Reply #32: I agree with your assessment of the vocational schools. [View All]

[Paper Roses]

The 'get your hands dirty' jobs are doing quite well now, at least in my area. If I had to go back to school I'd train to be a plummer. It is hard work but with what is the common pay rate around here, I'd be taking home a pretty good paycheck. I do not begrudge them their pay. It is hard work but they seem to be always in great demand. The same with other trades like electricians, brick masons, home repair, auto repair etc.

My children went to state schools(1 in state, one out of state), both got a good education back in the '80's and '90's. Their combined tuition was nothing like it is today. We struggled by to get them through without student loans. Now it would be a whole different story. We could not do it. The thought of burdening kids with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of loans would upset me. I would advise them to find a trade that will always be in demand. To heck with the liberal arts degree, get your hands dirty. You'll be better off.