We put two kids through college solely on our own savings and investments. But if I had to do it again, I’d make them pay a share, however small it might be. And their share would vary directly with the uselessness of their major.
My daughter, now 30, majored in english and is an expert on mid-ninetenth century horror fiction. Despite being a whiz at math, computers, and science, never did she heed my plea to take at least one course in economics or accounting.
After graduating from a great (and expensive) school, she bounced around for years trying unsuccessfully to break into radio (NPR) producing. Now, finally, she’s working on a Master’s Degree in Accountancy on her way to a CPA, and thriving at it.
Parents need to weigh in on their kids’ decisions more than I did and lay down some rules as to the major they pick, how much they pay, and the grades they expect.