I know that one of my roommates had everything paid for by parents. He was able to maximize time studying and really applied himself. His career has been rewarded for his efforts in studying and participating in meaningful volunteer programs that were directed toward putting him in a better position on his applications.

I had another friend who paid for college through Army Reserve and ROTC. He deployed to Afghanistan, and returned. He also has a good career and is happy. He's still in Army Reserve and has benefitted from the incentives.

A third friend worked hard during the summers doing sales, and then worked at BYU installing carpets. He managed to get good grades in a tough major. He has a good life there.

Finally, I had a law school friend who took out loans, worked summers, didn't work during the school year. Upon graduation, his father paid off his student loans and reimbursed him for his housing and cost of living. That gave my friend a good amount of money to buy a house and start a nice life.


Moral of the story is that all three ended up on their feet. I think people who have significant family financial support have a larger likelihood to stay in school. So personally, I would like to support my kids, but I don't know if that is always possible.