<p>I’ve given this issue a great deal of thought and have come to the conclusion that it is student/family specific. I’m a parent, and yes, I did regret going to my financial safety. In hindsight the compromises I made in going to a school that didn’t “fit” probably weren’t worth the dollars I saved. At least that is how I feel now, looking back. At the time, the idea of avoiding additional loans was my primary concern. I was paying my own way, back in the dark ages when that was possible.</p>
<p>I have 2 D’s, one of whom is very academically oriented. For her, the best possible school we can afford, where she can have a strong academic peer group, is of utmost importance. She is more than willing to take on whatever loans it takes to make that happen. And, she is the kind of kid who will be very frugal and pay back those loans quickly. </p>
<p>My other D. is less interested in taking out loans. She is more price conscious because she sees the advantages of starting out her adult life loan free. Partly because she will want money to spend on a car, or a nicer apartment, or new clothes. She will want to start her real “grown up” life faster. For her, the financial safety will be the obvious choice, not a sacrifice. </p>
<p>So, two kids, same family, two very different outlooks. And the beauty of it is that both kids are completely right. They are making the decisions that will work for them.</p>