Does College Help or Hurt Your Financial Future?

[@daraorianus9479]

Fun story - I am an infusion nurse at a cancer clinic. One of the doctors I work with told me the story of how he got into med school. He started out as an art major in an out of state school. But he quickly racked up huge phone bills talking to his long-distance girlfriend (the days of pay phones😝), and his parents told him if they were going to pay for his schooling (and his pay phone bills😅) he had to come back home and go to an in-state school. So he moved home and enrolled in an in-state school. When he switched schools, the advisor at his new school noticed he had exceptionally high scores on the science portions of his placement tests. He encouraged him to major in something to do with science. So he changed his major and became a doctor. He ended up being the valedictorian of his graduating class. This doctor is one of the absolute smartest docs I have EVER known and his work has saved the lives of hundreds and probably even thousands of adults and children around the world. (After he graduated he went back to that college advisor and thanked him for encouraging him to change his major.) Anyway, just a cool story and the portion of this episode talking about art majors made me think of it!

[@GwenMotoGirl]

I’m retiring in 6 days and I’m still listening to your advice. Appreciative.

[@JMBKrihm]

I work at a community and technical college. I appreciate Rachel’s comment on technical colleges being underrated. I am a little biased, but I 100% agree. Our college works hard to help the student graduate student loan debt free.

[@SUlCUNE]

Meanwhile I'll never forget my high school "guidance counselor" recommending me take out 40k/year for a degree from her private school while I had a full ride to a state school. Even then I knew she was delusional

[@lyndahammel9502]

What a bunch of bull. She really did a disservice to folks who took her advice.​@@SUlCUNE

[@LittleMopeHead]

I failed as a college student, but succeeded as an uncle. College was "the way to succeed in life" in 2003. Took about ten years to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. During those years, I went from Pre-pharmacy at university, to community college for Database Specialist, to another university for Computer Science, then Management Information Systems, and finally switched to Electrical Engineering. At the end of it, I just wanted to get out and work, so I found a way to just graduate with a generic Liberal Arts degree. My student loans was around $45K. Thankfully this amount was small due to financial aid, pell grant, and working as an undergraduate over the years. I paid off my student loans in 2019. I told my nephews and niece about going to community college then transfer to university and staying away from student loans as much as possible. My oldest nephew followed my advice and is graduating in Computer Science soon without student loan debt.

[@Barbarothecat]

I went to community college and got my associates. I’m about to graduate next semester with $13,000 in debt (I paid all my community college classes out of pocket and some of my university classes), which I am working to pay off most of that before I graduate. 100% recommend community college. I had a mindset in high school that if I went to community college it meant I was a failure or stupid. If anything now I’m smart for not going insanely in debt. I didn’t get to live the “college life” but I also don’t like partying so I don’t regret missing out on those experiences.

[@sylviadunster9784]

I went to community college for two years, then transferred to a four year school, worked full time and paid for my schooling as I went- wouldn’t trade that experience for the world although it was so hard as I was doing it. When I graduated I had four years professional experience plus my degree, vs my peers who only had the degree.

[@JigsawPiece]

Good podcast. I've been telling my younger siblings to not go to college until they figure out what they want to do. I went to college to commission so I had a good reason to go.

[@kaelaleedaley]

Lift/Elevator Repair Men - Thank you for your service!

[@deannapickman4867]

Community college is the way to go! Then transfer. Best decision I made in my college journey. I bought a Tapple for my house 😊

[@desiv1170]

Totally agree. I spent my first year at a CC and then transferred. Then I realized that I could have spent two years and as long as I chose the right classes, they all would have transferred and I would have saved money... Luckily this was back when College wasn't too expensive, so it wasn't a killer but it would have been smarter for me to to both years there first... And of course the area I work in now has nothing to do with my degree. :-) But back then, that wasn't a problem either.

[@bkstandard882]

I'm have an art degree. I only got it because my brother studied it and I wanted to follow what he was doing. In my early 30s, I developed an interest in tech and started doing IT. I'm 35 now and will soon go back to school to study Cloud Computing.

[@leena118]

This daughter of immigrants went to a private university and studied English. This was before the time of crazy student loans, so graduated about $7,500 and quickly paid it off. That experience launched me to a successful life. No, I don't "use" that degree in my work, but the skills I learned - writing, communicating, analyzing and understanding how something "works" - led to an amazing career on the business/technical side of healthcare. The most important thing that any student can do when going to college is making sure to squeeze every bit of knowledge/skill acquisition out of that experience.

[@himaliladha2973]

My husband studied finance and paid off his student loans in one year. Makes over 500,000 now. My dad a doctor earned well above that amount obviously after studying for years. College really helps STEM related fields!

[@JustaFairyStory]

18:42 I have several members of my family who are delivery drivers, one who’s worked for UPS for over 20 years, no degree, and makes twice as much as my teacher parents did combined

[@letsgrosh]

Fellow Chi-O dropout over here! TAMU! But I dropped a couple weeks before the official pledging ceremony & it was because I couldn’t afford it anymore. Can’t believe I thought I could afford that to begin with! Haha. Love you sister!

[@c.j.valentine3027]

East Tennessee State University grad here ... go, Bucs!

[@elainebradley8213]

I took science but after graduating did nursing. Loved my science and helped me understand nursing and my world better.

[@jangle318]

I have a degree in fashion design from LSU and I work as the secretary/office manager at my daughter’s school. Lol. I wasn’t willing to move away from home in south LA to find a job in my degree after college, but my boss always said having a 4 year degree shows him that you’re teachable. I enjoyed my time at college and enjoyed my classes for my major, but I do wish I would’ve done something more general.

[@jangle318]

Also, I’m like Rachel. I knew where I wanted to go to school and only applied at LSU. It’s an hour away from home for us, so it was far enough that I had to move there but close enough that I could go home on the weekends or when needed.

[@JustaFairyStory]

I betrayed my LSU family (my grandfather mainly) by going to LATech (they offered me a better scholarship, and I wasn’t yet driving at the time, and was scared of the city) I loved it but ended up dropping out for personal reasons. Didn’t know what I wanted to do. I’m still not quite sure, but have more of a direction, have some back up plans, I’ve spent the past few years working, and what schooling I am going back for I don’t have to take out loans. (Yet) I’m kinda of screwed because if I finish my bachelors in a humanities degree I could be done in a year (and presumably not make much money, but I could get a master’s on business or something more helpful) And if I go back into engineering it would take me 3 years. (I’d probably have a higher paying job, but I don’t think I’d like it very much) So I’m trying to gather as much info as I can right now, and honestly half the time it just makes me feel conflicted And wondering what types of jobs are actually available in Louisiana has got me thinking too, because I am not opposed to moving away eventually but I’ve got lots of family down here and would need to be able to support traveling expenses.

[@KayRaeC]

I’m graduating from University of Arizona next week, putting myself through school and I’m debt free!!

[@lyndahammel9502]

One of my family members is a lineman. When your power is out he's out repairing the lines. Imo he's a hero. He graduated high school and has a job making a good salary. His uncle who is also a lineman suggested the job to him. We need linesmen, electrician, auto repair men, cooks, etc. We also need engineers, teachers, nurses, etc and many jobs that require college training.

[@alexandraaubryford864]

Great Episode! Love to watch you two . Can you do an episode on college saving accounts. It’s very confusing to figure out. Some say do the 529 others say it’s a terrible idea. I look forward to hearing your advice!

[@donnahampton3632]

529 is very versatile. It can be used for any education option, not just university. Even beauty school or plumbing or anything. It can transfer to amy immediate family member. Parents can take out the equivalent of all scholarships with no penalty. Unused funds can even be rolled into the adult child's Roth IRA. So many options!

[@andrewsusen3154]

For the most part college can be worth it. I just wish I didn't have to take the filler classes just because of the well rounded student mindset. That belongs in high-school not college.

[@joannae3723]

I’m a railroad lineman (linewoman). All training is paid and by the second year of my training I should be making 6 figures

[@teresateresa8933]

This channel should have way more than 28K subs.

[@staceycasey5954]

Great show!! Will be sharing with all the young adults in my life!

[@lizzyweiglein5041]

Two of my fav speakers on the Ramsey show! So glad I found your show!😊

[@lindadorman2869]

Decision Sciences is the practice of how to find and access relevant data, interpret it into key findings and apply information to develop effective strategies. It is most frequently used in business and government planning departments, but can also be used by non-profit or public service organizations. Data mining, analytics and data optimization are core skills. Lots of job opportunities anywhere in the world and can be a 6-figure salary with a few years' experience.

[@AllThingsMoneyandTech]

I know a pastor at our church who had a degree in education from a state school(not ministry) he was a former teacher who was hired as Children’s pastor.

[@elchapojr6219]

I went to community college for 2 years transferred to a 4 year college graduated working in the same field which is awesome!!! I love college because I grew personally and also professional

[@MillsandMe]

C-L-E-M-S-O...N!! GO TIGERS! But now I'm a stay at home mom. Never used my degree. Teaching my boys that they have options and to look for opportunities and pray about the future God wants for them.

[@deannnicole2877]

I was disappointed in myself for not getting enough scholarships to attend a university, so I went to a community college that would pay my tuition based on my high school academics and am so glad today. I got a two year business aa and just had to participate in their honors program which was a great experience, met some cool people. Then I transferred after meeting my husband and did one year at university before we talked about we being a sahm, so instead of adding $13k of debt for another year in college, I dropped out of university and worked for a couple years until we bought a house and had our first kid. So glad I went that route, being debt free is awesome and I still have a two year degree to work with whenever I decide to go back to the workforce.

[@debbieb7754]

I have been watching you guys for a few weeks now and love it!!! You both have great communication skills, and make it fun and entertaining as well as education. Thank you!!

[@bigmyke2008]

Cool to hear you were in Young Life Rachel, I did too, it was fun. Go Bucks

[@brittydoes4865]

Hi George! Film student here. I also couldn't afford Emerson. Went to Fitchburg State for my film bachelor's and only regret it 10 years later. Got my masters in Communications for free though!

[@anhbarker]

I got my Associates at a 2 year community college, my Bachelors at a state school, then later went back for my Masters at the same state school. I did take out some student loans but I paid them off a few years ago.

[@lindadorman2869]

I went to college 3 times! First, studying photo-journalism at Columbia College in Chicago. Then communications(!) at Webster University in St. Louis and finally graduated from Le Cordon Bleu culinary school. So what do I do now? I have a successful online business reselling clothing, accessories and home decor. Still glad I went to college but I'd do it differently if I had to do it all over again.

[@mariavandenheuvel1199]

I look forward to Thursdays for this reason!! Love you guys...!!!

[@bmontero2006]

for some careers then yes....college/university is the way to go....just for a job a trade school is fine....my advice is community college then university to save money on high education and figure out what you really want to do.

[@ChantelCarter-cc7cu]

I got into Emerson College, but I'm not from Massachusetts so it would've been $60,000 a year for me. I didn't go because I couldn't get any loans.

[@MickeyDiamonique]

Yes, Rachel! Panhellenic sisters 🎉

[@HUSKERFAN93]

Love this podcast. I cannot believe it, but a day after this video published, my collegiate alma mater announced that they will be cutting music performance and theatre performance degrees from their offerings! I was a music student, graduated with a Music Ed degree in 2017, and am no longer using my degree!

[@janetketron5712]

Go Pokes! I love this podcast. Y'all are the best!

[@bChipps]

Higher education is very dependent on the person. I personally would have failed in community college versus university. I needed that extra attention that community college just can’t offer.

[@Legacymom0122]

I got my B.A. In Information Technology and I totally regret my degree and don't work in my field. I went to community college first then transferred in and wish I had gotten a different degree. Once I graduated no one wanted to hire me because I didn't have experience. Thankfully though I paid off my student loans about 6-8 years ago.

[@janise01]

I appreciate how when they were talking about trust fund kids getting art degrees George just kept it real that it was because those kids didn't need to get a degree that'd actually make them money.

[@traci4865]

Commercial pilots are just recently not required by the major airlines to have a degree. Many have a degree in aerospace sciences. A degree isnt required, but it is extremely expensive to get your training (flight hours) before being eligible to work for an airline and its not a major airline they will start working for.

[@nvorpahl0710]

First line supervisors of police in MOST states need a college degree or at minimum college credits. Wisconsin requires 60 college credits to be a police officer.

[@PrairieTownHouse]

Totally not necessary to go to college. But, the one thing I can say I don’t regret is that going to college really expanded my mind and the opportunities I didn’t think were possible as a very poor kid.

[@rebeccaross1715]

Wilmington College in Wilmington, OH. I graduated with $8,000 in student loans in 2000, Summa Cum Laude, with a double major in Religion/Philosophy and Psychology with a minor in Peace Studies. Since then I’ve worked in social work, youth ministry, banking and retail, but now I’m retired at age 45, because my husband makes enough to support us.

[@oliviafox6745]

I went to a small art school, taking graphic design, by working for a couple years and saving, scholarsips, and working during school. Very little help from home. Graduated debt free. It was wonderful. Most of the profs were professionals in their fields. Many of the classes had a direct relationship to actual work in the field.

[@Wolfie28645]

I graduated from my local community college this past June, and now I've transferred to Appalachian State University's new satellite campus in Hickory, NC. The best part is I didn't take out any student loans AND STILL got a financial aid refund!!!

[@karamarkham2163]

I was a Chi O at my university! Go Chi O ❤💛

[@ericaterrones16]

Went to a community college on grants and it was great!

[@rondasmyth635]

I think college is highly overrated. There are plenty of things to do that don't require degrees, as you mentioned in the episode. We've encouraged our kids to go into professions they will enjoy and want to do, regardless of a college degree. Of course, we'll support them if they choose to attend, but if they do, we are encouraging community college first to put their feelers out. Our daughter is in her first year at our local community college getting her certificate first, in Advertising and Graphic Design, then will finish the AA degree. She's an artist and an amazing one at that, but she also recognized early on that she would need to do something with it that will be valuable in this day and age, which is computers. It'll take her 3 years and doesn't cost that much. Her dad and I are paying for it as she goes. We didn't save that much for our kids' college. She's also smart because she will be able to freelance from home after she has kids because she wants to stay home with them. Our son is only 14, but we already see a propensity for him in the coding realm, engineering, or building of some sort. We can see him definitely doing a trade school of some kind. We'll see how that goes. Great episode you two! I've binged all of them over the last month, and George, I'm 53 years old. I love y'all and have learned a lot by listening. I have a BA degree in Liberal Studies doing the teacher courses, which I didn't really use because I stayed home with my kiddos. I homeschooled my daughter all the way through, but put my son in a private homeschool last year. Quite honestly, my degree did not really help me as a homeschool mother. There are many homeschool moms I know who don't have a 4 year degree in teaching, who were WAY better home educators than I ever was. Haha!

[@saradeaton687]

University of Montana, waste of a degree. All student loans due to no family support. But atleast I lived there for one year before enrolling, so I paid in state tuition.

[@rhiannondelarosa8675]

I apart of the STEM degree statistic. I love my engineering job

[@aprilprice2729]

Can you please talk about scholarships. How to get them, where to look, what to do with the money (savings account?) And are they tax free? I have a Junior in High School and I am so lost as to where to start.

[@stosh6586]

The former personality, Kristine Ellis, has a book that you might find helpful, How to Graduate Debt-Free: The Best Strategies to Pay for College. Good luck! The money is out there. You just need to dig and treat it like a job.

[@mpatreece2726]

Great show!

[@leilacavender4066]

I’m a Cali girl and who knows if this is stereotypical but I skipped college and went to cosmetology school. A licensed nail technician. And I feel like those in the beauty industry don’t get enough shout outs! High school diploma or ged and then beauty school which is a year or less and man the money is great! Probably anywhere from $40-$100 an hour!

[@drewself7640]

I went to Mizzou (University of Missouri) and paid $300 a semester for 8 semesters for that lazy river and used it a whopping one time

[@nickjohnson1765]

Careful on the 529 to Roth conversions....there are a lot of "rules" it seems to what is allowable....including when contributions were made.

[@brianstricklett3868]

Bitters do have alcohol in it. In case people are against drinking alcohol. (It's one of the ingredients for their drink)

[@OopThereItIs77777]

In this day & age, & going forward…college will not be necessary. Find a trade. Meet a need. You’re set

[@cynthianoyola3290]

Great Episode... LET'S GO MOUNTAINEERS.. WVU :)

[@joshuamontgomery0]

I'm a bagpiper! I'm in dental school now so I'm thankful that I didn't go into school for music.

[@itsgoingtobeokay.]

I went to Indiana University East. My degree is a professional and technical writing. I wanted a degree in literature but who makes money in that unless you're a teacher! 😂 loved the episode

[@TheSilverLining22]

My favorite part of this video is George’s casual nod to Disney’s Wall-E 😊

[@sf3413]

Traveling nurse- $340K. You do need a degree, but you can often get them for free with just a little searching. Live the dream!

[@Pandorash8]

I’m Australian and wanted to study philosophy at one of our universities. My mother asked me bluntly, “is there much call for those these days?” 😑 So I ended up doing psychology and dropping out after one semester 😅 But my late husband had a four year computer science degree and earned good money in that field. P.S. My mum’s best friend lives in Mobile, AL. Roll tide 😎

[@chloerosenberg2198]

Hi there. Wow that's cool. My husband is in IT. And we're living in Australia 🌏🦘

[@mattmalinski345]

Mizzou alumn here.... the lazy river wasn't big to say the least, our rec center is amazing don't get me wrong but the lazy river is comparable to the lazy river at the public pool I go to.

[@OopThereItIs77777]

Still…a lazy River 😂 don’t think that isn’t factored into tuition. It’s like why is that even a thing? And most importantly why is it a reason people would wanna go

[@mattmalinski345]

@@OopThereItIs77777 very true, a hundred laps in a lazy river is still a good time. The college of Ag at the University of Missouri is why I went there, plus in state and all

[@OopThereItIs77777]

@@mattmalinski345 That makes sense. I went to IUPUI to study criminal psych. It’s a commuter college & it made the most sense. I dropped out to care for my dad with terminal cancer & still made 95k in supply chain. Left the corp world Now a SAHM who resells making about 70k. I wish we could use our long term thinking more as kids. Think of allll the variables & how life never works out as we hope

[@corypoff4253]

Shout out to good ole UM! Way to represent! lol

[@sherryingle]

So many community colleges offer technical degrees in Healthcare. There is much demand right now!!!

[@glitterstarbeau]

Polisci then law school. Full ride to College of Charleston, but i let my law school debt follow me around for 10 years.

[@ShelleCedotal]

Bless your heart! 😂❤

[@joaquimrodriguez8961]

I went to a community college but dropped out after my first semester.

[@Alexandra11090]

I don't know if it is a question about choosing a career at 18 or selecting one without any prep. Look at the difference between US and European schools. European schools have career paths for the high school level to help students get prepared for University. I think trying to select your career without any prep is the issue.

[@jennisottile7655]

Community College for 2 years to become a registered nurse. Let my employer pay for my BSN. Student loans = $0 My husband has his associates from community college and is a very successful supervisor in his field, also owed $0 We have decided for our children (we have 4), we will pay for 2 years of community college or the equivalent if they choose to go elsewhere. But we also highly support their current discussion of military or a trade. All underrated in my opinion.

[@girpode157]

I went to Rochester Institute of Technology (out of state private university) and became a physician assistant with a bachelor’s degree. $60,000 in student loans even after maximum academic grants and scholarships. Thankfully made $80,000 starting which quickly increased and paid off all of my loans including a $16,000 car loan off in 4 years… definitely wouldn’t recommend that amount of debt for most majors tho… I wish someone would have told me that in-state even at a private school that offered my major is so much cheaper…

[@c2s2942]

I was doing my own laundry in elementary school 😂😂😂

[@tbm0303]

Hail State!!!

[@May-qb3vx]

Got enough scholarships at the private school than I was offered for the public schools (and the public schools wanted me in their honors colleges but wouldn’t pay me like that’s what they wanted). Ended up going to a private school and stayed on campus for far cheaper than tuition only would’ve cost me at the public schools within commuting distance

[@tvil8]

I went to college for half a semester in 2006 and still owe 6k to this day. Never got a degree and work as a finance business analyst at a major travel company. Its shocking how the govt lets you sign your financial life away at 18, but you cant have a beer.

[@alqoshgirl]

You can’t pay off 6k? 🤨

[@charmin78]

College is a valuable (pricey) transitional place for Gen Z to finish their apprenticeship in the first stage of adulting. Professors have to teach freshman to not ask “do we have to come every day.” Yes… like a job.

[@privateinfo1711]

I think young people should go to community college to get training in a lucrative career, then work, and then go to college if they realize that they need the degree

[@jacobhughart8203]

I have a bachelor’s and masters in social work. I’m a therapist and make 80 thousand. I have no student debt.

[@melissaerentas495]

Air traffic controllers only need a 2 year degrees and they make 6 figures 🎉

[@AlexandriaBozza]

Honestly George’s albums are underrated

[@lukeharris2622]

✝️

[@thebusymrs]

Rice university is super nice. But it’s really expensive.

[@saeligutierrez8025]

I would say go to college if it’s a degree that very needed. If it’s business or management then learn it yourself.

[@TheSilverLining22]

There are really more career paths at trade school than ppl realize.

[@USMCHelloKitty]

I need to get Tapple

[@jesseparker2656]

SDSM&T Hardrockers! ⛏️

[@Nluvwitmanuel]

"Lets revert back to stairs".....said noone.😂😂 Honestly I find it terrifying to work in an elevator shaft.

[@lyndahammel9502]

I met my future husband at college. Now we've been together for 53 years. I am a teacher and he's an engineer.

[@tobyhowell1868]

It's easy to start a business and make over 100k a year without a degree. You feel like you miss out on the "fun" of college/university but money speaks for itself.

[@katiebaker254]

GIG 'Em, AGGIES!!!!!

[@_cully]

Shoutout Roller Coaster Tycoon!!

[@elizabethsaviteer8279]

Zoo-Mass alum here! So many ragrets...

[@theresamoore2436]

I vote the sorority let you recommend for your daughter (s).

[@anniealexander9616]

I didn't go to college. My mom gave me and interest free loan for a home instead. I'm greatful to have smart parents. I house hacked and used that property to finance more properties through the bank. My kids didn't get free college. They got free homes. They aren't complaining. My son could go to college for engineering for free through the company we work for but he is already making a good salary and happy with life. He is more focused on women and possibly a wife someday. My son in law has free college for him or my daughter or grandkids. He makes good money driving a truck. We will see if the grandkids use the free money. My youngest daughter is 19. Her grandfather left her a trust fund that can be taken out early for college or a home. Right now, she is focused on working and her boyfriend. She is working but has an interview Friday. She is considering real estate investing like her mom.