TOPIC of the DAY

Student Debt and Alternative Education

The multisite’s tagline is “A1 Resource WP Network – Portal to Money Making Ideas!” Perhaps saving money is also relevant in our quest for money making ideas? Hopefully, this post does not diverge too far from the site’s main theme.

EDUCATIONAL EXPENSES

In checking prices at Udemy (most courses are set at 50% off today – sale ends August 15, 2016 but keep posted for the next deal), I debated taking a course that is discounted to $20.  It could change my life. It might lead me to create a real affiliate-attracting site. But, $20 for less than 5 hours. Could I learn enough to change my life today after spending $20 (a huge amount to me at this point in life)?

Udemy 50 Percent Discount (Sale ends Aug 15, 2016)

Looking at the bigger picture, I recall accredited college course fees and the countless stories of American students in debt. Folks are trying to fix the student debt problem – folks like Elizabeth Warren.

“Sen. Elizabeth Warren Calls for Total Overhaul of Student Loan System”

“3 proposals from Elizabeth Warren and other Senate Dems to fix student debt…”   (Published: Jan 21, 2016 3:11 p.m. ET)

REQUIRE INFORMING STUDENTS OF EDUCATIONAL ALTERNATIVES

Congressional proposals are heading in the right direction.  But is there something more that we can do? Why are students not informed of less expensive alternative forms of education –  online education that does not cost their entire future in payments? When applying for a student loan, should the requirement be that the prospective debtor be told of less expensive online educational resources, such as Udemy? Should it be imperative to provide alternative educational options? Why must the golden goose of an education cost so much?  Prior to loan approval, should students be advised of online educational opportunities – besides accredited schools – to meet their educational needs and aptly lead to the fulfillment of their life’s dreams?

STUDENT DEBT CRISIS

In browsing the web today, I came across a difficult-to-read but critical website,  STUDENT DEBT CRISIS with “Real Student Debt Stories”.  The simple-to-post site allows visitors to tell their student debt stories. No bells and whistles on this site. Real STUDENT DEBT STORIES are the entire focus of the site. The site brings to light the unbelievable debt encumbering millions of Americans due to student loans. The site hopes to use these true stories to change the way student loans are handled today.

Debt reality looms in this country. Read their stories.

Andrew Parcell   August 11, 2016   Philadelphia   

“My name is Andrew, and I, like many other Americans, am in astronomical student debt…”

Author *Denise Ripley   August 4, 2016   Location -Philadelphia   

 “My son did finish college but I’m in debt for 89,000 I will not be able to paid the money back… “

Glen Moulder   July 30, 2016   Boynton Beach   

“I’m an older American … It amazes me that a course can cost hundreds of dollars per credit hour and a book for the course can also cost hundreds of dollars. Something is wrong with this system. Why is this happening in America? “

Jessica   July 29, 2016   Santa Cruz   

“…prospects did not increase and facing a job market inundated with highly skilled workers, I decided to go back to graduate school…  

“…at an interest rate of 6.8%, in addition to wage stagnation, paying back the nearly $40,000 I owe is a huge debt burden… In a country where someone can purchase a home at a 3.5-4% mortgage rate, it should be possible for students to invest in themselves, their education, and contribute towards their country’s prosperity without being shackled to student debt burdens that are not aligned with today’s economic realities.”

Continued…

 “When applying for a student loan, should the requirement be that the prospective debtor be told of less expensive online educational resources, such as Udemy?”

– A1 Resource Editor Thought of the Day.