Well I did not finish college. In fact, in the late 60’s, I did not want to go, though I was a top student. I went to Appalachia instead as a volunteer. Things were a little crazy back then: it is hard to remember why I made that decision. I have done classes one at a time for decades and really enjoyed them, but still don’t have a degree. It’s fine.
But for young people today, the degree is seen as a necessity by some. Personally, I think the degree doesn’t help that much but NOT having one hurts! I think there needs to be more emphasis on alternatives to college but don’t see a lot happening with that in many communities. I think the pressure to go to college, from the President on down, is misguided and almost amounts to indoctrination. It is especially sad when debt is involved.
If you don’t have a lot of resources, two years at CC is a fine way to go. As you know, CC grads can go straight to state U in some states, with some special perqu’s. Ad also some of the career-oriented AA degrees are great. If, however, you have a child who is talented academically or in some other area, try for financial or merit aid, as appropriate. Selective schools like the Ivies offer aid to families with incomes above $150k or even more. Other schools have aid too of course- need-based and merit.
The varied posts on here demonstrate the zigs and zags of life and how being open to opportunities as they present themselves is really better than over planning.
I honestly think that often employers are looking for maturity. College is one way to show that but there are others.