Dear college applicants: You don’t need an Ivy League degree to build a successful and financially secure future. The truth is, the six-figure price tag of an “elite” college could delay your dreams of owning a home, starting a family and building real financial independence.
If you want this future, you have to be able to afford it, and that means making smart decisions now. Your college search must begin with two priorities: academics and affordability. A degree from a public university can provide serious academic rigor and strong career preparation and give you the most bang for your buck without chaining you to decades of monthly loan payments.
The idea that an elite degree is a golden ticket is outdated. It will not pay your rent, boost your credit score or help you settle down to start a family, but crushing debt can hold you back from all three. When you tour campuses, look past the aesthetics and amenities and look toward your career prospects and financial future…