6 Things You Could Buy For The Cost Of A College Education | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

6 Things You Could Buy For The Cost Of A College Education

"What else I could've used my $129,620 on?"

9
6 Things You Could Buy For The Cost Of A College Education
Pexels

As I begin to send my paycheck (and soul) via direct deposit to Sallie Mae every month, I can't help but shed a few tears thinking of everything I could do with my monthly student loan payments. For those of us who are feeling the affects of rising college education costs, here's a few fun stats for you.

In 1971, the average tuition for a private, four-year college was $10,742 (in today's money).

In 2015, private four-year universities, like the one I attended, averaged $32,405.

Multiply the cost by the four years needed to complete your degree and the total bill in 1971 was $42,968, roughly three semesters in 2015. The heartbreaking bill for students today averages $129,620. While scholarships are available to assist students in this elephant sized financial burden, stats show that there are more scholarships available in terms of numbers, but the total amount of money given out is less than before. See the issue?

If you're already in the dumps about student loans, you may want to stop reading here. As I watch my second student loan payment clear my bank account, much in the same way it will on the 15th of each month for the next 10 years of my life, I can't help but wonder what else I could've used my $129,620 on.


1. This $109,000 house

This five bedroom, two bath, historic home in central Kansas could be mine. It features new cabinets, original woodwork, a sunroom, fireplace, a two car garage, and an extra apartment above the garage that can be rented out. After I buy the home, I still have $20,620 that could be used on furniture, repairs, and upgrades. I could use it to put a pool and waterslide in the backyard.

2. A 2012 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder

This yellow $129,950 Lamborghini is just $300 more than my education. If you want a more practical comparison, you could purchase 5.5 brand new 2017 Chevrolet Equinoxes. However, after my education purchases, my transportation budget looks more like I should be purchasing a motor scooter or a dusting off my Nikes.

3. Several International Trips

In 2016, I traveled to Athens, Greece and Instanbul, Turkey. A similar 11-day trip including hotel, airfare, food, attractions, and 'fluff' money costs $4,000. With my $129,620, I could travel internationally and back 32 times assuming the cost for each location is similar. To put that in perspective I could cross off France, Spain, Portugal, England, Sweden, Germany, Austria, Finland, Norway, China, Russia, Egypt, Jerusalem, Jordan, South Africa, Morocco, Chile, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Panama, Italy, Poland, Madagascar, Romania, and India each for 11 days. I could essentially see every World Wonder and then some.

4. Charity

I could have spent my money to feed 12,962 hungry African children for three weeks each! This money could also have gone to churches, homeless shelters, schools, basic needs programs, food banks, and etc. The amount of amount money spent on my education is considered a fortune to some and could be put to do some good.

5. 192 Pairs of Louboutins

Louboutins are the epitome of a shoe splurge. They are glorified on movies and TV Shows, including Sex in the City. The red sole gives away the name printed on the shoe and the excessive price tag of $675. I could buy 192 pairs.

6. Retirement

According to the trusty and always accurate Google (ha), the average cost of living in the United States is $28,474 per year for a single person. Divide my education by that number, and I could live 4.5 years in retirement off of that expense alone. This means I could happily be playing Pitch in the local senior center with my buddy Velma with no worries for nearly five years. Sorry Velma, no can do, I'm still depositing minimal amounts into my IRA.


While I'm fortunate, like many modern students, to have family support in paying for my education, it would be a lot easier for me to contribute to society economically if I didn't face my small mortgage payment of a student loan bill each month for the next 10 years. I am not alone in this burden. Each year more and more students are saddled with massive amounts of debt before they can have their first salaried job. It's a problem that is looking for a solution, and fast.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

180450
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7455
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452633
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23359
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments