Quick Minute.

First off, I would like to say thank you for your opinions on the birthday gifts for the self thing. I will be sure to share my gift as soon as I order/receive it.

So I may or may not have a bone to pick with the media, etc. One of the big conversations right now is the debt that students and families take on to go to college. Which, understandably, is an issue. The cost of college is growing exponentially. Tuition, room, board, fees, books (oh my lord, what a racket!!!) laundry, if you're in a fraternity or sorority dues, just cost of living in general. It's a humongous undertaking. I completely understand where it is ridiculous to imagine pay $52k a YEAR for college.

That being said, There needs to be some emotional and fiscal responsibility on the part of the student and the parent(s). There needs to be a recognition that sometimes, you can't afford to attend a certain school. I promise you, it is possible to come out of college with reasonable debt. those people who leave with $140k are not being responsible.

Milty had her heart set on a certain school. It was a state university, but we were out of state, so tuition was higher. And while she is very smart, they did not give her a lot of merit or financial aid. They didn't have to. Meanwhile, another school she applied for and won a very prestigious scholarship, and was offered very good financial aid. Even though the state school was her first choice, my parents had to be responsible and tell her that it just wasn't happening.

There are a lot of ways that you can save money. I promise. You do not have to go into huge debt to pay for college. 

What bothers me the most, however, is that it always seems like no one explains that. You read stories and see broadcasts about these students. They tell the students story after they've gotten into college and were saddled with this incredible debt. Where is the part, however, about the college search? Did they consider community college for a year or two and transferring? Did they look at instate schools? Living at home? There is always an aspect of "it was my first choice, the only school I applied to, where I've been dreaming of since I was 5" which is great, but sometimes not realistic.

aaaaah I'm sorry, I'm sorry. It's just something that makes me angry. It's not always the school's fault, or financial aid's, or the government (although I do wish they'd forgive student loans, ha!). 

Thanks for letting me get that out.