know many youngsters here will likely have a problem with this -- but the average 18 year old has some intellectual and emotional maturing to do. This can happen via the social and academic challenges of college. In fact, the best colleges will sell this over any practical skills.
Work life can be a grind, even for someone with their dream job. When was the last time you had a chance to try your hand at literary criticism, or game theory, or learning a new language? How did it go the first time you had to ask for help with an intellectual problem? (Probably a distant thought in the minds of the average senior developer). How about the last time you had to cooperate with several people you dislike? College is a good place to get started with these things.