I finally managed to get through to my parents about how outrageously expensive college has become. My mom attended an in-state four-year university in the early 80s, and my dad received a full-ride scholarship in the late 2000s (he went back to school later in life). They kept discouraging me from advising my niece to take the route I’m following—starting at a community college for half her degree and then transferring to a four-year university with a strong GPA, which opens up more scholarship opportunities and could potentially reduce or eliminate student loans.
After discussing a scholarship offer I received with my mom today, I broke down the remainder of what I’m looking at—about $3k left for my spring 2026 tuition, which I plan to cover with more scholarships. She was completely unaware of the $10k cost for the semester, and her reaction was shock. When I finally explained that a four-year bachelor’s degree typically costs between $80k and $100k, she began to understand. And remember, this is the most affordable option available in my state!
After doing the math, she was in disbelief. I refuse to let my niece end up in crippling debt just because everyone around her is pushing for the traditional four-year path. There’s no need for her to stress over perfect grades; as long as she completes her 60 credits at community college with a GPA of at least 3.0, she can transfer without a hitch. It frustrates me how many people don’t see this. Plus, I can’t understand the stigma some people place on community colleges. I refuse to go into debilitating debt for an education. And as a GED graduate, I don’t care about prestige—what matters to me is earning my degree for under $15k.
It’s great to hear that you’ve been able to communicate the reality of college costs to your parents, and it’s commendable that you’re considering not only your own financial future but also your niece’s. College debt is a huge burden for many graduates, and it’s important to find alternatives that make financial sense.
Your approach of starting at a community college and then transferring is a smart one. It gives students the opportunity to save money while still getting a quality education. Plus, it’s not just about the prestige of where you earn your degree; it’s about the knowledge and skills you gain along the way, and your plan allows you to do just that without breaking the bank.
It’s unfortunate that some people still look down on community colleges. They often offer excellent programs and can be a launching pad for many successful careers. Your perspective as a GED graduate further emphasizes that education comes in many forms and that success is about how you apply what you learn, not where you learned it.
Kudos to you for advocating for a path that prioritizes financial responsibility and practical outcomes over prestige. You’re setting a great example for your niece, showing her that there are intelligent and viable routes to success that don’t involve crippling debt. Keep pushing the conversation; it’s a critical one that many need to hear!