re: baws with kids in college

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Therefor your 2 options are work enough to not take out that much in loans and let your grades suffer and not graduate on time or cripple yourself with debt and pay back your student loans for the first 10 years at least of your career.

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My kids paid their own way, they had some scholarship money, and worked one or more jobs the entire time in college. They did extremely well in school, they had little time or money to party and were very focused on work and school, that discipline has continued into their careers.

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baseballmind1212

how old are you?

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25. My ideas of how I'll support my kid may change as my income does.

I think part of college is learning to be an adult. Part of that is learning how to budget, show up for work and behave responsibly.

I had fun in college but only when I could afford it.

Yeah I had to sell drugs to support my drinking habit...jk

I’ll make sure they have a dependable vehicle and a place to stay. If they are on scholarship I’ll give them that money as well or some of it. Their college books and tuition is free so that drives my line of thinking.

I went to college at the right time; early 2000s.
Between the highest level of TOPS & cost of tuition back then, my semester fee bill was about $6500. My dad/step-mom & my Uncle/grandmother's Will paid for school, fees, books, fraternity dues, housing, & meals.
I worked at least 2 jobs at any given paying my cell, car insurance, gas, lacrosse team dues, & entertainment (going out, lsu football/baseball road trips, yearly Greek ski trips, etc). Going out & the ski trips weren't really a huge expense for me because I worked in Tigerland & was a student rep for the trips after my 1st year. Once I learned the smarter angles, life was a breeze. Granted, I didn't graduate with a high GPA with all I had going on, but I graduated just the same.
I rarely went home for weekends or breaks. I typically worked all the shifts I could for the most I could earn/save during those times. It was too easy.

My wife & I don't see eye to eye on how we approach college for our 3 kids. She had a much different experience after being screwed over by her mother & ex step father jacking up FAFSA. Fortunately for her, she earned a near full academic scholly, but she was on her own for everything else. She worked 40 hrs/week all 4 years of school & double majored as Valedictorian. As such, she is very successful professionally, but still earns far less than her male equivalents.

So...she wants them all to earn schollys & grind too.

If they end up with academic or athletic schollys, I will help them out. My son probably won't be anything athletic worthy but my 2 daughters have a good chance as they are tall & athletic minded.

Of course, I also have 2 weddings to consider paying for...good gracious...I need to go earn some more money...

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Yeah I had to sell drugs to support my drinking habit...jk

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No you're not, & I knew several in my days who supported themselves through college by doing just that. Very risky but luckily all of them got out of the game so to speak before they were busted.

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My parents didn’t help me out at all. I worked full time in school and took night classes at LSU to make it work.

I’m saying this because I feel I truly missed out on the college experience busting my arse constantly. If you’re able to provide while teaching them responsibility financially do it.

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This was my experience as well. I grew up fast and worked full time to put myself through college. It built my character but it was not your typical college 4 years.

That said, my first child got a full ride academically to college. I am responsible for very little. Her car is paid for. I just pay insurance, cell phone, etc.

She works to 10 hrs a week for spending money and anything else.

Now my soon to be in college son will not likely have a full ride. I have told him that I will only pay for items if he has above a 3.5 GPA in a career field that has high earning potential.

I am not paying for a liberal arts or gender studies degree. It’s not a good use of my funds. College is not a love decision for me it’s a financial one.

I paid for everything.
Now I made my kids work in my business during the summer and winter break.

My nephews and nieces the same way.

My parents let me keep the car. But I paid for everything else. Tuition, apartment, insurance, food, partying. The car got me to work.

It motivated me to graduate early in under 4 years. And I had a clue about living within my means and priorities.

I plan on doing similar with my kids. My oldest is shooting for the naval academy.

I am really surprised how little most here are expecting their kids to be responsible for. I guess it shouldn't be a surprise that so many fail out after two semesters...