There's really no reason for young men to go to college at all anymore, unless it is to go through the ridiculously long and grueling process to become doctors, lawyers and accountants. The "liberal arts" and most other majors, as well as most colleges and universities in general, are extremely hostile to White men. Why should they borrow tens of thousands of dollars, or their parents sacrifice by saving 80 or 100k and more to send them to a place that hates them and will at best grant them a mostly useless degree. Men who don't want to be doctors, lawyers or accountants should learn a good trade that will always be in demand such as plumbing, carpentry, various repairman and construction type trades, and IT related vocations.
Off topic but it saddens me the number of young men who still fall into lose/lose traps like Marriage 2.0 and College 2.0.
I agree with you Don for the young man who doesn't take his education seriously, he should learn a trade and not waste his time and money in college, however, I encouraged my children, to which I have 5 of them, to take school seriously and get as much education as you/we can afford. Their are numerous ways to pay for college without going into a lot of debt.
(Academic, Athletic, and Private Scholarships are out there.)
First, from a young age you need to really encourage your children to read, a lot! Second, stress why they need to take school seriously. If they listen and do well from an early age on into high school, they'll get much of their college paid for in scholarships. You just have to know where to look and of course you have to have good grades and character. Also, he/she can get an on campus job to help offset some of the cost. Third, thoroughly research the potential schools he/she wants to attend. Make sure it's not going to some school that's going to give you some useless degree. Find out how the university is rated on graduation rates, athlete's graduation rates, job potential, and what graduates are earning after they graduate and find a job. Many colleges, especially private schools have a great reputation for placing their graduates in well paying jobs immediately.
Yes, all kids aren't going to listen or have the potential, but those that don't are the ones who should find a good trade.
.....and yes they should shoot for the stars as far as a profession. Doctor, Lawyer, PA, Accountant, Pharmacy, etc., even going into education is not necessarily a bad thing if you can find a decent part of the country to teach, or become a principle or professor at a university.
Yes, off topic, but just speaking from experience. I know a lot of guys here are younger than me and I am just trying to help if they are starting a family or planning to.