Student loan college decision update

[heygrey]

I don't understand why *this* program is so special. I have two friends that work in digital animation, both went through a program that is essentially a trade school. Both have worked contracts with big companies like Pixar and Sony and make more money than I could ever hope to earn with my 4 year degree + certifications. Neither were particularly goal oriented or got straight A's in high school, but they liked art and animation and did well in their program.

Is this particular college experience what your daughter wants, no matter how precarious of a financial situation it creates? Or is it just a means to an end so she can get to a career she (hopes) she will love?

[seriously1]

I would love to know what these programs are. The art schools are so expensive! The chosen one is by far the cheapest of all of the ones she applied to.

[jobae1234]

Can I ask, if you can find 2k extra/mo in your budget, why don’t you have more saved for college in the first place? Has there been a massive change of circumstance, a huge promotion lately?

My fear is that finding 2k/mo extra is actually a little bit aspirational and you’re not going to be able to consistently find it.

[seriously1]

Please do not quote I will delete
Deleted.

[wise_rita]

OP how stable is your pension? Beware if you work for the state of Illinois or some other financial house of cards.

[polarbearfans]

Not sure if you had student loans yourself, but the interest is wild. For four years of college I took out $20,000 total in student loans it has been nearly 15 years since I’ve graduated and my loan balance has only reduced by a few thousand dollars. I still owe almost $20,000. The parent loans are even worse.

Will her future earnings allow her to not be crippled by debt from this education? Are there really no other schools or programs that would have a better price tag? Can she do internships in the summer and other programs that will help her get the connections that will help her future careers? I think it’s really important to understand the level of debt you’re taking on. It’s also important to understand that it is not fair to limit your son when you are moving mountains for your daughter to have this education. Even if my daughter chooses one of the great schools we have locally I would insist that she live on campus and not at home. It is a whole different experience. It sounds like your son will have no choice but to live at home.