opinions wanted

[coachjwb]

Not sure how I missed that earlier post about 4 year degrees being almost useless, but agree with Jen! While it is unfortunate how far in debt a college education can set you back and that it can take some time to "break even", I don't believe and haven't seen any proof yet that you're better off without one. While there are obviously some very successful people who haven't had one, I think those exceptions are becoming fewer and fewer. A degree does open many doors and is the prerequisite and price of admission in most job opportunities. Also agree that the experience gained is invaluable while playing college sports!

 

[poden-smoden]

I just want to make sure the useless degree comment is not taken completely out of context. I was mostly trying to make a point of going where the money is on a scholarship. Of course a degree is better than not but it is getting to the point of a 4 year degree is the norm and doesn't really set you much farther ahead of anyone else due to everyone getting one. A 4 year degree is essentially the same as a high school diploma was 30 years ago. I just know too many people 30 years old and younger that are really struggling finding work and not making a very good salary. I was just speaking in general terms and it is my opinion. These girls will have a distinct advantage though, a four year degree and being an athlete does set them a part from most. Again, we go back to that less than 2% scholarship athlete thing! They have the advantage for sure being athletes. Think about the other 40,000 non athlete graduates that will come out of a large university yearly that will be fighting for position! My point was that just in case it does not work out, I would go for the most money on a scholarship and that was due to what I just said about them still having an advantage being both a female and one that was an athlete! You just simply need to go farther than 4 years these days and I would get the first 4 paid for as much as possible!

 

[coachjwb]

Poden ... I went back and read your earlier post and I understand it better now with the context you offered above. We probably aren't that far apart in what we believe. Certainly the net amount left for families to pay after all scholarships is a very important factor in the college decision. Of course, also important are other factors such as the feel of the school, the majors they offer, the distance from home, the coaching staff (though yes that can always change), and possibly even the opportunity for playing time.

My daughter, who didn't know what she wanted to do career-wise when she entered college, narrowed down her choices to one D2 and one D3 school. The D2 school offered her $5K/year in athletic moneys, and when everything netted out it would have been $9K/year less for her to go there. I gulped and let her make the choice, and she opted for the D3 school, I think primarily because it was closer to home and a big city. Had she not made that decision and played all 4 years at the D2 school, she probably would have been out of debt by now, but she had a great experience at the school she went to and neither of us have looked back. The closer to home school also enabled me to attend every college game she played in with the exception of one doubleheader. Meanwhile, she got her 4 year degree ... well, actually it took her 5 years to get the degree, change her major at least once, and be able to play softball for 4 years, but she now loves what she is doing with the education she received.

 

[poden-smoden]

Poden ... I went back and read your earlier post and I understand it better now with the context you offered above. We probably aren't that far apart in what we believe. Certainly the net amount left for families to pay after all scholarships is a very important factor in the college decision. Of course, also important are other factors such as the feel of the school, the majors they offer, the distance from home, the coaching staff (though yes that can always change), and possibly even the opportunity for playing time.

My daughter, who didn't know what she wanted to do career-wise when she entered college, narrowed down her choices to one D2 and one D3 school. The D2 school offered her $5K/year in athletic moneys, and when everything netted out it would have been $9K/year less for her to go there. I gulped and let her make the choice, and she opted for the D3 school, I think primarily because it was closer to home and a big city. Had she not made that decision and played all 4 years at the D2 school, she probably would have been out of debt by now, but she had a great experience at the school she went to and neither of us have looked back. The closer to home school also enabled me to attend every college game she played in with the exception of one doubleheader. Meanwhile, she got her 4 year degree ... well, actually it took her 5 years to get the degree, change her major at least once, and be able to play softball for 4 years, but she now loves what she is doing with the education she received.

Thanks Coach! Its like I mentioned once before. It always seems to work out and surely did for you and your DD. These girls are amazing! My wife and I sit back in amazement of how much pure fun they seem to have all of the time. We have been blessed with always having been a part of great summer teams, players, parents, coaches, etc! I truly feel that, in my experience with who I know and have been around, that these girls could make any place work out. That is the main reason for the go for the money comments! I can't even begin to imagine my DD going through college with out the softball part of it. She would be a train wreck. Sooner or later reality will come when there will be no more ball. I am really scared for that first visit or phone call from her when it happens!!