[drnonsense42]

Getting a STEM degree at a state school and getting out as quickly as possible is arguably the smartest way to use college. Unfortunately, many 18 year olds and frankly many adults do not have the decision making skills to do this. Just because it’s technically possible to use the system beneficially doesn’t mean it’s working well.

[shortstuffsushi]

For you and other comments that mention "you can do it but it's not ideal," you're probably right. There is definitely a "happy path" and a lot of paths that lead to huge debts w/o upside. I do see some value in the experience for people of that age, I think it's a good transition / stepping stone for a lot of people into adulthood, but it would probably be good if we made a point of better explaining what debt is before people get into it.

[the_only_law]

Agreed completely. I’m looking at going back, but I have a very meticulous plan for what, where, when and why. It’s almost certain that I’d get more value than I would have had I gone at 17-18.

On the flip side, it’d be straw that broke the camels back for my social life. I’d go from being one of the youngest people everywhere I go go probably one of the oldest.