[Cajundaddy]

I think a college degree instills in most the ability to overcome obstacles and accomplish something from beginning to end. Take a set of objectives on the first day of class, develop a plan, do the research and skills development and complete the work on a timeline with known deadlines. Do this over and over again throughout 4 years and you get it. It also often teaches them critical thinking skills. These are valuable skills in life and the specific degree is less important unless they have a career path like medicine or engineering in mind. Spending $250k to learn these skills may not be a good investment for many. Some kids can get through college with decent grades and still fail to thrive in an adult world. I know some of these bright and unfocused kids. I don't think college is the reason or the cure for this. Sometimes 2 years in the Peace Corps or civil service is a better place to for them to develop focus and purpose.