Yes, sadly its true, some people make more without a college degree than those that have one (or two, or more!) It just depends on the choice of major, the area you live in, etc.
I have two children, ds9 & dd8. Of course, we are already planning their college education, put away $500/month in a college fund. However, that won't be enough with today's college prices, especially since we will have two in college at the same time. Due to our circumstances, we probably won't qualify for any type of financial aid, either. We plan to have them go on the "economy plan". Knock out as many courses as they can at a community (cheaper!) college, place out ouf courses with advanced placement exams (not as tough as it sounds, I waived 18 credits by exam!), and the real kicker--live at home! We have a major university right in town, why go elsewhere? Of course, they will probably want to live on their own at that age, spread their wings, etc. I lived in a dorm my 4.5 years of college and have mixed feelings about it. While I loved being independent (my parents were the controlling type - I'm surprised even now they let me go away to college!), however, dorms can be real zoos. It wasn't that long ago I was there, I know!
Well, both my kids will simply have to realize we can't do everything. Live at home, work part-time to contribute to costs, take waiver exams, etc. they can possibly graduate without student loans, or at least that's my hope! However, for all that sacrifice, on all our parts, I do insist they get something that's at least marketable! I won't have them graduate with a worthless degree, like I did. Especially since we'll be in our early sixties by the time they graduate, we might not be able to provide them with the "soft landing" many parents give their children. I want them "launched". They can always "find themselves" later. (Or is that a concept from the 60's era?) Essentially, I was lied to by colleges. I was told certain degrees are much more marketable than they actually are. Statistics can be manipulated, and colleges are masters at selling their worthless programs! To say things like "....Art history majors work in business, government,....etc" gives the impression that there's actually openings in such fields with the primary requirement being an Art History major. Baloney! Perhaps some with an Art History major somehow wiggled their way into such jobs after adding to their skill set with work experience, etc., however, I can almost guarantee you they didn't just come right out the college door into such a job!
Look at a college education as an investment, not a privelege. You're paying for it, get something in return! Look critically at the job market. First, is there even an application for this major? Don't worry too much about demand as you begin college, everything is cyclical. I originally wanted to major in teaching, however, the job market was saturated with teachers then and I was talked out of it. Now there's a demand for teachers! (yes, I know, the pay is still substandard). Also, do look at starting salaries for that type of field. If its low now, chances are it will remain lower than other fields, even as they all increase each year. Of course, make sure its something you enjoy, it will be your life's work. However, don't just look at a career for the "fun factor". You have "fun" after work! Being unemployed isn't "fun" either! Many years ago my father suggested I study pharmacy, but I rejected that idea without even looking into it. The thought of spending my days counting pills sounded "not fun". Well, making 100k+ sure sounds like "fun".
However, try convincing a "party animal" teenager that there's more to life than "fun".
I'm starting now to plan my children's future, mainly because I don't want them making the same mistakes I did and suffering the same pain I did. You have no idea how painful it is to try to sell yourself on the job market with a worthless degree, watching all your friends who just went to high school making more than you could hope to. Meanwhile, there you are, all
educated" and "well-rounded" and can't make enough for the basics of life, let alone a few luxuries.
Imagine my frustration when I was working at my dead-end, low-paid job as a accounting assistant, a job which I all but sat up and begged for, then I read in the newspaper that the average welfare receipeint's monthly check was more than my take-home!
Yes, I want my children to have an education, broaden their horizions, understand the world about them, not grow up to be bigots, etc., but does college guarantee all that? I just want to know they're settled and can take care of themselves as dh and I round the bend into retirement. They can reach "self-actualization" later.