(05-01-2014 08:51 PM)DrTorch Wrote: (05-01-2014 11:43 AM)HeartOfDixie Wrote: We all agree that a college education should be encouraged. Personally, I think a cap on total repayment is fair. A cap of 175% of the principle is fair.
I certainly do not agree with that statement. It's ludicrous for several reasons. This is the result of encouraging a college education:
1. More people losing earnings potential/ fewer people skilled in necessary trades
2. Ease of requirements to accommodate so many people.
3. Debasement of the degree's meaning
4. The gross indoctrination instead of actual education
5. Overcrowding of institutions
I think each one of those concerns can be handled in turn.
1. That's society doing that, not federal loans. Society is telling people to get a college degree or else you'll be a 'lowly' plumber, or mechanic. Ask yourself, have you ever considered putting down your education and learning a trade? That's a ****** materialistic society pushing that. Sure, loans facilitate to an extent but I think we all agree there should be a choice to take on debt to finance school. I'm merely suggesting that number as a way to avoid crushing perpetual debt which people who want to become counselors and other relatively low paid well educated people take on.
2. I agree with that one. The education bubble is going to pop. Still, debt slaves don't help that situation.
3. Some, not all. An engineering degree is as valuable today as ever. A philosophy degree hasn't been a worthwhile endeavor since the 1600s.
4. Again, some, not all.
5. Schools have just expanded to meet demand. That bubble will end soon enough and half our schools will be down on enrollment quite significantly.
Ultimately, my point was to make borrowing painful enough to require a level of caution and purpose but not crushing enough to mean perpetual debt servicing. Change the number to 200% or 250%. The point is what I just mentioned.
The whole thing is a cluster-**** but ending large numbers of people's lives with debt isn't good for anybody.