College Grad: 200K in debt

[Cat]

Originally Posted by MtnDwellar

The way I paid for school was by working. I lived in my own apartment since I was 18. I worked full-time nights and attended community college full-time days. After graduation, I worked for an employer who paid for my college tuition. I finished my degree part-time.

My parents asked me if I wanted any of their help paying for college. I declined. They offered to let me live at their house while I went to school. I declined. The reason that I declined was that at 18 years old, I was an adult and felt responsible for paying my own expenses.

I believe one difference is that I worked since I delivered newspapers at age 13. My parents insured that I opened a savings account and deposited my pay check. I watched my father attend night school paid from the G.I. Bill. Near my sixteenth birthday, I jokingly asked my parents what kind of car they were going to buy for me. My mother joked back, "Oh no. We love you too much to buy you a car." I knew what she meant. Two weeks before my 16th birthday I applied for jobs. I started work on the day I turned sixteen. In addition to buying my own clothes and personal items, I paid for my own car, insurance, repair, and gasoline.

By the time I was an adult, I knew exactly what interest was and that it was better to wait until I can afford something before buying it. I understand how a person can acquire a large debt. I do not feel sorry for them. I suspect that while trying to make things better for their children, many parents pamper their kids and the children do not mature.

I'm still absolutely floored that you were able to work full time at a job that made enough money for you to pay expenses (rent, food, etc.) AND pay for a four-year college. Absolutely floored.

The only jobs I know that bring in that kind of money are illegal! May I ask what kind of job you did that made this much money? You were very very VERY fortunate.

I would say that most young people do not have the skills to land a job straight out of high school that pays that much money.

Also, many employers will hire an older adult if they have the option. In our city, which has the highest unemployment rate in Illinois (around 16.7 %), it is very hard for adult men and women to find jobs that allow them to pay rent and food, let alone adding school expense. High schoolers and college kids are not having a lot of luck finding any jobs, including fast food jobs. Many of these jobs have been commandeered by older adults who lost their regular jobs.

As for saving money in high school--a high school student's primary responsibility should be going to school and getting involved not only in pursuit of academic excellence, but also experiencing many extracurriculars such as sports, arts, community, and church. A small part-time job is a good thing and enables a teenager to finance their own "wants" such as stylish clothing, makeup, entertainment, music, etc.

But I would never, ever endorse a teenager working at a full-time job in order to save "for the future." In the United States, there are a lot of opportunities available to teens, especially in the sports and arts, that will no longer be available once the teen has graduated from high school. I think that a teenager should be encouraged by parents to pursue these "teen" activities. And of course, the number one priority should be academics.

Like I said, I'm floored by your accomplishment. I actually think you could be successful if you wrote a "how to" book for teenagers, describing your "action plan" and how you achieved a job that allowed you to support yourself AND attend college at the same time. I personally would buy that book, even though my kids are grown up now. I'm fascinated by how you did this!

My daughters were paid between $20 and $36 per hour to coach figure skating, but since this kind of work is not 40 hours a week, they were not able to make enough money to pay for their college expenses. Basically they were able to pay for gas and a few other personal expenses with their coaching money.

I do know one student who coached his way through college. He made around $36,000/year coaching, and so he was easily able to pay for his expenses plus college. But this young man was exceptional--his life-goal was to be a professional figure skating coach, and that's what he is today. So for him, the coaching through college was just part of his life plan. It wasn't a "job."

And out of all the figure skaters that I have known over the decades, he is the ONLY ONE who managed to do this. He had the personality type and he moved to a college town that offered him the opportunity to succeed in coaching. He's the exception rather than the rule.

Are you the exception, or do you believe you are the "rule"? Like I said, you need to write a "how to" book. If your action plan is something that many teenagers could implement, you could be looking at a huge income for yourself and possibly retirement from your current job! Families all over the U.S. would love to know HOW you did this and how THEY can do it, too. Good luck with this book project, and I hope you do it and that it nets you a mint of money and success.

[MtnDwellar]

Cat, I get that you are being facetious.

If you want an answer, after high school I loaded trucks in a warehouse on the midnight shift. I soon found a better job maintaining and repairing trucks and trailers in a yard working the swing shift. 3-11 was an easier schedule and the job paid better. The downside was that much of the work was outside in the hot summer and cold winter nights. After a couple years of this I found a technical position with a defense contractor. I finished school part time with tuition reimbursement from my employer. All of these jobs were quite legal.

Paying my bills was not a problem. I shared a small apartment with a roommate. I had more discretionary income at 18 than later in life after buying a home and getting married.

I was enrolled in honors classes in high school and finished near the top of my class. I was not involved in extra-curricular activities. I see their benefit. I had a choice. I was not forced to work or save. If the goal of extra-curricular activities is to teach values, team work, and forge friendships, I think I still accomplished those things.

[faithfully]

Originally Posted by MtnDwellar

I agree. Not only taking care of my family, but also friends, neighbors, and a handful of people who I don't know. My parents took great care of me and now I help them. The bible teaches us to shelter the homeless, cloth the naked, and feed the hungry. It does not tell us to pay for college for immature adults who are not willing to work for it themselves.


I hear what you are saying, but I doubt that they don't understand interest. I suspect that they are seeking immediate gratification and are not willing to do that which is difficult or arduous in order to achieve a long term good.
You find me 3 high school grads straight out of school and ask them to explain in detail compounded interested. APR and the like, and I'll agree with you. But I think you're gonna get deer in headlights...

Asking people for unearned money is the definition of begging. Her creativity is in the way that she begs. She is not a charity. Like many, she is unwilling to work hard and sacrifice to pay her debt.
Ok... I'll go with you there. But she's not on the streets. And she is working. Tells me YOU didn't go to her web page and investigate... She's working, she's taken on overtime, She is selling her clothes on e-bay... and she's set up a blog to help educate other kids... she's working an angle for sure. But she is going for a public service now...

That would be called robbery!


I have done many things, but do not want to become a tooter of my own horn.
Well, sometimes you should toot! It could give others ideas to aid others... pay it forward so to speak! It's ok!
I thought that I would be in a very small minority in thinking that people should pay their own way.

My cousin, Ruth, did not start college until she could afford it. That was after she turned 40. Before that, she and her husband worked, raised two children, and also saved. Ruth graduated at the top of her class and is now a medical doctor. I sometimes think that college is wasted on the young. I did find that the older students in my class were more focused. They have already partied and what not. They do tend to be better at getting to it! I also know plenty that did quite well at a young age. It does seem smart that acedemic probation is a reality.

[JimG]

Some students who relied on loans to pay for college are now relying on their parents--not themselves--to repay those loans, at a point in the parents' lives when they ought to be planning carefully for their own retirement. That seems to me to be unconscionable.

I worked my way through college, but as prices have risen, that is no longer possible. Of course, one reason that prices has risen is the availability of student loans, and the willingness of parents and relatives to pay outrageous tuition.

It's also true that the value of a true education--what used to be known as a classical liberal arts education--cannot be measured by its financial outcome.

I recall the dean of my college, who happened to be a Benedictine sister, giving a talk to the incoming freshman class in which she emphasized that the purpose of a college education was not to get a job. She was quite emphatic about this, and the students were literally astonished, saying "well then, why are we here?"

And while it's true that a true liberal arts education cannot be valued only in dollars, that's even more reason not to go overboard on loans without knowing how they are going to be repaid.

It's also a good reason to think about getting some real world experience first, or to think about the benefits of using the GI bill, which are even better now.

My parents made sure that every child was working at some kind of part-time job by age 14. That was valuable experience.

[faithfully]

Originally Posted by JimG

Some students who relied on loans to pay for college are now relying on their parents--not themselves--to repay those loans, at a point in the parents' lives when they ought to be planning carefully for their own retirement. That seems to me to be unconscionable.

I worked my way through college, but as prices have risen, that is no longer possible. Of course, one reason that prices has risen is the availability of student loans, and the willingness of parents and relatives to pay outrageous tuition.

It's also true that the value of a true education--what used to be known as a classical liberal arts education--cannot be measured by its financial outcome.

I recall the dean of my college, who happened to be a Benedictine sister, giving a talk to the incoming freshman class in which she emphasized that the purpose of a college education was not to get a job. She was quite emphatic about this, and the students were literally astonished, saying "well then, why are we here?"

And while it's true that a true liberal arts education cannot be valued only in dollars, that's even more reason not to go overboard on loans without knowing how they are going to be repaid.

It's also a good reason to think about getting some real world experience first, or to think about the benefits of using the GI bill, which are even better now.

My parents made sure that every child was working at some kind of part-time job by age 14. That was valuable experience.

I'm def. in the boat of NO JOBS until after high school. Other than summer jobs, or maybe babysitting or mowing lawns. Nothing with a boss who schedules MY child. My job was to graduate with excellent grades. (keeping in mind that I was extremely aware of the lack of funds for college... my grades where my key to scholarships... So, I'd say my full attn. to education offered a higher return than any part time job that a 14 y/o could have. )

And not only could I tutor a kid down the street in many subjects, I can also teach piano, and teach ballet, and classical jazz. With all of these, I can supplement DH's income from home, stay with my kids and earn $20-40/hour.

In the end. I don't believee there is a wrong way or a right way AS LONG as you end up with productive children.

It's not indicated in the article if the girl in this situation... if she or her parents are making any of the payments. Or I missed that. Granted, I suspect they are the co-signers. So they have a vested interest in her making her payments, even if they have to make them. Or lose their home. That was THEIR stupid mistake... see, it's not just her. She had educated adults leading her and coaching her to destruction... That's all I'm saying. We need a better education out there for this kind of stuff.

Rather than get angry about it.

I mean, do you blame Enron employees for having too much of their portfolio in Enron? Or do you blame the people that "educated" them on how to manage a portfolio. Do you then look to the Enron Mgmt, that created the problem in the first place.

Do you blame all the ADULTS that signed up for adjustable rate mortgages that became crazy expensive and beyond their means when someone "educated" them on the fact they didn't need to worry about that? What about interest only loans?

Explain all these SHORT sales and foreclosures? It's not just teenagers that are CLUELESS about this sort of stuff. When people are led by "experts" they get into big trouble.

I mean for us Catholics... look at all these other misguided religions... in our opinion. Do we blame their followers for being SOOOOOOOO irresponsible as to follow such religions? Or reverse that thought if you're not Catholic, and you think YOU'RE right and everyone else is wrong... The THINK they understand...

Cat... where you being silly? I think a book on such a topic would sell like hot cakes...

ETA: first Paragraph changes.

[MtnDwellar]

Originally Posted by faithfully

You find me 3 high school grads straight out of school and ask them to explain in detail compounded interested. APR and the like, and I'll agree with you. But I think you're gonna get deer in headlights...

Isn't algebra still a requirement in high school? When studying natural logs, the classic problems involve calculating compound interest. Even if they cannot do the calculation, they must surely realize that loans have to be repaid and that the amount of repayment exceeds the principal??? If I am wrong, then we are in big trouble.

Oh yeah. We are in big trouble. I probably am wrong.

Originally Posted by faithfully

Ok... I'll go with you there. But she's not on the streets. And she is working. Tells me YOU didn't go to her web page and investigate... She's working, she's taken on overtime, She is selling her clothes on e-bay... and she's set up a blog to help educate other kids... she's working an angle for sure. But she is going for a public service now...

You are correct. I read the Yahoo article linked in the OP only. I am glad that she is working and making sacrifices. She should be able to pay her debt without asking strangers for help.

[faithfully]

Originally Posted by MtnDwellar

Isn't algebra still a requirement in high school? When studying natural logs, the classic problems involve calculating compound interest. Even if they cannot do the calculation, they must surely realize that loans have to be repaid and that the amount of repayment exceeds the principal??? If I am wrong, then we are in big trouble.

Oh yeah. We are in big trouble. I probably am wrong.

Why do you think so many people are homeschooling? Or working at their children's school as if a paid employee. It's called... THE US gov't does not value education. Tax payers show they don't care either when they vote NO on anything to help a school. We face closure after closure. We keep LOWERING the salaries of teachers. Yes, we are in HUGE trouble. HUGE!


You are correct. I read the Yahoo article linked in the OP only. I am glad that she is working and making sacrifices. She should be able to pay her debt without asking strangers for help. Well, I like her approach better than the average drug using welfare case, or illegal immagrant demanding my taxes to pay for their desires. At least she's educated. At least she's WORKING, She pays taxes now too... so at LEAST she's paying into the system she borrowed from, at least she's asking and not demanding that others help her for her mistake... maybe I'm just sick of seeing people put their hand out, and they've actually done NOTHING but take, and give nothing back. She's giving back, and I bet if you follow her in the years to come, she'll have given back 10 fold. Well, I hope so...

[MtnDwellar]

Jim and I seem to agree that students should pay for their own education. I think that borrowing should either be excluded from the choices or kept to a bare minimum. I remember talking to fellow students who told me that they obtained low interest loans. I was not even curious.

Yes, I blame the Enron employees for weighting their retirement investments too heavily in one basket. I also blame the people who signed "funny" mortgages that they could not repay. I find that they have one thing in common. Greed. Well, maybe two things in common. Greed and a lack of common sense.

I believe that people are responsible for their own actions. What is wrong with that?

Regarding education, college, liberal arts degrees etc.: I recall an article in a trade magazine written by physics professor. Ten years ago he said that we are headed toward disaster because of lack of enrollment in math and science curriculum. The current most popular major was "Parks and Recreation". I didn't even know that was course, let alone a major!!!

So, yes, I see that kids and adults today are unwilling to work hard for a longer term good. While trying to find that easier softer path, they are missing opportunities to build character and develop skills. The result is the "HUGE TROUBLE" that we currently see.

[faithfully]

Originally Posted by MtnDwellar

Yes, I blame the Enron employees for weighting their retirement investments too heavily in one basket. I also blame the people who signed "funny" mortgages that they could not repay. I find that they have one thing in common. Greed. Well, maybe two things in common. Greed and a lack of common sense.

I believe that people are responsible for their own actions. What is wrong with that?

Not sure what line of work you come from. Just for reference, I'm degreed in finance. I've spent a greater portion of my working career either crunching numbers in some fashion but mostly in a HR department, recruiting financial professionals and such.

I can't tell you HOW many people don't have a clue how to utilize their 401k. They are AFRAID of it. They are afraid they will lose everything. Most aren't interested in taking big risk. Most don't understand that weighting their portfolio too heavily with one stock is DANGEROUS. They can't even begin to tell you why. Hey, they work for a great successful company. They don't fathom the dangers. And how about when the Enron ee's TRIED to move their money when they realized it was probably a bad idea, and Enron illegally blocked them. There's a reason that you hear of suicide among Enron managers.
How about the fact that a big 6 or was a 4 by then, SIGNED OFF on their accounting. Now, as a financial professional, I should KNOW that if the numbers are signed off on by a big 6 then the numbers are GOOD! Right... Ummm. wrong... Now how the heck do you hold the janitor accountable for that kind of comprehension.

I whole heartedly agree with you however, that these kinds of loans should NOT be extended. As a financial professional, I can't even fathom what job this young lady might get that would get her paid off. But, if as a financial professional I lead her guilable self into thinking she can... than really I'm at a bigger fault than she. She trusted an expert.

I don't think people were being greedy with regard to the mortgage arena (except for the mortgage lenders that lied about the level of risk involved to people that don't understand risk). I think people that didn't know better thought it was a good deal. Not an illegal deal. And not something that could turn them upside down on the value of their home vs. the reality of future payments, in addition to the possability of losing their jobs due to a sudden turn in the market. Not their willingness to work.

And I do agree that people should be held accountable for their actions. But do you not help those in need? Even when they blow it? If a sinner asks you for help, do you say "no, you should have known better... move a long. I only help those that don't sin, and that aren't lacking in common sense. I don't gather this young woman is out collecting more debt. Although it's entirely possible. She doesn't mention credit cards, or a house or car that she's trying to buy.

So now, you have within the mortgage arena, lenders agreeing to a short sell, sellers hoping to get out of the house before they lose EVERYTHING...

What about those of us willing to buy those houses. Are we greedy? Are we trying to take from others? I mean the only way I can afford to live in my area is due to the fact the housing took a dive. I am greedy for taking advantage of this? Or smart. Or both? Heck, what if I wait a little bit longer... my favorite houses my drop a wee bit more... And let's face it. I don't have to work a lick to finally be able to buy a house. I just need a few more idiots to have already played the game and lost. And I suppose I can stand on the side lines and say... You shouldn't have played if you didn't know the rules. Sure. I get that. I'm about to benefit from that. I hope....

[MtnDwellar]

Originally Posted by faithfully

Not sure what line of work you come from. Just for reference, I'm degreed in finance. I've spent a greater portion of my working career either crunching numbers in some fashion but mostly in a HR department, recruiting financial professionals and such.

I have had many different jobs. I am currently a research engineer.

Originally Posted by faithfully

I can't tell you HOW many people don't have a clue how to utilize their 401k. They are AFRAID of it. They are afraid they will lose everything. Most aren't interested in taking big risk. Most don't understand that weighting their portfolio too heavily with one stock is DANGEROUS. They can't even begin to tell you why. Hey, they work for a great successful company. They don't fathom the dangers. And how about when the Enron ee's TRIED to move their money when they realized it was probably a bad idea, and Enron illegally blocked them. There's a reason that you hear of suicide among Enron managers.

Of course Enron management is to blame for illegally blocking employees from moving their funds. I was once explaining our 401k options to a recent Russian immigrant. He asked, "If they are so risky, why do they call them securities?" I replied that if they called them insecurities, no one would buy them!

I have been to the training from Fidelty and from other account managers. They did a fine job of explaining risks associated with their funds.

Enron is a classic example of the "ME" type of people running themselves into the ground and taking others with them. Lay, Skilling, and the others were total crooks.

Originally Posted by faithfully

How about the fact that a big 6 or was a 4 by then, SIGNED OFF on their accounting. Now, as a financial professional, I should KNOW that if the numbers are signed off on by a big 6 then the numbers are GOOD! Right... Ummm. wrong... Now how the heck do you hold the janitor accountable for that kind of comprehension.

Don't get me started on Arthur Andersen. I have worked with that firm and never trusted them. The janitor is responsible for finding out the facts. Caveat Emptor.

Originally Posted by faithfully

I whole heartedly agree with you however, that these kinds of loans should NOT be extended. As a financial professional, I can't even fathom what job this young lady might get that would get her paid off. But, if as a financial professional I lead her guilable self into thinking she can... than really I'm at a bigger fault than she. She trusted an expert.

Again. The young woman was responsible for finding out the facts before she signed a contract. She cannot rely on the person selling the loan to provide an unbiased opinion.

Originally Posted by faithfully

I don't think people were being greedy with regard to the mortgage arena (except for the mortgage lenders that lied about the level of risk involved to people that don't understand risk). I think people that didn't know better thought it was a good deal. Not an illegal deal. And not something that could turn them upside down on the value of their home vs. the reality of future payments, in addition to the possability of losing their jobs due to a sudden turn in the market. Not their willingness to work.

I agree. People who are losing their homes because of the inability of the economy to provide enough work did nothing wrong. The only problem is that those who bought in the 2004-2007 time frame have horrible timing.

Originally Posted by faithfully

And I do agree that people should be held accountable for their actions. But do you not help those in need? Even when they blow it? If a sinner asks you for help, do you say "no, you should have known better... move a long. I only help those that don't sin, and that aren't lacking in common sense. I don't gather this young woman is out collecting more debt. Although it's entirely possible. She doesn't mention credit cards, or a house or car that she's trying to buy.

Starving people are in need. Homeless people are in need. Sick people are in need. A young woman who has a roof over head, food on the table, and whose biggest problem is that she borrowed a lot of money to pay for college is not going to get my help. That is basically a rich person problem. Did you send her a donation?

Originally Posted by faithfully

What about those of us willing to buy those houses. Are we greedy? Are we trying to take from others? I mean the only way I can afford to live in my area is due to the fact the housing took a dive. I am greedy for taking advantage of this? Or smart. Or both? Heck, what if I wait a little bit longer... my favorite houses my drop a wee bit more... And let's face it. I don't have to work a lick to finally be able to buy a house. I just need a few more idiots to have already played the game and lost. And I suppose I can stand on the side lines and say... You shouldn't have played if you didn't know the rules. Sure. I get that. I'm about to benefit from that. I hope....

If you feel it is a good time to buy property then go ahead. Do not feel any guilt because the previous owner may have lost it. I am considering buying some office space. I was cautioned that a rental property is only as valuable as its tenants. There are no current tenants and the property is very cheap. I can afford it now. I won't be able to buy it after the economy recovers.

[kentuckyliz]

The sociology grad with $200k in debt can get a public service job, select the income contingent repayment option, and after making 120 payments (without defaulting), the remainder of her debt will be cancelled. Thank you, former President Bush.

[faithfully]

Originally Posted by MtnDwellar

I have had many different jobs. I am currently a research engineer.

sounds cool. After my DH created his high school job title of Petroleum Transfer Engineer (or pump jockey as most know it), I don't know what "Engineer" means anymore. I suspect yours is more sophisticated...LOL!

Of course Enron management is to blame for illegally blocking employees from moving their funds. I was once explaining our 401k options to a recent Russian immigrant. He asked, "If they are so risky, why do they call them securities?" I replied that if they called them insecurities, no one would buy them!
Smart guy!!!! so True!!!

I have been to the training from Fidelty and from other account managers. They did a fine job of explaining risks associated with their funds. See, I think they do a pretty good job too. As I can completely follow... I was suprised that when we left the meetings there were still some VERY confused people...

Enron is a classic example of the "ME" type of people running themselves into the ground and taking others with them. Lay, Skilling, and the others were total crooks.


Don't get me started on Arthur Andersen. I have worked with that firm and never trusted them. The janitor is responsible for finding out the facts. Caveat Emptor.
I'm just saying I THINK (and I could be wrong!!!) the janitor THINKS he's got the facts... How would they know otherwise??? Keep asking? Yes, Then they get conflicting information. There's a point where one expert trumps another. Not really sure how the average joe decides who that is?

Again. The young woman was responsible for finding out the facts before she signed a contract. She cannot rely on the person selling the loan to provide an unbiased opinion.
It's a GOV'T loan. It actually SHOULD be unbiased.

I agree. People who are losing their homes because of the inability of the economy to provide enough work did nothing wrong. The only problem is that those who bought in the 2004-2007 time frame have horrible timing.Do you think so? Interest only loans, and variable interest loands that could go up large amts at a time are a BAD idea. With payments that are hard to meet. So long as people go without a lot... They are told... don't worry about the adjustment. You can refi. You can't guarantee that. But people bought it hook, line and sinker...


Starving people are in need. Homeless people are in need. Sick people are in need. A young woman who has a roof over head, food on the table, and whose biggest problem is that she borrowed a lot of money to pay for college is not going to get my help. That is basically a rich person problem. Did you send her a donation?
But HOW do these people get to be starving and homeless? Sometimes they make really insane decisions... But I get you! Well, I think if she was rich, she wouldn't have this problem. And if she were REALLY poor, the gov't would have paid for it... She's right there in the middle. Well, I take that back. I do totally agree, she could have gone to a less expensive school. In theory, I haven't researched her options. I'm really curious HOW she got that deep in debt. The lender, says she shouldn't have. There was a problem somewhere. NO, I didn't send a donation. LOL! You were thinking... "here's a crazy person". I just don't hold anger towards her situation. I do think she should be responsible for herself. And seemingly she's doing pretty well. She's paid back in a timely fashion I think close to 20k, of which 8k is donated. And if people feel like giving her money... that's their biz. Most of the people donating as far as I can tell, we're in similar situations, It's NOT rolling in. I paid for my education... She can too! I'm actually with you on a lot. I just don't think it's an absolute! I gotta save for my house! LOL! $2.00 out of my coffee fund goes to my house fund! Maybe I should start a website to get money... LOL!


If you feel it is a good time to buy property then go ahead. Do not feel any guilt because the previous owner may have lost it. I am considering buying some office space. I was cautioned that a rental property is only as valuable as its tenants. There are no current tenants and the property is very cheap. I can afford it now. I won't be able to buy it after the economy recovers. Seems like commercial property has fewer headaches??? LOL! I don't feel guilt over it... I'm going a little crazy deciding if it's the right time. Or if I should wait a wee bit longer. It's an investment. This market is so wacky, I don't want to be STUCK in my first house...'cause it drops even further in value. You know... at the same time... Kind of tired of renting. Limiting on many fronts. Typical for the $$$$ area I live in.

[faithfully]

Originally Posted by kentuckyliz

The sociology grad with $200k in debt can get a public service job, select the income contingent repayment option, and after making 120 payments (without defaulting), the remainder of her debt will be cancelled. Thank you, former President Bush.

You should post that on her blog. I bet she doesn't know that! I didn't think of it... That's for sure!

[mjs1987]

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/29/yo...s/29money.html

http://articles.cnn.com/2009-08-03/u...filed?_s=PM:US

In both these two articles and the one I linkes in the OP, all three people featured as making poor college choices finanially are women. Surely, there are men in the same position. Do women in distress provide a more sympathetic character? Do women complain about it more than men? There has to be some reason why time after time the major news outlets profile women that have financial trouble due to college and not men.

[kentuckyliz]

Men don't make foolish choices about college debt and careers and money and risk?

Okay.