Dear College/University Students...The Ones Scamming You Are Standing In Front of You.

I've read any number of threads about jobs, their availability, pay levels, student debt, etc., etc. etc.

We've agreed, many times, that "hiding in plain sight" can be a useful tactic to disguise something. Too, I've seen enough generational hate threads to last a long time. Just got done looking at one actually, which prompted this thought.

Does is cost a young fortune to attend colleges and universities in the US today? Yes, it does.

Can someone get a degree in 4 years as was possible "once upon a time" Not all that easy in many situations.

What's behind all this? I'd ask, politely, that the following questions be asked, or at least thought about by those of you attending college. I'd suggest those thinking about doing so ask the questions before enrolling...

First, what's the compensation level for the average professor? And how much time does he or she have to actually work to earn that compensation?

What's the average increase those nice folks have received per year since let's say 2007/2008? I think you'll find that they, unlike most of the rest of the populace, have done quite nicely on an annual basis and are quite comfy.

How much, on average, have tuition, room and board, and book/class material costs gone up per year since 2007/2008? Again you'll find that, unless mandated to do otherwise by a state legislature, they've gone up at a rate far greater than any other cost (with the exception of Obamacare insurance plans...) that we routinely measure: housing, automobiles, food, gasoline, utilities, etc.

Why? Because they can, simply put. It's an "industry" run amok.

Why does it take more than four years to complete many degrees? Because universities schedule classes in major areas of study in such a way that people cannot complete the course sequence in four years.

Why? Because they can.

An education is an investment in oneself. Investments are meant to yield a "return" on said investment.

Ask your university or college what percentage of graduates with a degree in an area of study you find interesting actually have a job in that "field" within six months of graduation. No, not a job at Starbucks, or Target, or Hardees, a job that actually uses the knowledge and skills that the student spent years and thousands of dollars to acquire.

My wife, in her 50's, was told be an orthopedist that she had arthritis in both her thumbs. "I can give you a shot to help it feel better or I can do surgery. Each surgery will cost around $12,000, you'll be unable to work with that hand for about six months."

We asked, rationally, what the odds of success were.

"Pretty poor, we guarantee no positive outcome; it won't make things worse but maybe 20% of patients see any real benefit."

She decided that $25,000 and being unable to work for at least a year (an additional loss of income obviously) was not a good investment and retooled to a job that didn't require her to use her hands as much. Why? It was a bad investment and she chose not to make it.

If I were a professor would I tell you that a degree in English Literature, or Womens Studies, or Psychology were going to be essentially useless in finding employment where that knowledge and skill would be used? Umm, no, probably not. I might be forced, on a factual basis, to admit it, but it's not something I'd necessarily volunteer.

Knowledge for knowledge's sake is a wonderful thing, don't mistake my intent. But that's a luxury, not a necessity.

Would I tell you how unique and special you were? How you needed to feel 'safe" (which is another word for totalitarianism in my eyes), and be comfortable pandering to your whims? You betcha.

Why? It'd make me appear to "understand you" and make you feel I was "on your side", and most importantly it would allow me to continue to stand in the front of the room and scam you into believing your investment in education was going to yield a fantastic return.

Can you say Ponzi???

As always, YMMV. Just thought I'd offer a suggested dialogue with the folks who're taking your money under what are, in many instances, somewhat false pretenses.

Put it another way, and this is one you've all heard...

Caveat Emptor.