Rob, your advice is, as usual, good from a purely financial, and somewhat short-term, perspective. However, higher education has purposes beyond the financial; it produces a broader understanding of the world, develops creative and critical thinking based on evidence and reason, teaches organizing and communication skills, helps students learn to research and, hence, learn how to learn, fosters self-discipline and, importantly, aids in developing an informed citizenry. Note that a significant portion of those who were duped by the demagogue to the south were those without higher education. This is not to say that the skills I mention aren't also useful on the job, though their utility may often be ignored by managers or finance writers. Strong organizational, thinking and communication skills have a long-term utilitarian value that often prove more important than understanding current software or techniques of production, most of which will become outmoded. $20K may not be a mistake.