tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15329279.post1705018883745417821..comments2023-08-25T05:18:29.312-06:00Comments on Madville Times: South Dakota Has Highest Percentage of College Grads in Debtcaheidelbergerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03261598066395322681noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15329279.post-61459961870762084052010-10-28T07:12:45.061-06:002010-10-28T07:12:45.061-06:00One thing we discovered is that while the initial ...One thing we discovered is that while the initial tuition cost is low, students are nickled and dimed for every little thing. it adds up!<br />JoelieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15329279.post-78869488979179514532010-10-28T06:00:41.904-06:002010-10-28T06:00:41.904-06:00It is possible that the current generation is not ...It is possible that the current generation is not working as hard to avoid debt. Our consumer culture has certainly depended on destigmatizing debt in order to drive more spending. But a cultural shift like that wouldn't explain why a higher percentage of SD students acquire debt than do students elsewhere. That's why I'm inclined to believe there are some state policy issues making it harder for SD students to avoid debt.caheidelbergerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03261598066395322681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15329279.post-89093039212767936012010-10-27T23:06:41.336-06:002010-10-27T23:06:41.336-06:00I have six kids, 5 w/college degrees. 2 w/postgrad...I have six kids, 5 w/college degrees. 2 w/postgrad degrees. 1 back in school for post grad work, 1 a jr. Only one graduated w/some debt. She left school after 2 yrs, worked a few years returned to school and borrowed what her smart grant did not cover to finish her senior year, and worked a job.<br />They began saving money when they were 10-12 yrs old w/ a college calf they cared for, they all worked through HS, drove old clunkers (we live 12 miles from town), and lived in dumps. They worked through college,they took time off if they fell behind and worked and saved. We helped when we could. #5 was a national merit scholar so she had all four years covered, including dorm/housing, she still worked all four years. She is the only one that finished in 4 yrs. The rest took from 4.5 yrs to 7 yrs.<br />They value their education highly at least in part because of the sweat it took to get it. Their work experiences were at least as valuable as their college degrees. Some of those jobs were doozies.<br />We really encouraged them to avoid debt if possible so they could be free to pursue work or further education and not have that obligation hanging over them. #4 graduated, worked a year, went to S. Korea for a year to teach and thought about what to do next. She came home and applied to grad schools, while she worked. She was accepted and had to make a choice between her dream school w/little financial help or second best with tuition, insurance and a small salary. She chose the latter and it turned out wonderfully. Once again she could consider her options after graduation w/o worrying about how to pay for loans.<br />This has nothing to do with me, i honor their hard work and dedication. It was not easy, but it is doable.<br />All parents worry about their kids, no matter how old they are. But it is a comfort knowing they can and will do any kind of honest work to make a living. <br />For example #5 just finished house sitting for someone who had about a dozen dogs, cattle and sheep. She dealt w/chores after her regular job, #3 could be found painting the top of the dinkydome at the U of MN and working with developmentally disabled men, #4 taught drivers ed.<br />I look forward to being the least educated member of my family and i am just about there.<br />JoelieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com