Investing in Higher Education–Loans
Investing in Higher Education–Loans
Last Wednesday (October 26, 2011) best selling business author Daniel Pink visited Fresno Pacific for our annual Business Forum. About 1000 business, education, and community leaders turned out at 7:30 AM to hear him speak on the topic of his most recent book, Drive. At noon he spoke to the business faculty and students, along with some of the events financial sponsors and other community leaders. Between these two events, he spoke in College Hour to the undergraduate student body on how to think about preparing for the future, what attitudes and discipline are needed for succeeding in college, personally and professionally. It was one of the best I have heard on the topic, perfectly calibrated to the student body (see his The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Guide You’ll Ever Need).
What I want to relay here was his answer to a question from a student regarding whether it is advisable to take out loans for college. Pink paused, thought for a moment and then gave one of the most succinct and insightful answers I have heard. He first said it depends. Taking out loans for many things that are not needed can be just plain harmful, bad for one’s financial position, and personally debilitating. On the other hand, he said, some debt is an investment. A moderate debt that leads to future possibilities may be a good investment. Pink pointed out that some say that on average a college graduate makes about $600-700,000 more than a high school graduate. Hence a debt of $50,000 may be a good investment rather than a bad financial decision.
A couple of weeks ago I wrote in this space that the average income of a college graduate over a high school grade is actually closer to $1 million (see the post on The Value of a University Education). FPU students average about $24,000 in student loans by the time they graduate. Compared to Pink’s estimate they are in an even better position. And we can think about this in more practical ways. The student who graduates with this average FPU amount, will pay back the equivalent of the cost of a moderately priced car, and do so over 10 years instead of 5 or 6. And instead of the car declining in value with every mile driven, the student’s potential continues to rise as he or she builds on their university education with experience in their professions.
No one likes debt. Pink noted the dangers. But sometimes borrowing can be a wise financial decision, especially when it leads to better and more creative future for us and those communities within which we work and serve.
Good Idea and post, didn’t get to finish but will read more!
This kind of book is something that the youth should read and keep in mind. The small business market is on the boom these days, and it’s likely for a lot of people to be entrepreneurs themselves! Loans should be studied very carefully to avoid dilemmas once operations start.
Very good idea. This is what the site needed really.
These days many kinds of loans are available which can help in getting the education, choice car, home and many more things. The information you shared related to it is very informative.
Personally I believe a debt carried for education should be classed as a 100% tax deduction. It should be classed as a deduction that can be carried forward each year as a loss until the tax reduction payments wipe the debt.
thanks for the post. great idea.
In my opinion I do think a good unsecured debt moved meant for learning has to be categorised as the 100% tax bill deductions. It should be categorised as the deductions which really can be moved in advance yearly as the deprivation so that the tax bill elimination funds mop the debt.
Thanks for sharing this insights to everyone. Please continue posting informative articles like this one .It’s a great help . 😀
Education financial loans are required to fix the problem of funding the knowledge agreement. Especially achievement college level knowledge. To be able to complete knowledge for younger people without financial problems. The bank usually work with a groundwork to provide knowledge features financial loans.
Blinds and interior shutters are two different types of window
coverings. They have their similarities but in others ways are very different.
Blinds are the cheaper option but shutters are generally considered more
elegant and aesthetically pleasing.
Some look out for Grants while others seek other scholarship chances for their education.
It offers tons of cool features and you can totally customize it to fit
your needs. This was once one of the best WP forum plugins available. bbPress
is made by Automattic, the people behind WordPress.