<p>"My point is simply, do we let an 18 year old, who has gotten into Stanford on his own doing make this decision? We could simply tell him no, we're not paying for Stanford, go to Vandy, you'll love it and that's the end of the story. BUT, should we? Is that the right thing to do? He's 18 next month, he'll be an adult on May 1st regardless of which offer he accepts, do we let him make the right/wrong choice and live with whatever consequences, good or bad, come from that choice."</p>
<p>Momofknowitall- I feel your pain but guilt is a wasted emotion. We spend all of our children's lives telling them try your hardest, do this and that and you will be rewarded. So many of the kids on CC have done just that but due to circumstances they may not get everything they deserve or worked so hard for. 18 is an adult but I doubt many at that age understand the true meaning or effect that debt will have on their lives. There are so many variables in the future. Job losses, family illnesses, etc which can totally turn around plans that sound so reasonable at 18 and to you and your family. I really feel it's our job as responsible adults to lead our kids in the right direction financially. The problem is that many of the adults who post here aren't even financially responsible themselves. He has a full ride at a wonderful school. The world will be his starting his adult life with no debt. How many kids who will graduate with a ton of debt can say that?</p>