In the UK we used to have a grant system, where local authorities paid for students to study. This was all changed in the late '90s, when student loans were introduced. It has proved unworkable, with about three quarters unable to reach the pay level at which they are supposed to start paying back the loans. Governments need to realise that if they want a properly educated workforce, then they have to PAY for it! No cheap and easy answers, it's a case of them biting the bullet and investing in the future. It has been pointed out that the shortage of doctors has a lot to do with the fact that any attempted cures for this problem tend to be short-term, when the obvious thing to do is create more places in Uni for student doctors. What government wants to invest in a five year medical course when they might be out of office in five years time?
Dear Blaize -- thanks for the thoughtful comment. Between you and Gary, I'm a bit embarrassed not to have known that a similar awful situation is emerging in the UK.
Dear Rio -- indeed, the politicians looked at the rising costs of higher education, and backed away from underwriting those costs -- finding student loans a miracle cure to keep students rolling through colleges. Really pretty appalling, whether in the US or UK.
I have this idea for the immigration problem. You got 75 or so miles south of the border. And build a huge factory and housing complex. Where you give free college tuition to anyone who wants it. And housing. And jobs. And...then there's no more immigration problem. It will still be immensely cheaper than the stupid wall, too. And all the other nonsense we do. But...no one wants to actually fix it.
Almost right -- but you're off by 11 million or so who'd very much like it to be fixed, and pronto! Namely, those caught in the middle of all the political ass-holery. BTW ever see a funny flick called "A Day without a Mexican"?
Dear Owl -- I'm happy you have made it through college, and just hope the financial damage isn't too bad. Personally, I believe the costs of university are pretty much out of control, like those of medicine, law and other services -- the old law of supply and demand has evidently been repealed.
One of me online mates, an almost painfully decent chap who bailed out of the NYC area for more affordable digs, noted to me that he attended Pratt Institute in the late 70's (class of '80) for about 20K, all told for his BFA. Now that 20K is a bit over a YEAR at the better SUNY schools. But his Alma Matter would cost an incoming Freshman something approach a QUARTER OF A MILLION DOLLARS to earn their BFA. And look forward to being an Unpaid Intern upon graduation.
I've got one upstate at SUNY now and one entering in the Fall... Aieeeeeee... I do the day gig, then go home and do freelance till I am face down in the keyboard. No time (or resources) to spare for naughty adventures. Bloody sad, that.
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K.
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Seriously though, loans are so bothersome, to say the very least :/
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I've got one upstate at SUNY now and one entering in the Fall... Aieeeeeee... I do the day gig, then go home and do freelance till I am face down in the keyboard. No time (or resources) to spare for naughty adventures. Bloody sad, that.
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And I'm sorry that paying for YOUR kids at university requires you to freelance intensively. Gosh, that's downright AWFUL!
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