<p>In today’s economy we have students protesting how much they owe in student debt. Some of these even think we should just default and/or forgive all student debt. (Welcome to Occupy Wall Street). </p>
<p>Based on this, </p>
<p>(1) Many students are graduating from schools which cost too much money and majored in something that doesn’t pay much to begin with; let alone their ability to get a job in today’s economy.
(2) For students to think that we should default on our student loans; they clearly need to go back to school and study some economics on what that would do to the economy. Let’s have another fiscal downturn. Sounds great.
(3) At the current price of a college education, it makes perfect sense to go to a top 20 university for many reasons. Namely, these universities offer, for the most part, excellent student financial aid. The education received at these universities, as well as the opportunities they provide are not superseded.
(4) Assuming your parents are paying for your college education - follow their logic. The economy is not very strong right now and it’s not currently predicted to come back very quickly. The price of education is astronomical. Unemployment is very slowly improving. They are, in fact, looking out for your better interests. And, for the most part going to a T20 will save you money, assuming you can be called a “needy” student. Even if not, some of these schools offer merit aid.
(5) These colleges are recognized throughout the US as the outstanding education institutions. And, lets face, your first job out of college will be determined by what your degree says.
(6) Given your stats, it’s highly likely that if you applied to a few T20’s, you would get into at least one.
(7) You’re going to college to get an education first and foremost. The sports, etc. all of that comes second. Yes, it’s great to have. But remember, you should be placing your primary focus on what will provide you with the best education and educational opportunities.</p>
<p>All of that said, especially if your parents are paying, I see no reason not to attend a T20. I would say that the top colleges in the US, about the top 35 or 40 are all excellent institutions. But, these schools do not offer the same financial aid as the T20.</p>