Declining enrollment at CSU campuses

[Cheerio]

This past year, I watched local high school grads in a greater-than-normal number choose to attend in-state higher-ed schools. I attribute this to the national student loan debacle, when for far too long no one had a clear idea how much they would get nor if they would get it.

However, one OOS school that DID get a high number of our local HS grads is University of South Carolina (seven new "Congrats HS Graduate!" USCarolina banners and flags flying on front porches around town).

[*winter*]

A lot of people are foregoing college altogether. I know a few recent HS grads who did vo-tech in HS and graduated with excellent job offers. No debt, no 4 years of working and attending classes.

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by *winter*

A lot of people are foregoing college altogether. I know a few recent HS grads who did vo-tech in HS and graduated with excellent job offers. No debt, no 4 years of working and attending classes.

The question is about their long term earning potential. Some vo-tech programs can give you a lifelong career, albeit usually very physically demanding. Some produce "techs" who might make a decent amount of money early on but will never really get raises or promotions. It varies a lot. I see a lot of vocational programs for cyber security, for example. Those kids learn enough to do 1st level support but will never make it above that.

[*winter*]

True. My nephew who just graduated, and the guy my oldest nephew dated all through college both picked good programs. My niece, OTOH…hers is some sort of computer animation and I have to wonder what’s out there for that particular program. I guess we will see since she just started it this year

(I thought she should do cosmetology, personally)

I just hate seeing people strapped with loans right out of the gate in life. People always frown on this, but you can always go back to school.

[carnation]

I taught part time for a vo-tech college for years. From that, I know that while the kids get good offers right out of school, they often work in bad conditions--like roofers, welders, and plumbers.

Y'all remember Blazercheer? She got a B.S. in a health field over 20 years ago but about 5 years ago, wanted to go into cybertech. She picked up an A.S. in the field at the same vo-tech school where I taught and was almost immediately making 6 figures. She said she wouldn't be at her level, however, without the B.S. in a totally unrelated field.