<p>Well said and having spent four years there I totally understand where you are coming from. I asked the question in light of the current economy. I know many kids getting out of college right now who find themselves with a wonderful education but no job. This includes 2 ND grads. So now the harsh reality of loans and pounding the pavement sets in. I just wonder if they, or their parents, feel it was worth it. There was an interesting post in the parents forum regarding a student at NYU and her debt. It does make one stop and think if cheaper schools are a better choice in the long run. </p>
<p>Placing the blame as student are buried in debt:
<a href=“http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/29/your-money/student-loans/29money.html[/url]”>http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/29/your-money/student-loans/29money.html</a></p>
<p>This economic situation is strangely similiar to the early 80’s when I graduated from college. Luckily, I graduated from SMC with a job as I was an accounting major but many of my friends at SMC/ND found themselves unemployed (Needless to say, several became lawyers!) Of course the debt that we and our parents took on was nothing like today. Perhaps I should ask everyone (including myself) the question four years from now. My husband, the ND grad, has often said that he wonders if it is a better idea to encourage a child to go to a less expensive school (so I am not just talking about ND here) and invest the difference between that and the $250,000 it will eventually cost to go to top private. Then at graduation hand them the check and wish them well. House, car, grad school it can pay for alot. I laugh when he says it, but sometimes I do wonder.</p>