Crushing debt can turn dream college into a nightmare
As a longtime educator, I’ve witnessed firsthand the pervasive influence of what I call the “spare no expense” culture surrounding post-secondary education. While I wholeheartedly endorse the value of a college education, I am deeply concerned about the narrative that dominates discussions in American high schools and within families today, including those right here on the Seacoast.
It is evident that many high school students are bombarded with the notion that they must subscribe to a “whatever it takes” philosophy to get into and attend their “dream school.” But when do we talk to them about the paralyzing effects of college debt? Shouldn’t we be emphasizing to juniors and seniors that affordability is as crucial a consideration as the campus’s aesthetic appeal or its prestige?
In too many instances, students are led to believe that the more lavish the campus amenities, the better the education. The truth is that the lazy river winding through campus and the five-star restaurant-quality dining hall come with a hefty price tag — one that is often shouldered by students for years, if not decades, after graduation.
As a public school administrator and a former high school principal, I understand the pressure high schools face to ensure their seniors gain admission to what is perceived as a “great school.” However, I contend that a more accurate measure of a high school’s success lies in the post-secondary outcomes of its students. How many graduate with a degree? How long did it take them? Did they land a job in their preferred field? And most importantly, how much debt did they rack up along the way?
My own daughter, a high school senior intending to study nursing, is fortunate to have many post-secondary school options. Despite having the academic credentials to attend more prestigious institutions, she is leaning toward our state’s public university due to its affordability and reputable programs. Yet, even as she makes this practical choice, I sense a hint of regret in her voice — a feeling that she may be settling for a second-rate school compared to her peers headed to more illustrious colleges and universities with eye-popping price tags.
Are high schools inadvertently perpetuating the notion that price is no object when it comes to college? Or is it parents who believe their child has “earned” the right to attend an expensive institution through their hard work in high school? I am not disputing that hard work should be rewarded, but what have hard-working students truly earned? The right to accumulate crippling college debt that may delay crucial life milestones such as marriage, home ownership, travel, family and retirement? We must collectively challenge this mindset and redefine what constitutes success in post-secondary education.
Frankly, the problem extends far beyond the school counseling office and the family kitchen table. From what I can tell, talented school counselors are doing their best to inform students and families about college debt, and many families are attempting to discuss the delicate topic of affordability. After all, parents don’t want to squelch their child’s dreams, and who doesn’t love a proud Facebook parent post about their high school senior’s intentions for the fall?
This is a complex cultural issue. I will be the first to admit that I find conversations with my children about money difficult and uncomfortable, and this, I believe, is where the problem lies. Many of the families I talk with would sooner go along with their child’s “pie in the sky” college search than to suggest that a similar education can almost always be attained for a lot less money. I speak from personal experience — I graduated from two public universities without accruing any debt (thanks in part to my wonderful parents), and I am considered successful by most standards. It is possible to achieve success without sacrificing one’s financial future on the altar of prestige.
High schools and parents must resist the urge, even subconsciously, to push students toward overpriced and, in some cases, overrated colleges that often fail to deliver beyond their hefty price tags. We need to shift the college-going culture in this country toward one that values affordability, practicality, and long-term success over superficial measures of prestige.
It’s time to prioritize the financial well-being of our students over the false allure of the so-called dream school. Let us empower our youth to make informed decisions about their future, free from the burden of excessive debt. Only then can we truly ensure that every student has the opportunity to realize their dreams, and that no student carries a $1,200 monthly student loan payment well into their 30s — or beyond.