[tweezers74]

Interesting conversation. If loans were dished out purely on earning potential, then I would think you would have a major abundance of a particular job and a deficiency in another, even though it may be needed. And there are other factors that make a job desirable other than money, for example stability. When I got my nursing degree, I knew I wasn't going to become a millionaire but knew I would be able to find a job anywhere, even in the middle of nowhere, if I was good at it.

Eventually, I realized there is somewhat of a salary cap in nursing and I wanted more. Not necessarily more money but more of a career path. I went back to school to pursue my MBA, taking on student loans. I graduated with my BSN with scholarships so I did not owe one penny after that. Different story with my graduate degree. Still paying off the loan, ten years later, by choice. The interest rate is so low that I invest that money elsewhere with a higher return. Would I take out a loan again? Most definitely. From the time I started with my first nursing job, I am making about 70% more now. Yes, take in the consideration of inflation and experience, but I still would never be making the money I am now without that education in this short amount of time.

Yes, you can make good money in other industries without having higher education. That is why I think you need to look at all aspects before saying an education is worth it or if a student loan should be given to a particular major. I do think you can certainly make a lot of money despite not getting a graduate degree but again, might just take you twice as long. And of course, there are those people that just have determination, charisma, and don't need education at all. They were willing to take the risk and won.

Such a complicated topic...