Liberal Forum

College tuition , with respect to inflation and wages, in the good old days was manageable. I was able to pay my own way, but the cost of living and wages matched inflation reasonably well. These days? Forget it. Our beloved upcoming generation has no hope of privately paying, unless they have a rich famility member. 

Obviously a lot of problems come with that. 
In 1990s, the ratio of Americans vs foreign workers in STEM was 8:1. 
2000: it was 5:1.
2010s, it was 4 : 1
2019: 3.3 to 1
2021: 4.3 to 1. 
Today: 3: 1

We went from 8:1  to 3 : 1. Now I am sure we can blame labor costs. That it is cheaper to hire foreigners. However, that doesn't add up. The data I provided are STEM industries in the United States, not overseas. I would argue that he reason is because of cost. The average American are not millionaires. They cannot afford college. Many of these foreigners have rich families back in their homeland. 

So, wouldn't it make more sense to offer free tuition to Americans for STEM degrees? We have the talent. So let's find them and get them in the industry.

Also, we should make 19th Century Russian Studies 100% free. I can't think of a degree that is more beneficial to the tech industry than that. 
 

Vegas » 13 May 2026, 10:03 am » wrote: ↑

13 May 2026, 10:03 am

College tuition , with respect to inflation and wages, in the good old days was manageable. I was able to pay my own way, but the cost of living and wages matched inflation reasonably well. These days? Forget it. Our beloved upcoming generation has no hope of privately paying, unless they have a rich famility member. 

Obviously a lot of problems come with that. 
In 1990s, the ratio of Americans vs foreign workers in STEM was 8:1. 
2000: it was 5:1.
2010s, it was 4 : 1
2019: 3.3 to 1
2021: 4.3 to 1. 
Today: 3: 1

We went from 8:1  to 3 : 1. Now I am sure we can blame labor costs. That it is cheaper to hire foreigners. However, that doesn't add up. The data I provided are STEM industries in the United States, not overseas. I would argue that he reason is because of cost. The average American are not millionaires. They cannot afford college. Many of these foreigners have rich families back in their homeland. 

So, wouldn't it make more sense to offer free tuition to Americans for STEM degrees? We have the talent. So let's find them and get them in the industry.

Also, we should make 19th Century Russian Studies 100% free. I can't think of a degree that is more beneficial to the tech industry than that.

https://youtube.com/shorts/KYuqcmejvJc? ... z4NbxNh4Of

Blackvegetable » 13 May 2026, 10:37 am » wrote: ↑

13 May 2026, 10:37 am

https://youtube.com/shorts/KYuqcmejvJc? ... z4NbxNh4Of

Gee look. Veghead giving a copy/paste response. Level 0. 

Nothing is FREE. Somebody has to pay for free, always.

PhiloBeddo » 13 May 2026, 10:45 am » wrote: ↑

13 May 2026, 10:45 am

Nothing is FREE. Somebody has to pay for free, always.

I meant free for the students, not the taxpayer. I didn't think that I needed to say the obvious.

Vegas » 13 May 2026, 11:02 am » wrote: ↑

13 May 2026, 11:02 am

I meant free for the students, not the taxpayer. I didn't think that I needed to say the obvious.

If it is free to STEM, who will pay more to offset the costs? STEM teachers are not going to teach for free.
 

*Roshambo » 13 May 2026, 2:58 pm » wrote: ↑

13 May 2026, 2:58 pm

If it is free to STEM, who will pay more to offset the costs? STEM teachers are not going to teach for free.

Taxpayers. I would prefer our taxes to go to us, as opposed to the Middle East and starting wars. Ultimately, it would be a huge payoff for such an investment. Most kids cannot afford college without having to drown in school loans. This turns off many highly talented kids. That is one reason why the industries, in America, are filled with foreigners  Tim Cook even said that the reason they outsource over seas isn't because of cheap labor anymore. The labor cost now is actually almost the same. He said it's because America doesn't have the skills. China, India, and Pakistan do.  We have a lot of bright minds, but the only incentive for them to attend college is to go into debt for the rest of their life. Not much of an incentive. 

Vegas » 13 May 2026, 3:05 pm » wrote: ↑

13 May 2026, 3:05 pm

Taxpayers. I would prefer our taxes to go to us, as opposed to the Middle East and starting wars. Ultimately, it would be a huge payoff for such an investment. Most kids cannot afford college without having to drown in school loans. This turns off many highly talented kids. That is one reason why the industries, in America, are filled with foreigners  Tim Cook even said that the reason they outsource over seas isn't because of cheap labor anymore. The labor cost now is actually almost the same. He said it's because America doesn't have the skills. China, India, and Pakistan do.  We have a lot of bright minds, but the only incentive for them to attend college is to go into debt for the rest of their life. Not much of an incentive.

I paid for my two sons education through B.S. level.  Kids can work part time and go to school part time and live at home, the parents insurance should cover them until they are 26. If there is a will there is a way, and I am not in on this idea at all. 

What I could be "in on" is the brightest medical students (premed) get a "free ride" to medical school (based on your idea) and they sign a contract to give back 6 years of service to the V.A. or other government health care and they earn a small stipend t. This is only available to US born citizens, all living parents, US Citizens. I would even go far as "no immigrants, naturalized, etc.) 
Based on GPA, MCAT. No weight for skin color, or extracurricular activities. 

The only ones in debt for the rest of their lives are those that spend the GUARANTEED STUDENT LOANS on worthless degrees, like a Pastry Chef, or some other worthless degree LIKE A TRUCK DRIVER. The problem we have is the GUARANTEED STUDENT LOANS allow these Universities to "raise the rates" because they "know the kid will get the $$ to pay for it"

Evidence suggests that guaranteed federal student loans enable universities to raise tuition, a phenomenon often referred to as the "Bennett Hypothesis". When loans are easily available, institutions may increase tuition to capture these funds, allowing them to raise prices without facing a drop in enrollment.
Key Findings on Loans and Tuition:

• "Dollar-for-Dollar" Effect: Research indicates that for every $1 increase in federal student loan limits, tuition can rise by as much as 60–64 cents.
• Graduate Loans (Grad PLUS): Unlimited federal borrowing options for graduate studies specifically have enabled institutions to hike tuition, with The Trump Administration is Making College More Affordable noting this "fudge factor" allows for significant institutional profit.
• Long-Term Trend: Colleges have raised tuition for over two decades, partly because they know students can continue borrowing.
• Impact on Net Price: While "sticker" prices rise, the effect on "net" price (what students actually pay after financial aid) can be slightly lower.

Why Tuition Rises:

• Increased Demand/Funding: When the government provides more loans, student purchasing power increases, allowing universities to raise prices.
• Lack of Constraints: Colleges have raised tuition steadily for more than 20 years ... states that because the federal government does not cap tuition, schools increase it to capture more federal aid.

The Trump Administration is Making College More Affordable
https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-rel ... affordable
 

Vegas » 13 May 2026, 10:40 am » wrote: ↑

13 May 2026, 10:40 am

Gee look. Veghead giving a copy/paste response. Level 0.

Actually level -10
 

Vegas » 13 May 2026, 11:02 am » wrote: ↑

13 May 2026, 11:02 am

I meant free for the students, not the taxpayer. I didn't think that I needed to say the obvious.

The obvious is overlooked (much of the time purposely) here in Cybertown.
People have narratives to clutch.

Vegas » 13 May 2026, 10:03 am » wrote: ↑

13 May 2026, 10:03 am

In 1990s, the ratio of Americans vs foreign workers in STEM was 8:1. 
2000: it was 5:1.
2010s, it was 4 : 1
2019: 3.3 to 1
2021: 4.3 to 1. 
Today: 3: 1

We went from 8:1  to 3 : 1. Now I am sure we can blame labor costs. That it is cheaper to hire foreigners. at. 
 

Why won't you say "I can blame" if you are so sure labor costs are cheaper to hire foreigners? Your mind isn't a personal brain working when it belongs to a we say so mantra.

Vegas » 13 May 2026, 10:03 am » wrote: ↑

13 May 2026, 10:03 am

College tuition , with respect to inflation and wages, in the good old days was manageable. I was able to pay my own way, but the cost of living and wages matched inflation reasonably well. These days? Forget it. Our beloved upcoming generation has no hope of privately paying, unless they have a rich famility member. 

Obviously a lot of problems come with that. 
In 1990s, the ratio of Americans vs foreign workers in STEM was 8:1. 
2000: it was 5:1.
2010s, it was 4 : 1
2019: 3.3 to 1
2021: 4.3 to 1. 
Today: 3: 1

We went from 8:1  to 3 : 1. Now I am sure we can blame labor costs. That it is cheaper to hire foreigners. However, that doesn't add up. The data I provided are STEM industries in the United States, not overseas. I would argue that he reason is because of cost. The average American are not millionaires. They cannot afford college. Many of these foreigners have rich families back in their homeland. 

So, wouldn't it make more sense to offer free tuition to Americans for STEM degrees? We have the talent. So let's find them and get them in the industry.

Also, we should make 19th Century Russian Studies 100% free. I can't think of a degree that is more beneficial to the tech industry than that.

The problem is the corruption in the education and bank loan system.  It is one of my biggest gripes that dems **** that up to.   Republicans do not want smart voters and do their best to dumb people down into toothless red hats.

AI can teach anybody anything for free now.  We just have this stupid ingorant belief that good schools make good tech folks.

Henry Ford was a high school dropout.   There are similar success stories..  Not that I will ever buy a Fix or Repair Daily.  I had a bad experience with a Ford.
 

*Roshambo » 13 May 2026, 4:02 pm » wrote: ↑

13 May 2026, 4:02 pm

I paid for my two sons education through B.S. level.  Kids can work part time and go to school part time and live at home, the parents insurance should cover them until they are 26. If there is a will there is a way, and I am not in on this idea at all. 

What I could be "in on" is the brightest medical students (premed) get a "free ride" to medical school (based on your idea) and they sign a contract to give back 6 years of service to the V.A. or other government health care and they earn a small stipend t. This is only available to US born citizens, all living parents, US Citizens. I would even go far as "no immigrants, naturalized, etc.) 
Based on GPA, MCAT. No weight for skin color, or extracurricular activities. 

The only ones in debt for the rest of their lives are those that spend the GUARANTEED STUDENT LOANS on worthless degrees, like a Pastry Chef, or some other worthless degree LIKE A TRUCK DRIVER. The problem we have is the GUARANTEED STUDENT LOANS allow these Universities to "raise the rates" because they "know the kid will get the $$ to pay for it"

Evidence suggests that guaranteed federal student loans enable universities to raise tuition, a phenomenon often referred to as the "Bennett Hypothesis". When loans are easily available, institutions may increase tuition to capture these funds, allowing them to raise prices without facing a drop in enrollment.
Key Findings on Loans and Tuition:

• "Dollar-for-Dollar" Effect: Research indicates that for every $1 increase in federal student loan limits, tuition can rise by as much as 60–64 cents.
• Graduate Loans (Grad PLUS): Unlimited federal borrowing options for graduate studies specifically have enabled institutions to hike tuition, with The Trump Administration is Making College More Affordable noting this "fudge factor" allows for significant institutional profit.
• Long-Term Trend: Colleges have raised tuition for over two decades, partly because they know students can continue borrowing.
• Impact on Net Price: While "sticker" prices rise, the effect on "net" price (what students actually pay after financial aid) can be slightly lower.

Why Tuition Rises:

• Increased Demand/Funding: When the government provides more loans, student purchasing power increases, allowing universities to raise prices.
• Lack of Constraints: Colleges have raised tuition steadily for more than 20 years ... states that because the federal government does not cap tuition, schools increase it to capture more federal aid.

The Trump Administration is Making College More Affordable
https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-rel ... affordable

This ******* is over here claiming that truck drivers go into massive debt to earn "degrees". What a **** idiot. 

SouthernFried » 14 May 2026, 7:22 am » wrote: ↑

14 May 2026, 7:22 am

This ******* is over here claiming that truck drivers go into massive debt to earn "degrees". What a **** idiot.

This bitch is begging for attention.   
His daddy was probably trucker trash
his momma is a Somali whore 
Snick snick ha ha  
 
 

Johnny You » 14 May 2026, 6:57 am » wrote: ↑

14 May 2026, 6:57 am

The problem is the corruption in the education and bank loan system.  It is one of my biggest gripes that dems **** that up to.   Republicans do not want smart voters and do their best to dumb people down into toothless red hats.

AI can teach anybody anything for free now.  We just have this stupid ingorant belief that good schools make good tech folks.

Henry Ford was a high school dropout.   There are similar success stories..  Not that I will ever buy a Fix or Repair Daily.  I had a bad experience with a Ford.
 

Relative time logistics corrupted every social aspect of governing tomorrows beyond today every day of the week. Correct the common human error throughout history in every society, first.

*Roshambo » 14 May 2026, 7:23 am » wrote: ↑

14 May 2026, 7:23 am

This bitch is begging for attention.   
His daddy was probably trucker trash

What sorta **** idiot believes that truck drivers go eyeballs deep in debt to earn a "degree"? Are you **** retarded? 
 

SouthernFried » 14 May 2026, 7:25 am » wrote: ↑

14 May 2026, 7:25 am

What sorta **** idiot believes that truck drivers go eyeballs deep in debt to earn a "degree"? Are you **** retarded?

It’s all relative to your income level. For a loser like you, 4k is a lot of money  
 
Your momma is a Somali whore 
Snick snick ha ha  
 

*Roshambo » 14 May 2026, 7:27 am » wrote: ↑

14 May 2026, 7:27 am

It’s all relative to your income level. For a loser like you, 4k is a lot of money  
 
Your momma is a Somali whore 
Snick snick ha ha 

@SouthernFried  
Punch that whore in her ****** for birthing you

PhiloBeddo » 13 May 2026, 10:45 am » wrote: ↑

13 May 2026, 10:45 am

Nothing is FREE. Somebody has to pay for free, always.

will is free to choose. The bill arrives tomorrow 7 days a week life is physically limited to genetic results limited to adapting by hearts experienced since conception adapting equally inhabiting space now.

Evolving is self evident time adapting personally alive now.

SouthernFried » 14 May 2026, 7:25 am » wrote: ↑

14 May 2026, 7:25 am

What sorta **** idiot believes that truck drivers go eyeballs deep in debt to earn a "degree"? Are you **** retarded?

I am going to piss on the floor and rub your nose in it.

Snick snick ha ha [/quote]