<p>I hope I didn’t give the impression in my post that I believe that higher earners are morally superior - or even that a high income is something everyone does, or should, aspire to. I certainly don’t believe that higher earners are smarter - lots of evidence to the contrary on that score. 
This is what I’m talking about. I think that 80 or 100K undergrad is foolish for almost anyone, in almost any field, because the highest earning incomes will usually require a graduate degree. And most people certainly have to borrow for grad school.</p>
<p>I’m a supporter of the arts and of course am happy that people choose to pursue them professionally. But practically speaking, I believe that students and parents should ask themselves “how are we going to pay that back?” if they borrow for any degree, and perhaps especially one in the arts. And even if they don’t borrow for their degree, I think a practical dancer will ask “how employable will my degree make me?” when choosing a major and a school.</p>