Reminder that you don’t have to go to college to be successful! Living a happy, and satisfied life determines success. Don’t let the societal pressures force you to go to college especially if it makes you miserable.
I worked hard and made my way up the hospital corporate ladder. I have a Bachelor Degree but it meant NOTHING to my employer until I got into administration.. Worse is that I am paid very well for a job I completely hate. My best advice to young people today is exactly what you said. Happiness > $$$…. So many times I wish I didn’t have my degree (I am still paying off), and I wish I had not signed my life over to my employer. Been there 20 years. I am grateful yet unsatisfied.
This might be a little entitled but sadly the way I realized college was a scam (price wise) was through taking college classes in high school. If the state can afford to give me these classes for free because I was 17, it should be so much less money
Pretty sure my AP tests in high school would end up costing more than my college courses in high school. If I am remembering correctly the math came out to like $10 a credit. At my college it was $100+ a credit (usually more honestly hard to calculate with all the other weird fees colleges add for no reason). Which just extra proves how scammy it is, because AP courses were high school classes that could POSSIBLY earn college credit if you pass the test (which were around $40), where as for all of my college course I took in high school they would cost around $25 if you pass the class you get the credit.
The book "Glass House: The 1% Economy and the Shattering of the All-American Town" touched on this. It talked about a guy who went to college in the 1960s. He paid off his student loan in 1 year. A year later, he also bought a 4 bedroom home and supported his wife and 3 kids on JUST his income from an entry-level job. I literally screamed and threw the book at the wall after reading that. I'm not exaggerating.
That's when corporate tax rates were also at their highest - around 50%. But ironically, so were their profits. Once those tax codes started favoring corporations - providing tax shelters and loopholes for them and the high-income earners that ran them - everybody else started suffering. Now corporations can move their base of operations to countries with lower tax rates, thereby dodging US taxes, while paying lower wages to employees here and overseas. I don't blame you for throwing that book. It's infuriating and depressing, all at the same time.
Its like bank accounts where you don't get fees if you deposit over a certain amount each month. You literally have to pay extra for not having enough money. Poor people tax.
1000% To further the notion of student loans being indentured servitude, there are certain jobs that you can take in order to relieve some of your loans after a certain number of years. For example, if you b3come a teacher and work at certain government designated Title I schools for a defined number of years (usually 5-10), SOME of your loans can be relieved. Literally a government version of an indentured servant's contract. Love that for us ☠️
I used to be sort of ashamed when people asked me if I was in college or planning on going and I'd tell them no. I couldn't figure out what I wanted to do for the rest of my life to put myself in debt. It was DRILLED into our brains in school that college was the only way to make a life. Either college or end up homeless. Now instead of feeling ashamed I am honestly relieved. I couldn't imagine being in that much debt and having to pay the interest on top of it as well.
She's joining the ranks of great journalists like Chris Hedges, Aaron Mate, Lee Camp, and Graham Elwood. I just hope she doesn't get censored and demonotized.
“Some people join the military just to avoid student loans” - literally me and every other person who joined… no one joins “to help their country anymore.
NO, IT IS NOT WORTH IT. there are so many certificates, trainings, licenses nowadays that are far, far cheaper than going to college and can get you in a field much faster than a college degree. don't do it unless you absolutely have to.
This is so true, but unfortunately Long Beach was forced to end their certification program 😭. I strongly support, and recommend, anyone to certificate programs if they know what they want to do. They are soooooo valuable!
Yeah I agree. I'm not in the US but it's become really clear that so many degree courses are less useful than professional certifications in the same fields. An IT degree I started turned out to be a waste of time. Many of the modules were either very outdated or trying to copy professional certifications that could be studied far more cheaply. It didn't make sense to spend so much and not get the certificate for the same content.
Yet a bachelors degree will only get you entry level positions and pay! We grew up thinking the only way to be successful is with a college degree. I get anxiety thinking about how long I’ll be paying off these loans
35 and a hustler that never got above entry level anywhere with my four year degree. Work and money stressors almost took me away from this plane of existence. I'm so tired of pretending this is ok.
I'm always amazed at the cost of insulin there. I've friends with kids with diabetes. My son is Diabetic and here in Ireland has had a medical card so only pays €2.50 per item. He also has a long term illness book and some things are free with that.
This episode hits so close to home!!! My husband and I are trying to buy a house but my $600 a month student loans make it so hard!! If they could at least get rid of the interest that would make such a huge difference
I'm a law student so I couldn't agree more I also have a job on the side to pay rent and live, so... (I'm from Romania btw, but it isn't any better here)
College can be worth it depending on your end goal. If you want to become an attorney or physician, for instance, you'll need an undergraduate degree before applying to law school or medical school. If you're going to college because you feel you "should go" then you probably don't have a plan which means there's a far greater chance that your degree won't benefit you as much (or at all) as you might think.
As a financial aid advisor for a college.... This is 100% true. Sometimes I feel like I'm the problem by helping students figure out how to pay for college but at the same time, if I didn't have this job, my own student loans would be in default.
This video stressed me out so much that it literally made me go make an extra payment on my student loans in the middle of watching this video while the interest is still paused
As a teacher I always tell students that not going to college is still a great option. Trade schools, service jobs, etc. are all vital to society and you can make a decent living with most.
Bailey: "Spelman. That name might sound familiar to you." Me: "Yeah Sabrina Spellman. The teenage witch." Bailey: "That's right. Spelman College. It was named after her." Me: "Oh..."
I came across this topic on TikTok. I was so convinced that it’s scary for teenagers to get student loan when they don’t even know what they’re going to do in the future
I always get surprised when I hear how much people pay for higher education in the USA. I'm so glad I live in a country where we have free education. Our public university is COMPLETELY free and we even have programs where the university gives money to remarkable students (like literally paying them to keep studying) and even our private universities are not that expensive. Those cost around 6k to 10k USD (for a total 5 years career that would be equivalent to a Bachelors degree) Education should be a right, not a privilege.
@@missjones7013 I'm from El Salvador. We are not even a developed and rich country (and we deal with other problems like gang violence and unequal distribution of wealth) but apparently we have better educational programs that the USA so that's surprising. I'm currently getting a free degree and I really can't imagine getting in debt just for study. The USA eduactional system sounds like a scam.
My son (who graduated 3rd in his HS class) opted for the skilled trades and I am SO thankful he did so. I know too many people in serious debt with college degrees that are worthless.
I am Irish and from a single parent home who's income was low. I also lived in a council funded home. I went to college and the government even paid me to go so that I could afford to live near my college. I thought this was amazing because I dont think that I would have ever been able to go to college without this help.
WE HAVE THIS HERE IN THE USA!!! These people are just too dumb to realize it. There is a lot of state money offering people a free college education and room and board.
I'm Portuguese and same here. I have bpd and other health issues so they even allowed me to have my own room (not share). And helped me a lot. I'm assuming most European countries offer at least some help? I still wish it was completely free as it is in some countries.
Too bad we can't do this in Canada. Literally the only thing stopping me from going back to school for my Masters is the tuition fees, text books, etc. It's about $5-10k per semester for post secondary here
Honestly, this is why I went to community college and got an AA degree. I avoided the student loan trap, but the only downside is that my career I got the degree in didn’t pay much. So I guess you have to pick your poison.
This makes me want to cry with relief. My grandfather was so disappointed I didn't continue to a university but I just couldn't push myself to sign up for the loans or envision myself ever paying them back. Sh*ts a scam
Didn’t go to college. Took an online, non credited 2 year animation program that left me with no debt. Now I work at Disney making 6 figs in my 20s … college can be such a scam!!
Well It's required for people in law, education, and healthcare...im sure you wouldn't want someone operating on you if they went to "TH-cam University" 😒
@@byrdie89 don't think the comment was meant to put those professions down. Just think that some degrees aren't worth getting if it's gonna leave you in debt...
People say “do what you love and then you’ll never work another day” but then question why you are going into a field that requires paying thousands of $$ for college. Professional jobs and honestly most jobs require a degree. Nobody should be forced to pick a different career path simply because they can’t afford it.
Something I honestly didn’t know was that you can go to school online at a Mexican university and pay soooooo much less and get a valid degree. I am enrolling to one that is tied to Cambridge , from across the pond, as they say. There are some universities there that even offer the courses in English. My friends are going to actually stay in Monterrey and study there for less than they would here, while their parents save money as well. Edit: by valid, I meant that it was valid, such as cosmetology (where I live), in the US. To clarify not all are valid so you have to check with your local board.
Dude, for the amount of money you pay in the US you can actually pay one of the most expensive uni here in Mexico, "El tecnológico de Monterrey" (great school btw) and even paying that college wouldn't be as near as expensive like in any US college.
I agree with you and unfortunately, I wish I had not gone to college. I was brainwashed by the 'college is the way to fulfill the American Dream' bs and realized I was living in a nightmare. I was a child during the Ronald Reagan years. So I am still researching this as well. The Reagan administration made capitalism all for the wealthy. Not the middle class.
Currently I am 30, working full time in my field, living with a roommate (who is also in the same situation), and struggling to pay off student debt. I like my roommate a lot, but we can't afford to live on our own if we choose to do so. It makes me think of where my parents were at my age and how they could build their own house and raise a family. Now, my roommate and I are just scraping by, trying pay the bills and survive. I'm really really hoping that the next generation has it easier.
I’ve never avoided watching any of your videos from this series or your true crime until this video because it upsets me that much. It’s such a scam and everyday that I learn more about the US and the shattered image I was raised thinking it was, I just want to scream.
Ugh, when I think about how much I've put on hold because I cant afford it I start to cry. I'm almost to the age where I want to start a family and I can't. It's devastating. My boyfriend and I would have gotten married years ago at this point, but we can't afford it. It's like being punished for existing (We're 24 and 27)
My fiancée and I are moving to France. Do some research into it. I think you might be surprised. People move there on like $3k or less. Normandy and Brittany are very affordable places to live too.
I feel this. My fiancé and I have been together almost 5 years I’m 27, he’s 34 and I have no idea when we’ll be able to do any of those things. I would have loved to get married years ago but we want a wedding and it’s just money we don’t have. :(
This just makes me think that fewer people are going to start attending college in the future! Maybe the US will again realize that they need educated people to compete on the world stage and that will motivate them to make it right 🤦🏻♀️
Theres so many people who have degrees they can't find jobs in & no way to pay their loans. I've met college graduates who aren't as smart as a high school drop out.
@@balistixxx3701 IMO the smartest thing to do if you are in Cali lol cause that is where I live, is to go to community college and get your associates, usually that will be covered by the BOG waiver, work and save up until you are 24 then go back to college cause you automatically qualify for federal subsidized loans at that age, so you don’t have to take out high interest personal loans If other states have a similar program to BOGW then do the same thing.
The sad part is, those jobs requiring bachelor's degrees can be scams too. My mom worked a job that required a bachelor's degree, and when she got there it paid $10 an hour and was the same job that high schoolers were doing for volunteer hours. But they wouldn't hire someone and pay them unless they had a bachelor's degree. 🙄
My niece got a BA from a prestigious private collage and now works at a local paint store. I have no idea how she is paying her loans. She graduated in debt about $50k.
Higher education in the USA will never be affordable, much less free, because then what tactic would the military use to convince high school kids to enlist? 🙃
Bailey - "Little fun fact here." * Proceeds to tell us how much the average person has in student loans * Me - "That's not a fun fact, but a sad one." * cries while drowning in student loan debt *
I'm 57 and I went to a small community college in 1993 and borrowed a total of 5,000 dollars and today I owe almost 20,000 dollars...I am on dis/SSI and I can not afford 20,000 dollars....I had a lung tumor removed and never finished so now I'm so far in debt and can't hardly afford to live....love all of your videos...Dark History and mystery and make-up Mondays...
Louder for the people in the back!! This episode spoke so hard to my soul as one the struggles with over 100k in student loan debt. What a wild time to be alive! The worst part is unless you struggle or see someone struggle with it you will probably never truly understand.
I'm a high school teacher in Canada. Here we have Colleges and Universities. Universities cost MUCH MUCH more. I tell all of my students about my husband and I. I have a 4-year undergrad, A bachelor of Education, and a few other credentials. I am still in $20,000 debt. My husband dropped out of Uni, went to College, had no loans or debt, makes literally 500% what I make, and he loves it. So, kids, don't be pressured to go to expensive schools! Find something you love! Learn a trade!
Hey Canadians, can someone explain the difference between college and university to me? In the US, I would consider all universities a college, but I wouldn’t consider all colleges a university.
I went to art school & trade school and over the years my loan interest racked up so that my total owed was $223,000... yes, nearly a quarter of a million dollars for art and trade school 😵 After ten years of public service loan repayments, never missing any payments or being late with them for ten years, and going hungry to achieve this goal, my loans were forgiven last year. I have been reassured that the amount I was "forgiven" is not considered income, and I won't be taxed on it. I've had several statements to this effect from various officials. Fingers crossed that it's true! Thank you Bailey for discussing this really heart-wrenching and horrible situation. I foresee the nations who offer free education will blow right past us & we'll be left in their dust because of corporate greed!
@@SistersofTwilight Thank you! :) It's still hard to believe this enormous burden is GONE! This is the first time in my adult life that I haven't been repaying student loans. Now I can finally learn how to drive & get a car, which I could never afford to do before.
Speaking as someone who has gone to college (Bachelor's only), you CAN be successful nowadays without going; It worked well for our parents, but not as much today, in the Information Age. If you do finish and have loans, pay them back as fast as you possibly can; It's not worth getting into debt.
I get so frustrated by the ppl that shout “yOu ToOk OuT THe lOaN, yOu PaY iT bAcK” like we didn’t go into it expecting that we’d be able to do just that. We were investigating in our future, not buying a freaking sports car in a midlife crisis on a cashiers’ salary. But here we are-with starvation wages, “must-have-5-years-experience” entry-level job postings, colleges that run like corporations, and millionaire politicians dangling student loan forgiveness as a campaign promise to win elections… It’s so expensive to just exist and I am not getting my money’s worth.
So because you find it hard to pay for your decisions you want someone else to pay it for you? Two things can be true at once… you are having a hard time paying it back AND other people shouldn’t have to responsible for that.
Glad to be European, I couldn't imagine the stress of this. In a couple of years, I'll have my masters degree and I'll have no debt. On the contary, I can put money in my savings acount each month - even as a student.
@@BBB-rd2qi ??? You mean that US companies happen to buy European products? Maybe that European companies earn contracts in the US through public tenders? Because really I cannot think of anything other than that (at least not since the 40s). I think your confusion might come from (i) you do not know what subsidy means, or (ii) you do not know what Europe is? I mean, you do now that EU is the third largest economy in the world, do you? You mean the US is giving subsidies to the third largest world economy (the US being the second), which is one of the US' largest competitors? Well, if that is the case, this could indeed be sufficient proof that there is something wrong with higher education in the US, because whoever decided to give those subisdies is not really very smart...
This is one of the most important videos you have ever put out! I think it should be required viewing in every public high school. I scream about this injustice all the time but it’s just doesn’t seem to be common knowledge yet. As a 2002 HS graduate, my super hard working but far from rich parents and I are victims of the horror stories you tell here. I’m currently 37 and fortunately finally free from the dept I willingly signed on to almost 20 years ago. Thanks to my hardworking and generous parents, I’m out of the woods but it definitely messed up my life. I immediately sent the link to your video to my dad. Thanks Bailey! 💋
Just not gonna pay mine back. They were wreckless and irresponsibly lending thousands of dollars to an 18 year old with no credit. They should learn from their mistakes
I think about this a lot: three months prior to first year in college I had to get my school mandated planner signed by a teacher just to go to the bathroom during class But I’m deemed responsible enough to sign for thousands of dollars in loans???
Yes, completely agree. I didn’t even think twice about it because I figured even though I wasn’t getting into a high paying field, whatever I made would be enough. I didn’t understand how many bills adults pay. How can they allow kids with no life experience get into such a serious and expensive contract that they’ll never be able to escape if they can’t pay it? Especially because I am a first generation college graduate. I didn’t have any adults to financially guide me.
@@julien.4617 we have to pay income tax and national insurance but our healthcare is free, we don’t need medical insurance, our schooling is free unless you already have a degree etc and decide to go back to uni to work in a different field.
I have a bachelors degree. I first attended a community college and then transferred to a university. I applied for pell grants and scholarships. I really tried to stay away from student loans because of all the horrible stories I had heard. In the end, I ended up getting a $2,000 loan and I just paid it off. But I don’t regret going to college/university. I’m actually considering going back to school for masters.
Amazing job here! I have been personally effected by this and am an advocate for tuition free college. Your research here is impeccable, and I'm so glad you made this video❤❤❤
She can go wherever she wants as long as she doesn't ask "Why do the Hebrews own all the banks, media, and corporations"....That is the untouchable topic
I saw "student loans" in the title and knew it was gonna be dark. My actual job I have to pay my student loan has nothing to do with what I went to school for. Oh, the irony of it all!
This is what I see so much of the time... my sister in law studied so hard at university ah man I saw in tears many times. She has a PhD in psychology but she dosent even work in that at all. But still has like 400$ of student loans per month!! Plus she had a job all throughout university bartending. I make more money than her and I barely graduated high-school and I've been working at a call center for 10 yrs. I make 43 500 per year. I'm not rich but I have zero debts. I have 4 weeks paid vacation and paid sick days. I literally can't complain.
@@nataliekenny7490 It’s messed up that no one and I mean NO ONE will tell you this. Sooo many people i know who have gone to school for something only to end up paying thousands in debt while finding out they actually don’t have a passion for it.
I appreciate this topic so, so much! College is a double-edged sword. You need the degree to get a better-paying job, but then you go into massive amounts of debt that you’ll be lucky to pay off depending on the degree. It’s a hot mess, and there’s no logical reasoning for it.
There is definitely logic reasons for the current system... PROFIT & GREED! And, with an all volunteer military the lure of free college is their biggest recruiting tool. However, the VA benefits for college are incredibly complicated, confusing, and prey on the very young and poor. Be Warned: Everyone who enlists does not get the same college benefits. There are some basic benefits that are automatic for all enlisted within certain time frames of service, for example pre and post 9/11, then there the programs where the service member has to contribute, and then there are different packages offered at different times of enlistment, aka the military is running an incentive, different branches of service, and for different MOSs. The military recruits in high school, especially to the poor. It is unreasonable to think a 16, 17, or 18 year old could begin to understand all the complexities. Their parents are little help because they did not go to college and therefore are not familiar with how it works. It is not until you are at the college/university financial aid office or veterans services office that you find out all that you should have known at enlistment. It is another SCAM!
Love this. My son is graduating this year and starting community college. The town we live in, provides free college for the first 2 years. But after that, we don't know if we can afford it. On another note: please cover the dark side of medical, pharma, health insurance, etc.
There is so much more to this. It is one of those rabbit holes one gets lost in. It's all connected. Thank you Bailey for scratching the surface. I love the way you present it all.
I am graduating from community college with my associates this semester and transferring to a college instead of university for my bachelors. I’ve applied to many many scholarships and grants. These decisions have helped me stay debt free so far .. 🙌🏼
I was looking through the comments for one like this! This is exactly what I did and there is no shame in graduating from a community college and the transferring to a college or state university afterwards! I was able to do this and have been able to remain student loan free while having a bachelors degree in nursing. I’m honestly so glad that I didn’t have a “typical” college experience since I would likely be paying for it for the rest of my life.
@@TH-camuser10873 state supported universities are typically more affordable than private colleges/universities and offer discounted tuition for in-state residents. I was also able to get a scholarship and paid my tuition out of pocket. It’s much more affordable to attend online classes or attend a university that you can commute to.
Turning 30 this year, after giving 800 bucks a month to pay my loans off, I still have 14k to go. Best part is I'm one of the lucky few who went to fashion school, landed my dream job out of college, and realized I hated it AND the industry 😅 now I work as a sustainability ambassador trying to convince people to not buy as much clothing.
One of your most educational videos, ever! Thank you Bailey. You rock! I paid off my student loan years ago and I felt bad for those in debt. Makes one think about even going to college because it doesn’t even guarantee a dream job.
What happened to “on the job” training for most professions? I’m a teacher, and I don’t feel like I learned nearly as much in class as I learned during my internship from real and active teachers. Just saying.
Employers don't want to train people, they want new hires to "hit the ground running." While that's understandable, it's also not realistic in most cases.
Can we do a dark history on tipping? As you mentioned, a lot of places are struggling for workers. I believe the service industry took a huge hit during the pandemic. Tipping started out as “cheap labor” for those coming out of slavery. It’s friggin wild
30k here for a useless degree that doesn't qualify you for anything without doing another degree. Added bonus, $10k of that was to work for the uni for free and write a thesis and see my teacher 2 times for 2 meetings in the entire year. Ty for listening
@@buddywriggles I signed papers to take a month leave of absence and was made aware I couldn’t return bc they gave me forms to drop out completely. So I don’t even have any degree. Or transcripts. So I feel ya
Haven't listened to a dark history for several weeks and I have to say Bailey you are really hitting your groove with this series! Really well-told with just the perfect amount of fun.
College (for me) ended 23 years ago and I have friends who are STILL paying off their student loans. Every time I hear them talking about it I'm SO grateful I took my parents advice and moved to Puerto Rico for college. I attended the University of Puerto Rico when the tuition was $30 PER credit! At that rate, even with a full 12-13 credits per semester the yearly tuition costs were less than $1K per YEAR. I finished with zero loans & a degree that is from a U.S. accredited school. Even today with inflation the cost of college in Puerto Rico is still way less than mainland U.S. It's a completely viable option that most students in the U.S. don't even know exists.
Well done Bailey! I have a student loan that I should have been able to pay off in 4 to 5 years. Yet here I am 20 years later and I have only paid down 20% of it. It is easier to make car and house payments than it is to pay down a student loan.
@@l.d.8697 The interest on student loans you get while in college is typically higher than mortgage interest rates. However, they can be easily refinanced and a lot of people don't do that! I had a $35K student loan at an 8% interest rate because the interest was based off my parents credit score. But after graduating and getting a great job was able to refinance it to a 2.5% interest rate. Sounds like a lot of people don't look into refinancing their student loans. Helped me tremendously and I'll have that $35K loan paid off less than 5 years after graduating
This has been a topic of my high anxiety spikes over the past decade. Loved college but now regretting every cent I was forced to owe without actually being able to understand what would happen at the age of 17. It’s been 10 years and I am barely a third into the original amount. I could not get a job in my field because of “lack of experience” but couldn’t afford to gain said years without pay because of the debt
I came out of school with $107k in student loan debt. Now mind you, it did take me 6 years to get my bachelors instead of 4, and 2 of those years I was paying "out of state tuition", so it doubled what I had accumulated already. Needless to say, I'll be paying them off until I'm dead.
I’m 53 and never had a tax return. I’ve worked since I’m 16. Due to my mother’s death I had to withdraw 12 credits shy of my bachelor degree. I defaulted on my loan due to my circumstances and have never seen a tax return in my life. And with interest I couldn’t ever get a payment plan that would leave food on the table.
I lied on my resume and I still got the job. They will train you on-site. It's unfair because I use to attend college but I couldn't afford it anymore and I was my mother's caretaker. Here we are lol
This^ I never lied but I had 0 IT experience but I knew procedures on how the company/stores ran. I learned everything I needed to know and then got a cert. If you're not in medicine, engineer or in law (something that affects the safety or livelihood of people) you can learn on the job.
@@veronicaescalera3421 Yeah same here! I mean I had an associate's but it had nothing to do with computer software. I agree that medicine and safety are something we should study but otherwise, we will get trained on-site.
Thank you Bailey for all your hours of reading and edit work that goes into all of these amazing videos you put up for us! 🙌🏼 I am forever grateful to watch ! 🙂💯
It's insane that it used to cost $2k to attend a private college in whole.. Nowadays it's at least $2k per semester at state universities. I'm almost $18k in debt right now going for my bachelor's degree and it's been an insane struggle to get grants/scholarships and pay out of pocket for the rest of the costs 🙃
Because of my student loans, they took $1400 of my income tax… and left me $43!!! 😖😖😖 A-HOLES!!! Thank you Bailey for doing your research over this!!! 💕
Trade schools, y'all. If you wanna be a plummer, or an electrician etc., go for it. Benefits, unions, great pay. Last time I heard, those industries are in need of some new blood. Community college is also an option, you can always transfer after doing your gen. ed. classes.
I'm in the trades..I am an Industrial Electrician and make 6 figures and have zero student debt. There was just as many women as men in my class. High-schools should push more people into the trades. Total cost of my schooling was $1700 dollars that my company covered and books. I was also paid by my employer every time I was in class.
Learned this the hard way. After going into debt for a bachelors degree and not being able to make a living wage or get any benefits, I went to to community college and got an associates. It changed my life. Able to work less hours for more money and actually get benefits. AND do a job I actually like.
Bailey, bailey, bailey. You truly have the best content out here. This topic… yes queen. I didnt graduate high school and i make up to $45 an hour with my independent contractors license. Y’all can do it! The system.. its rigged
What really helped me is going to community college before transferring to a 4 year university. I hate how people look down on community college when its the same thing for cheaper! On top of that, community college helped me transition into college life and figure out what I wanted to do.
I swear... Alan's ordeal triggered my anxiety to the roof like none other Dark History story... I knew vagely about this happening in the US, but this is just insane: your country doesn't want its people fully educated!!!
I didn't go to college and I STILL say wipe away all student debt! :( No one should drown in debt/be taken advantage of for trying to better their lives.
I say, teach kids financial literacy and advise them better on college/cost vs career choices. You decided to go to college, no one forced you, so it's your responsibility to pay back the debt. The way things are going with college debt forgiveness pretty soon these kids will think they don't have to pay thier mortgages and the government needs to pay it for them.:( There are cheaper colleges/universities out there. Right now with the internet there are ways to get cheaper books. When there is a will there is a way.
@@juliawashburn675 Yeah, I paid off all of my $60k in student loans(medical degree-and I went to a “cheap school”)but I still say wipe it out or cut the interest rate-there’s absolutely no reason the interest rate on a student loan is higher than the interest rate of my car/mortgage. It’s got nothing to do with financial literacy and more to do with the obscene cost of a degree. Just because I suffered doesn’t mean everyone should.
@@juliawashburn675 oh no! Give the kids free education and the next thing you know they'll be demanding an affordable place to live as well! The hoooooorrrrrrooooooorrrrrrrrr.
Forget that I think college should be more affordable, but these people made a deal, and this is why America is going down because people want a free ride. That just isn't the real world.
You posted this today after I cried for an hour last night over my failed exam, wondering if college is really right for me. I really want to get a degree but the stress and money is just so much. Thank you for making these wonderful videos!
I skipped college but still have a well paying job. In a career I love. Got a certification in medical coding. Paid only 1200 for everything and studied on my own. So grateful I didn't go to college.
Hey so I have long been wanting to look into medical coding but my family is worried that eventually it will all be computerized and the need for people will fade away. Do you have any sense of this happening ? Is it worth it to invest ?
Reminder that you don’t have to go to college to be successful! Living a happy, and satisfied life determines success. Don’t let the societal pressures force you to go to college especially if it makes you miserable.
This is very true. :)
My mom didn’t go to college herself and she was able to provide for us. So it is possible!
I worked hard and made my way up the hospital corporate ladder. I have a Bachelor Degree but it meant NOTHING to my employer until I got into administration.. Worse is that I am paid very well for a job I completely hate. My best advice to young people today is exactly what you said. Happiness > $$$…. So many times I wish I didn’t have my degree (I am still paying off), and I wish I had not signed my life over to my employer. Been there 20 years. I am grateful yet unsatisfied.
👏🏼 this!
Thank you.
30 yo business owner here. I didn’t go to college!
This might be a little entitled but sadly the way I realized college was a scam (price wise) was through taking college classes in high school. If the state can afford to give me these classes for free because I was 17, it should be so much less money
SERIOUSLY!
YES! I agree! I was in the same situation!
Issa scam 😩😩 IM BEING SCAMED !
Pretty sure my AP tests in high school would end up costing more than my college courses in high school. If I am remembering correctly the math came out to like $10 a credit. At my college it was $100+ a credit (usually more honestly hard to calculate with all the other weird fees colleges add for no reason). Which just extra proves how scammy it is, because AP courses were high school classes that could POSSIBLY earn college credit if you pass the test (which were around $40), where as for all of my college course I took in high school they would cost around $25 if you pass the class you get the credit.
Don’t feel entitled yes it’s a scam but you worked hard its ok to be proud of the hard work you put in
I don’t necessarily regret going to college, but it’s easily the worst financial decision I have ever made.
Agreed!
I totally agree!! 20k later... don't even use it!
We all have that weird feeling. Glad I have an education, worse financial decision ever.
The book "Glass House: The 1% Economy and the Shattering of the All-American Town" touched on this. It talked about a guy who went to college in the 1960s. He paid off his student loan in 1 year. A year later, he also bought a 4 bedroom home and supported his wife and 3 kids on JUST his income from an entry-level job. I literally screamed and threw the book at the wall after reading that. I'm not exaggerating.
is this book about Anchor Hocking in Lancaster, OH?
@@elizabethsisco4946 Yes.
I would've too.
The worst part is when folks who had it like that insult those of us today who don't
That's when corporate tax rates were also at their highest - around 50%. But ironically, so were their profits.
Once those tax codes started favoring corporations - providing tax shelters and loopholes for them and the high-income earners that ran them - everybody else started suffering. Now corporations can move their base of operations to countries with lower tax rates, thereby dodging US taxes, while paying lower wages to employees here and overseas.
I don't blame you for throwing that book. It's infuriating and depressing, all at the same time.
I really just want them to come out and admit that the "logic" behind "You can't pay? Well now you owe me more!" is purely indentured servitude.
As well as govt keep trying to tell us debtors prisons haven't existed since the 1800s (?) 🙄 Lots of "Act" ing going on not much action.
Its like bank accounts where you don't get fees if you deposit over a certain amount each month. You literally have to pay extra for not having enough money. Poor people tax.
@@esmeraldagreengate4354 Let's all go out collectively to chop off some banker's heads
100%!!
1000% To further the notion of student loans being indentured servitude, there are certain jobs that you can take in order to relieve some of your loans after a certain number of years. For example, if you b3come a teacher and work at certain government designated Title I schools for a defined number of years (usually 5-10), SOME of your loans can be relieved. Literally a government version of an indentured servant's contract. Love that for us ☠️
Im going to be honest, student loans is by far the scariest topic you've covered💀
It's too real and close to home!
👏
when she brought up Sallie Mae I broke out in hives
I agree 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯
Scariest Halloween costume I’ve ever seen was this guy in a white shirt that simply said “student loans.” May or may not have screamed 😂
I used to be sort of ashamed when people asked me if I was in college or planning on going and I'd tell them no. I couldn't figure out what I wanted to do for the rest of my life to put myself in debt.
It was DRILLED into our brains in school that college was the only way to make a life. Either college or end up homeless.
Now instead of feeling ashamed I am honestly relieved. I couldn't imagine being in that much debt and having to pay the interest on top of it as well.
You stopped from learning you didnt want society to continue?
I’ve got $203,000 in student loan debt from college. I graduated in 2006 with $77K in debt. The interest is a nightmare.
You learned that fiction in [college]? Provided props to assist in acting/the appearance of possible acting?
Bailey isn't just the best history teacher we've ever had, she's also one of the best journalists on TH-cam today.
@@tcoleanderson q
She's joining the ranks of great journalists like Chris Hedges, Aaron Mate, Lee Camp, and Graham Elwood. I just hope she doesn't get censored and demonotized.
Alright. Cool your Jets.
She didn't do the research. It says so right in the description. "Research provided by: Tisha Dunsten"
I know, right?? I love watching her videos because she's funny, informative & interesting!
“Some people join the military just to avoid student loans” - literally me and every other person who joined… no one joins “to help their country anymore.
Seriously!! I myself have debated going into the military just for the educational benefits. But is it worth it if I get ptsd??
@@anna-leiawest9059 no it is not worth the PTSD.
@@anna-leiawest9059 You shouldn't have to literally risk your life to get an education. The fact it's even being considered breaks my heart.
After military they get school paid for or military instead of school
?
@@anna-leiawest9059 Not worth it especially now
NO, IT IS NOT WORTH IT.
there are so many certificates, trainings, licenses nowadays that are far, far cheaper than going to college and can get you in a field much faster than a college degree. don't do it unless you absolutely have to.
This is so true, but unfortunately Long Beach was forced to end their certification program 😭. I strongly support, and recommend, anyone to certificate programs if they know what they want to do. They are soooooo valuable!
Yeah I agree. I'm not in the US but it's become really clear that so many degree courses are less useful than professional certifications in the same fields. An IT degree I started turned out to be a waste of time. Many of the modules were either very outdated or trying to copy professional certifications that could be studied far more cheaply. It didn't make sense to spend so much and not get the certificate for the same content.
There are a lot of things we can learn online even for free today. But not everything.
As a graduate student that’s in severe debt and incredibly burnt out, this hit me in the feels.
Yet a bachelors degree will only get you entry level positions and pay! We grew up thinking the only way to be successful is with a college degree. I get anxiety thinking about how long I’ll be paying off these loans
The fact it's only entry level with bachelor degree makes it even more depressing. I got one year left of school and I'm not looking forward to it...
35 and a hustler that never got above entry level anywhere with my four year degree. Work and money stressors almost took me away from this plane of existence. I'm so tired of pretending this is ok.
What's tragic is that you still need a bachelor's degree just to get in the door. At entry level.
Yep. College is nothing but a ponzi scheme
I have a masters and people still want me to accept minimum wage. My response to those is always “HAHAHAHA (gasp) HAHAHAHA!”
Love how Bailey teaches about history. Maybe one on diabetes and expensive insulin
Or diabetes and the processed food industry. Now that's dark too.
I'm always amazed at the cost of insulin there. I've friends with kids with diabetes. My son is Diabetic and here in Ireland has had a medical card so only pays €2.50 per item. He also has a long term illness book and some things are free with that.
How about the pen for reactions! Hello! Use to be about 60 bucks for a year and now over 300! Hello! Stay away from fire ants! Ugh
Or just the pharmaceutical industry in general and how greedy they are!
Yes please !
I wish you would do a dark history on nurses. Or healthcare in general.
Yesss🔥🔥especially with what’s going on right now!!!
Yes!
I can bet it's in the works
Im glad someone mentioned healthcare topic.
I’m with you on that topic but the dark history of Medicare
This episode hits so close to home!!! My husband and I are trying to buy a house but my $600 a month student loans make it so hard!! If they could at least get rid of the interest that would make such a huge difference
Are you on an income-based repayment plan? If not, I'd definitely look into it. 600$ is crazy!
@@p_tiffanii yup!!
As a Native American I found that a university I want to go to has stolen about $200,000 from natives and it crushed my heart so much
Which university and Which tribe did they take from? Just curious. Fellow native American here.
@@nicolel1891 New Mexico State university I am from the Texas Kickapoo tribe and Cherokee :(
I attend a tribal college in oklahoma and they have been so wonderful to me. Im so sorry this happened to you. I hate that!
Sees "Is College Even Worth It?"
Me, a college student currently drowning in work: no not for how much work we do and money is spent
The grey hair, the bald spot, and the weight gain because we’re drowning in work u only eat food from vending machines. Not worth it.
I'm a law student so I couldn't agree more
I also have a job on the side to pay rent and live, so...
(I'm from Romania btw, but it isn't any better here)
College can be worth it depending on your end goal. If you want to become an attorney or physician, for instance, you'll need an undergraduate degree before applying to law school or medical school. If you're going to college because you feel you "should go" then you probably don't have a plan which means there's a far greater chance that your degree won't benefit you as much (or at all) as you might think.
As a financial aid advisor for a college.... This is 100% true. Sometimes I feel like I'm the problem by helping students figure out how to pay for college but at the same time, if I didn't have this job, my own student loans would be in default.
This video stressed me out so much that it literally made me go make an extra payment on my student loans in the middle of watching this video while the interest is still paused
As a teacher I always tell students that not going to college is still a great option. Trade schools, service jobs, etc. are all vital to society and you can make a decent living with most.
sounds like you're a great teacher.
@@gloriadrew5312 nope, just trying to do my best like everyone else.
@@smellycat383 that's great!
Kids need to hear this more.
I tell my 20 yr old son the same thing! 👍
Bailey: "Spelman. That name might sound familiar to you."
Me: "Yeah Sabrina Spellman. The teenage witch."
Bailey: "That's right. Spelman College. It was named after her."
Me: "Oh..."
Same!! 😂 I even started doubting myself thinking Sabrina's last name wasn't Spellman
Thats what i thought 😭
I’m so happy I wasn’t the only one who thought that 😂😂
I THOUGHT THE SAMEEE THING HAHAHA
SAMEEEE
Most of our society is pretty effed up at this point. School, loans, insurance. It all turned into a racket.
I came across this topic on TikTok. I was so convinced that it’s scary for teenagers to get student loan when they don’t even know what they’re going to do in the future
I always get surprised when I hear how much people pay for higher education in the USA. I'm so glad I live in a country where we have free education. Our public university is COMPLETELY free and we even have programs where the university gives money to remarkable students (like literally paying them to keep studying) and even our private universities are not that expensive. Those cost around 6k to 10k USD (for a total 5 years career that would be equivalent to a Bachelors degree)
Education should be a right, not a privilege.
What country?
@@missjones7013 I'm from El Salvador. We are not even a developed and rich country (and we deal with other problems like gang violence and unequal distribution of wealth) but apparently we have better educational programs that the USA so that's surprising.
I'm currently getting a free degree and I really can't imagine getting in debt just for study. The USA eduactional system sounds like a scam.
@@karly.asshhh Thats crazy, I didn't know that I always thought people had to pay over there.
@Karla the US subsidizes your country! Education isn’t a right, it’s a responsibility. It is a privilege.
Same in germany. I always took it for granted but now I’m so thankful.
Even hearing the name “Sallie Mae” is triggering 😬 student loans are a nightmare!
Along with parent plus loans🙄
my step daughter is gonna go to trade school while in high school. I'm so proud of her
My son (who graduated 3rd in his HS class) opted for the skilled trades and I am SO thankful he did so. I know too many people in serious debt with college degrees that are worthless.
Which trade is she looking to do? So awesome! Congrats to her!
I am Irish and from a single parent home who's income was low. I also lived in a council funded home. I went to college and the government even paid me to go so that I could afford to live near my college. I thought this was amazing because I dont think that I would have ever been able to go to college without this help.
WE HAVE THIS HERE IN THE USA!!! These people are just too dumb to realize it. There is a lot of state money offering people a free college education and room and board.
I'm Portuguese and same here. I have bpd and other health issues so they even allowed me to have my own room (not share). And helped me a lot.
I'm assuming most European countries offer at least some help? I still wish it was completely free as it is in some countries.
This is so crazy to me. Here in Denmark, not only is education free - we also get PAID around 1.000 dollars a month to study, by the government!
Im moving to Denmark ! 😭
My brothers best friend lives in Denmark, it’s such an amazing thing they have in place for you guys !
Too bad we can't do this in Canada. Literally the only thing stopping me from going back to school for my Masters is the tuition fees, text books, etc. It's about $5-10k per semester for post secondary here
Well I'm jealous
I’ve heard Denmark’s projected happiness has been WAYY higher than the US for years too! Things like this is why!
Ill never get sick of Bailey opening the Dark Histories book and finding the "right page" 😂
I’ll never get sick of Joan lol
Ayy name twin! And same lol
Came here to say I’d never get tired of Joan Crowford and Samantha beat me to it.
@@slednix8215 we need merch featuring joan
Honestly, this is why I went to community college and got an AA degree. I avoided the student loan trap, but the only downside is that my career I got the degree in didn’t pay much. So I guess you have to pick your poison.
This makes me want to cry with relief. My grandfather was so disappointed I didn't continue to a university but I just couldn't push myself to sign up for the loans or envision myself ever paying them back. Sh*ts a scam
Didn’t go to college. Took an online, non credited 2 year animation program that left me with no debt. Now I work at Disney making 6 figs in my 20s … college can be such a scam!!
What program if I may ask?
its about making smart moves , not common moves ! Proud of you 👏🏽
Well It's required for people in law, education, and healthcare...im sure you wouldn't want someone operating on you if they went to "TH-cam University" 😒
@@byrdie89 don't think the comment was meant to put those professions down. Just think that some degrees aren't worth getting if it's gonna leave you in debt...
Following to find out what program. :o that's super incredible! I didn't even know animation could be learned in 2 years lol. I wanna learn!
People say “do what you love and then you’ll never work another day” but then question why you are going into a field that requires paying thousands of $$ for college. Professional jobs and honestly most jobs require a degree. Nobody should be forced to pick a different career path simply because they can’t afford it.
That is becoming less true.
Bailey for President! Her slogan: “if we get out there and do something, we can do something about it!” 🤣🖤😍
Something I honestly didn’t know was that you can go to school online at a Mexican university and pay soooooo much less and get a valid degree. I am enrolling to one that is tied to Cambridge , from across the pond, as they say. There are some universities there that even offer the courses in English. My friends are going to actually stay in Monterrey and study there for less than they would here, while their parents save money as well.
Edit: by valid, I meant that it was valid, such as cosmetology (where I live), in the US. To clarify not all are valid so you have to check with your local board.
Dude, for the amount of money you pay in the US you can actually pay one of the most expensive uni here in Mexico, "El tecnológico de Monterrey" (great school btw) and even paying that college wouldn't be as near as expensive like in any US college.
The older I get, the more relieved I am that I didn't actually go to college. And also my hatred for Ronald Reagan grows
Don’t worry! Reagan’s where he belongs 👇🏿
@@NIKO-gr7vc ..but his legacy lives on💀
I agree with you and unfortunately, I wish I had not gone to college. I was brainwashed by the 'college is the way to fulfill the American Dream' bs and realized I was living in a nightmare. I was a child during the Ronald Reagan years. So I am still researching this as well. The Reagan administration made capitalism all for the wealthy. Not the middle class.
@@jennSalvate In infamy among those with a rational thinking brain
Currently I am 30, working full time in my field, living with a roommate (who is also in the same situation), and struggling to pay off student debt. I like my roommate a lot, but we can't afford to live on our own if we choose to do so. It makes me think of where my parents were at my age and how they could build their own house and raise a family. Now, my roommate and I are just scraping by, trying pay the bills and survive. I'm really really hoping that the next generation has it easier.
I’ve never avoided watching any of your videos from this series or your true crime until this video because it upsets me that much. It’s such a scam and everyday that I learn more about the US and the shattered image I was raised thinking it was, I just want to scream.
Ugh, when I think about how much I've put on hold because I cant afford it I start to cry. I'm almost to the age where I want to start a family and I can't. It's devastating. My boyfriend and I would have gotten married years ago at this point, but we can't afford it. It's like being punished for existing (We're 24 and 27)
My fiancée and I are moving to France. Do some research into it. I think you might be surprised. People move there on like $3k or less. Normandy and Brittany are very affordable places to live too.
I feel this. My fiancé and I have been together almost 5 years I’m 27, he’s 34 and I have no idea when we’ll be able to do any of those things. I would have loved to get married years ago but we want a wedding and it’s just money we don’t have. :(
This just makes me think that fewer people are going to start attending college in the future! Maybe the US will again realize that they need educated people to compete on the world stage and that will motivate them to make it right 🤦🏻♀️
Theres so many people who have degrees they can't find jobs in & no way to pay their loans. I've met college graduates who aren't as smart as a high school drop out.
@@balistixxx3701 IMO the smartest thing to do if you are in Cali lol cause that is where I live, is to go to community college and get your associates, usually that will be covered by the BOG waiver, work and save up until you are 24 then go back to college cause you automatically qualify for federal subsidized loans at that age, so you don’t have to take out high interest personal loans
If other states have a similar program to BOGW then do the same thing.
@@miirkatx that sounds like a smart idea, personally i don’t see why more people aren’t studying as students in germany for a free degree as well
@@balistixxx3701 true, more education doesn’t always mean people are actually smarter lol
The trades shouldn't be overlooked. Great pay low or no debt.
The sad part is, those jobs requiring bachelor's degrees can be scams too. My mom worked a job that required a bachelor's degree, and when she got there it paid $10 an hour and was the same job that high schoolers were doing for volunteer hours. But they wouldn't hire someone and pay them unless they had a bachelor's degree. 🙄
My niece got a BA from a prestigious private collage and now works at a local paint store. I have no idea how she is paying her loans. She graduated in debt about $50k.
Higher education in the USA will never be affordable, much less free, because then what tactic would the military use to convince high school kids to enlist? 🙃
I agree, it’s a way to control people
19 million college students v just under a million active duty service members. The government rather you go into debt more than anything else.
@@nahhh411 More than one thing can be concurrently true.
@@Satrina777 no you’re right
Ding ding ding!!! Recruiters come to my son's class all the time. I exempt him from school those days.
Bailey - "Little fun fact here." * Proceeds to tell us how much the average person has in student loans *
Me - "That's not a fun fact, but a sad one." * cries while drowning in student loan debt *
I'm 57 and I went to a small community college in 1993 and borrowed a total of 5,000 dollars and today I owe almost 20,000 dollars...I am on dis/SSI and I can not afford 20,000 dollars....I had a lung tumor removed and never finished so now I'm so far in debt and can't hardly afford to live....love all of your videos...Dark History and mystery and make-up Mondays...
Louder for the people in the back!! This episode spoke so hard to my soul as one the struggles with over 100k in student loan debt. What a wild time to be alive! The worst part is unless you struggle or see someone struggle with it you will probably never truly understand.
I'm a high school teacher in Canada. Here we have Colleges and Universities. Universities cost MUCH MUCH more. I tell all of my students about my husband and I. I have a 4-year undergrad, A bachelor of Education, and a few other credentials. I am still in $20,000 debt. My husband dropped out of Uni, went to College, had no loans or debt, makes literally 500% what I make, and he loves it.
So, kids, don't be pressured to go to expensive schools! Find something you love! Learn a trade!
Hi Canadian here. My college education got me every job I've had, which inturn helped me pay off my university debt. 🙃
AGREED!
Hey Canadians, can someone explain the difference between college and university to me? In the US, I would consider all universities a college, but I wouldn’t consider all colleges a university.
I went to art school & trade school and over the years my loan interest racked up so that my total owed was $223,000... yes, nearly a quarter of a million dollars for art and trade school 😵 After ten years of public service loan repayments, never missing any payments or being late with them for ten years, and going hungry to achieve this goal, my loans were forgiven last year. I have been reassured that the amount I was "forgiven" is not considered income, and I won't be taxed on it. I've had several statements to this effect from various officials. Fingers crossed that it's true! Thank you Bailey for discussing this really heart-wrenching and horrible situation. I foresee the nations who offer free education will blow right past us & we'll be left in their dust because of corporate greed!
🙌🙌🙌🤝🤟🤙SO happy for you!!!
@@SistersofTwilight Thank you! :) It's still hard to believe this enormous burden is GONE! This is the first time in my adult life that I haven't been repaying student loans. Now I can finally learn how to drive & get a car, which I could never afford to do before.
@@robinhazen8034 Congratulations!!
Congratulations 🎉
Speaking as someone who has gone to college (Bachelor's only), you CAN be successful nowadays without going; It worked well for our parents, but not as much today, in the Information Age. If you do finish and have loans, pay them back as fast as you possibly can; It's not worth getting into debt.
Hi Bailey! This is my favorite dark history episode, could you do one on 401k and one on health insurance?
I get so frustrated by the ppl that shout “yOu ToOk OuT THe lOaN, yOu PaY iT bAcK” like we didn’t go into it expecting that we’d be able to do just that. We were investigating in our future, not buying a freaking sports car in a midlife crisis on a cashiers’ salary.
But here we are-with starvation wages, “must-have-5-years-experience” entry-level job postings, colleges that run like corporations, and millionaire politicians dangling student loan forgiveness as a campaign promise to win elections…
It’s so expensive to just exist and I am not getting my money’s worth.
Yes to ALL of this. Well articulated.
So because you find it hard to pay for your decisions you want someone else to pay it for you?
Two things can be true at once… you are having a hard time paying it back AND other people shouldn’t have to responsible for that.
But she never said she expected someone else to pay for it. She just stated that she didn't think it would be this hard to repay.
Also over-saturated jobs
Yes yes & yes!!
Glad to be European, I couldn't imagine the stress of this. In a couple of years, I'll have my masters degree and I'll have no debt. On the contary, I can put money in my savings acount each month - even as a student.
The US subsidizes almost all European Countries. So the US taxpayers fund your education.
That is ridiculous.
@@BBB-rd2qi how do they subsidize the EU?
@@BBB-rd2qi and this reflects well on America... how?
@@BBB-rd2qi ??? You mean that US companies happen to buy European products? Maybe that European companies earn contracts in the US through public tenders? Because really I cannot think of anything other than that (at least not since the 40s). I think your confusion might come from (i) you do not know what subsidy means, or (ii) you do not know what Europe is? I mean, you do now that EU is the third largest economy in the world, do you? You mean the US is giving subsidies to the third largest world economy (the US being the second), which is one of the US' largest competitors? Well, if that is the case, this could indeed be sufficient proof that there is something wrong with higher education in the US, because whoever decided to give those subisdies is not really very smart...
This is one of the most important videos you have ever put out! I think it should be required viewing in every public high school. I scream about this injustice all the time but it’s just doesn’t seem to be common knowledge yet.
As a 2002 HS graduate, my super hard working but far from rich parents and I are victims of the horror stories you tell here. I’m currently 37 and fortunately finally free from the dept I willingly signed on to almost 20 years ago. Thanks to my hardworking and generous parents, I’m out of the woods but it definitely messed up my life.
I immediately sent the link to your video to my dad.
Thanks Bailey! 💋
Some how I caught on to this exploitation early in my college education and only ended up with $10,000 in student loans.
Just not gonna pay mine back. They were wreckless and irresponsibly lending thousands of dollars to an 18 year old with no credit. They should learn from their mistakes
I’m with you when you right
I think about this a lot: three months prior to first year in college I had to get my school mandated planner signed by a teacher just to go to the bathroom during class But I’m deemed responsible enough to sign for thousands of dollars in loans???
I’ve got a friend who’s living abroad now so she doesn’t have to pay it
Yes, completely agree. I didn’t even think twice about it because I figured even though I wasn’t getting into a high paying field, whatever I made would be enough. I didn’t understand how many bills adults pay. How can they allow kids with no life experience get into such a serious and expensive contract that they’ll never be able to escape if they can’t pay it? Especially because I am a first generation college graduate. I didn’t have any adults to financially guide me.
Seriously. Same here. I’ll take my loans to the grave..
Baffles me how much Americans have to pay, education, health care, prescriptions etc whereas in Scotland, it’s all free! Madness
You don't have taxes?
@@julien.4617 we have to pay income tax and national insurance but our healthcare is free, we don’t need medical insurance, our schooling is free unless you already have a degree etc and decide to go back to uni to work in a different field.
@@kristinefrew3069 It isn't free if you pay taxes. You just pay for it differently.
No duh. But no copay no Bs PPO vs HMO little admin costs.
@@julien.4617 we pay taxes on top of all of it vs instead of 🤣
I have a bachelors degree. I first attended a community college and then transferred to a university. I applied for pell grants and scholarships. I really tried to stay away from student loans because of all the horrible stories I had heard. In the end, I ended up getting a $2,000 loan and I just paid it off. But I don’t regret going to college/university. I’m actually considering going back to school for masters.
Amazing job here! I have been personally effected by this and am an advocate for tuition free college. Your research here is impeccable, and I'm so glad you made this video❤❤❤
I just audibly whispered, "oh, she's going there" and smiled devilishly when I saw the title for this video! I can't wait, should I make popcorn?!
yes.
yes always make popcorn
I had to wait until the end for the comments. I’m ready to get fired up!
She can go wherever she wants as long as she doesn't ask "Why do the Hebrews own all the banks, media, and corporations"....That is the untouchable topic
I saw "student loans" in the title and knew it was gonna be dark. My actual job I have to pay my student loan has nothing to do with what I went to school for. Oh, the irony of it all!
This is what I see so much of the time... my sister in law studied so hard at university ah man I saw in tears many times. She has a PhD in psychology but she dosent even work in that at all. But still has like 400$ of student loans per month!! Plus she had a job all throughout university bartending. I make more money than her and I barely graduated high-school and I've been working at a call center for 10 yrs. I make 43 500 per year. I'm not rich but I have zero debts. I have 4 weeks paid vacation and paid sick days. I literally can't complain.
@@nataliekenny7490 It’s messed up that no one and I mean NO ONE will tell you this. Sooo many people i know who have gone to school for something only to end up paying thousands in debt while finding out they actually don’t have a passion for it.
Most people cannot find a job in their preferred field.
@@nataliekenny7490 Oh wow! what is your sister doing besides psychology if I may ask? And you GO GURL! Well done!
Same
I appreciate this topic so, so much! College is a double-edged sword. You need the degree to get a better-paying job, but then you go into massive amounts of debt that you’ll be lucky to pay off depending on the degree. It’s a hot mess, and there’s no logical reasoning for it.
There is definitely logic reasons for the current system... PROFIT & GREED! And, with an all volunteer military the lure of free college is their biggest recruiting tool. However, the VA benefits for college are incredibly complicated, confusing, and prey on the very young and poor. Be Warned: Everyone who enlists does not get the same college benefits. There are some basic benefits that are automatic for all enlisted within certain time frames of service, for example pre and post 9/11, then there the programs where the service member has to contribute, and then there are different packages offered at different times of enlistment, aka the military is running an incentive, different branches of service, and for different MOSs. The military recruits in high school, especially to the poor. It is unreasonable to think a 16, 17, or 18 year old could begin to understand all the complexities. Their parents are little help because they did not go to college and therefore are not familiar with how it works. It is not until you are at the college/university financial aid office or veterans services office that you find out all that you should have known at enlistment. It is another SCAM!
Love this. My son is graduating this year and starting community college. The town we live in, provides free college for the first 2 years. But after that, we don't know if we can afford it.
On another note: please cover the dark side of medical, pharma, health insurance, etc.
I have 75k in loans, and a friend told me that was NOTHING compared to her loans. I was shocked. I am still shocked. Lol!
Now that's a figure I'm familiar with. It's depressing.
what are her loans like 😳
I borrowed $35K and when I got out with interest it was over $75K... 22 years later and I'm still paying on it... it will never go away
I owed $180k when I graduated. The interest rate is ridiculous!!!
Dark history episode on fraternities? I think that would be interesting.
ooh yes, that would be very interesting!
Ooh yes!
Hazing
Yes! I would love to hear her opinions on those. lol
Yes, Bailey has to do a video on that & sororities.
There is so much more to this. It is one of those rabbit holes one gets lost in. It's all connected. Thank you Bailey for scratching the surface. I love the way you present it all.
GET RID OF STUDENT LOANS!!! FREE EDUCATION FOR ALL! 🙌🏽 ❤📚
I am graduating from community college with my associates this semester and transferring to a college instead of university for my bachelors. I’ve applied to many many scholarships and grants. These decisions have helped me stay debt free so far .. 🙌🏼
I was looking through the comments for one like this! This is exactly what I did and there is no shame in graduating from a community college and the transferring to a college or state university afterwards! I was able to do this and have been able to remain student loan free while having a bachelors degree in nursing. I’m honestly so glad that I didn’t have a “typical” college experience since I would likely be paying for it for the rest of my life.
@@xSPARROWxx what about the bacholers degree how did you pay for it?
@@TH-camuser10873 state supported universities are typically more affordable than private colleges/universities and offer discounted tuition for in-state residents. I was also able to get a scholarship and paid my tuition out of pocket. It’s much more affordable to attend online classes or attend a university that you can commute to.
Turning 30 this year, after giving 800 bucks a month to pay my loans off, I still have 14k to go. Best part is I'm one of the lucky few who went to fashion school, landed my dream job out of college, and realized I hated it AND the industry 😅 now I work as a sustainability ambassador trying to convince people to not buy as much clothing.
Ouch! But I am just glad you are doing what you love!
Ironic isint it
As an attorney I needed to get through my education ASAP before the costs went up. I finished law school at age 22. Thanks, Ronnie!
One of your most educational videos, ever! Thank you Bailey. You rock!
I paid off my student loan years ago and I felt bad for those in debt. Makes one think about even going to college because it doesn’t even guarantee a dream job.
I think I learned more from this episode of dark history compared to the hours spent trying to understand FAFSA paperwork… thank you Professor Sarian
What happened to “on the job” training for most professions? I’m a teacher, and I don’t feel like I learned nearly as much in class as I learned during my internship from real and active teachers. Just saying.
Employers don't want to train people, they want new hires to "hit the ground running." While that's understandable, it's also not realistic in most cases.
I felt this in my soul. I left law school, a lifelong dream of mine, after realizing I'd have $150,000 of student loan debt even with a scholarship. 🙄
Can we do a dark history on tipping? As you mentioned, a lot of places are struggling for workers. I believe the service industry took a huge hit during the pandemic. Tipping started out as “cheap labor” for those coming out of slavery. It’s friggin wild
As a 34 year old with over 20k in student loans I can say DO NOT DO IT.
30k here for a useless degree that doesn't qualify you for anything without doing another degree. Added bonus, $10k of that was to work for the uni for free and write a thesis and see my teacher 2 times for 2 meetings in the entire year. Ty for listening
When you are 40 it doubles into $40,000. I’m speaking from experience here.
@@buddywriggles I signed papers to take a month leave of absence and was made aware I couldn’t return bc they gave me forms to drop out completely. So I don’t even have any degree. Or transcripts. So I feel ya
@@abqannie5052 😖 6 more years til it doubles. Fun 😫
@@buddywriggles i m considering it for a degree in IT cyber is it worth it..
Bailey, you and MrBallen are the best story tellers ever! Y’all Rock!
AGREED!!
💯💯💯 I love listening to Bailey and mr Ballen, and pls check out true crime recaps too!😊😍
Yesssss
I totally agree with you
Haven't listened to a dark history for several weeks and I have to say Bailey you are really hitting your groove with this series! Really well-told with just the perfect amount of fun.
College (for me) ended 23 years ago and I have friends who are STILL paying off their student loans. Every time I hear them talking about it I'm SO grateful I took my parents advice and moved to Puerto Rico for college. I attended the University of Puerto Rico when the tuition was $30 PER credit! At that rate, even with a full 12-13 credits per semester the yearly tuition costs were less than $1K per YEAR. I finished with zero loans & a degree that is from a U.S. accredited school. Even today with inflation the cost of college in Puerto Rico is still way less than mainland U.S. It's a completely viable option that most students in the U.S. don't even know exists.
Literally just sent a inquiry to a college and Bailey comes in at the perfect time !!
Be careful they're so many predatory schools out there and they're just in for the money 💰.
Hahaha I'm in the same spot! I have only a few more courses to finish my degree. And then, Bailey! Here to save the day.
Well done Bailey! I have a student loan that I should have been able to pay off in 4 to 5 years. Yet here I am 20 years later and I have only paid down 20% of it. It is easier to make car and house payments than it is to pay down a student loan.
Same.
Can I get an "amen"?
Same. It’s insane.
Why? What is the difference? I'm asking cuz I don't know. Is it the interest? Or is it the payment structure?
@@l.d.8697 The interest on student loans you get while in college is typically higher than mortgage interest rates. However, they can be easily refinanced and a lot of people don't do that! I had a $35K student loan at an 8% interest rate because the interest was based off my parents credit score. But after graduating and getting a great job was able to refinance it to a 2.5% interest rate. Sounds like a lot of people don't look into refinancing their student loans. Helped me tremendously and I'll have that $35K loan paid off less than 5 years after graduating
This has been a topic of my high anxiety spikes over the past decade. Loved college but now regretting every cent I was forced to owe without actually being able to understand what would happen at the age of 17. It’s been 10 years and I am barely a third into the original amount. I could not get a job in my field because of “lack of experience” but couldn’t afford to gain said years without pay because of the debt
I came out of school with $107k in student loan debt. Now mind you, it did take me 6 years to get my bachelors instead of 4, and 2 of those years I was paying "out of state tuition", so it doubled what I had accumulated already. Needless to say, I'll be paying them off until I'm dead.
I’m 53 and never had a tax return. I’ve worked since I’m 16. Due to my mother’s death I had to withdraw 12 credits shy of my bachelor degree. I defaulted on my loan due to my circumstances and have never seen a tax return in my life. And with interest I couldn’t ever get a payment plan that would leave food on the table.
I'm sorry about your mother's loss and circumstances that came your way🤍
I lied on my resume and I still got the job. They will train you on-site. It's unfair because I use to attend college but I couldn't afford it anymore and I was my mother's caretaker. Here we are lol
If anyone knows of a degree mill that would actually work let me know, lol.
This^ I never lied but I had 0 IT experience but I knew procedures on how the company/stores ran. I learned everything I needed to know and then got a cert. If you're not in medicine, engineer or in law (something that affects the safety or livelihood of people) you can learn on the job.
@@veronicaescalera3421 Yeah same here! I mean I had an associate's but it had nothing to do with computer software. I agree that medicine and safety are something we should study but otherwise, we will get trained on-site.
Thank you Bailey for all your hours of reading and edit work that goes into all of these amazing videos you put up for us! 🙌🏼 I am forever grateful to watch ! 🙂💯
It's insane that it used to cost $2k to attend a private college in whole.. Nowadays it's at least $2k per semester at state universities. I'm almost $18k in debt right now going for my bachelor's degree and it's been an insane struggle to get grants/scholarships and pay out of pocket for the rest of the costs 🙃
Because of my student loans, they took $1400 of my income tax… and left me $43!!! 😖😖😖 A-HOLES!!! Thank you Bailey for doing your research over this!!! 💕
It's theft. Plain and simple. I'm sorry they stole from you and so many of us.
That's just bogus
They take mine every year 🤦♀️😭
@@brandyrosales3020 same!
They’ve literally taken every single penny of my state AND federal tax returns for like 11 years!
Trade schools, y'all. If you wanna be a plummer, or an electrician etc., go for it. Benefits, unions, great pay. Last time I heard, those industries are in need of some new blood. Community college is also an option, you can always transfer after doing your gen. ed. classes.
I'm in the trades..I am an Industrial Electrician and make 6 figures and have zero student debt. There was just as many women as men in my class. High-schools should push more people into the trades. Total cost of my schooling was $1700 dollars that my company covered and books. I was also paid by my employer every time I was in class.
Plummer and electrician are just the tip of the ice burg of trades to learn for a steady income with benefits.
@@brandonscottartitst421 I’ve noticed the colleges are paying these high schools for like promo or something it’s become a business
Trust, most of us know now. My high school only pushed universities. I'm teaching my children now; trade is the best way to go.
Learned this the hard way. After going into debt for a bachelors degree and not being able to make a living wage or get any benefits, I went to to community college and got an associates. It changed my life. Able to work less hours for more money and actually get benefits. AND do a job I actually like.
Hear me out: student loans are how our country tries to stop “new money” from catching up with “old money”
Bailey, bailey, bailey. You truly have the best content out here. This topic… yes queen. I didnt graduate high school and i make up to $45 an hour with my independent contractors license. Y’all can do it! The system.. its rigged
What really helped me is going to community college before transferring to a 4 year university. I hate how people look down on community college when its the same thing for cheaper! On top of that, community college helped me transition into college life and figure out what I wanted to do.
Agree!
What's the difference between community college and university?
I did the same. So glad my parents talked me out of going to an expensive 4 year university
can we all appreciate how intelligent, careful, articulate yet still humorous bailey is ?
I swear... Alan's ordeal triggered my anxiety to the roof like none other Dark History story...
I knew vagely about this happening in the US, but this is just insane: your country doesn't want its people fully educated!!!
Bailey: “spelmen may sound familiar”
Me” “Sabrina Spelmen”
Bailey: “Spelmen College”
I didn't go to college and I STILL say wipe away all student debt! :( No one should drown in debt/be taken advantage of for trying to better their lives.
I say, teach kids financial literacy and advise them better on college/cost vs career choices.
You decided to go to college, no one forced you, so it's your responsibility to pay back the debt.
The way things are going with college debt forgiveness pretty soon these kids will think they don't have to pay thier mortgages and the government needs to pay it for them.:(
There are cheaper colleges/universities out there. Right now with the internet there are ways to get cheaper books.
When there is a will there is a way.
@@juliawashburn675 Yeah, I paid off all of my $60k in student loans(medical degree-and I went to a “cheap school”)but I still say wipe it out or cut the interest rate-there’s absolutely no reason the interest rate on a student loan is higher than the interest rate of my car/mortgage. It’s got nothing to do with financial literacy and more to do with the obscene cost of a degree. Just because I suffered doesn’t mean everyone should.
Unless they are a trust fund baby etc. They need to pay. Us regular people.....No
@@juliawashburn675 oh no! Give the kids free education and the next thing you know they'll be demanding an affordable place to live as well! The hoooooorrrrrrooooooorrrrrrrrr.
Forget that I think college should be more affordable, but these people made a deal, and this is why America is going down because people want a free ride. That just isn't the real world.
You posted this today after I cried for an hour last night over my failed exam, wondering if college is really right for me. I really want to get a degree but the stress and money is just so much. Thank you for making these wonderful videos!
"Make this country as great as we think it is" 😂😂 I spat out my water. So accurate
A dark history on mortgages might be cool too 🙂
I skipped college but still have a well paying job. In a career I love. Got a certification in medical coding. Paid only 1200 for everything and studied on my own. So grateful I didn't go to college.
Hey so I have long been wanting to look into medical coding but my family is worried that eventually it will all be computerized and the need for people will fade away. Do you have any sense of this happening ? Is it worth it to invest ?
How did you get your certification? I was thinking about getting into that field
@@indiaharden6117 I went thru AAPC