Many students and families are unaware of the possible
consequences of students going away to college. There are many benefits to
studying away from home, fewer distractions, becoming more independent, etc.
There are also some negative factors to consider, more expense, lack of family support,
etc. But one long term negative is rarely discussed.
Students often end up living where they went to college
after they graduate. Local businesses set up job fairs on campus,
and graduates are offered jobs. New graduates settle into life in the community where they spent four or five years studying and found a job. They don’t want to leave.
This can be heartbreaking and/or financially
devastating for aging parents. Families with several children often see them
living in different states, far from “home”. New graduates don’t have the funds
to fly back to visit family on holidays. It is an expensive matter for parents to
travel all over the country to see their scattered offspring and later grandchildren.
Grandkids are
less likely to spend quality time with grandparents who don’t live nearby. This
has a negative effect on grandparents and grandchildren alike. Distance may
make the heart grow fonder, but it also keeps loved ones apart, which can be
painful.
Although attending college where the cost is lowest or
scholarships are offered is practical, after graduation plans should be
discussed in advance of applying to colleges far away from home. I have advised
my own grandchildren to make sure they like the area where they plan to attend college, because they may end up living there. Lucky for me, they want to go to colleges in my state. That’s not too lucky for their parents, however,
since they don’t live here. And so it goes.
You are reading from the blog: http://www.roadtofreecollege.com
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