When Bridget was 17 years old she and her mom went on a tour of UW-Whitewater

Mom:It's time for you to decide what you want to do.

Bridget:I know what I want but how are we going to pay for this?

Mom:Well when I was your age...

Beth:I'm going to work.

Friend:Why do you work so much?

Beth:I have to pay for college.

Beth: With earning only $3.35 and hour, I have to work more hours.

Friend: That's why I'm not going to college and just working full time.

Beth: But see with the education I'm getting I'll get paid more in the future because that's what employers look for, education.

Friend: I don't think it's worth it...

(Interruption)

Bridget: But mom, why do you get paid more if you go to college?

Mom: Don't worry, I'm getting there.

(Back to memory)

Beth: College will be more expensive if you decide to go later.

Friend: It's okay I'll be secure at my job and won't need to further my education.

Friend: Plus, you have to pay about $8,000 to go to college.

Beth: Yeah but I'll get paid more after college because I'll have my degree.

Beth: Plus, student loans can help pay for my tuition. I could get one from the government or a bank. Thanks to The Middle Income Student Assistance Act, now I don't even have to tell them my income because anyone can get a loan.

Beth: Also, did you know unemployment rate is higher for high school graduates than college.

Friend: But you will be in debt and you won't earn enough money. 1 in 6 Americans have student loan debt.

Beth: But you could get fired and someone with a college degree will take your job.

(Interruption)

Bridget: I don't want to be in debt when I graduate mom.

Mom: You won't. I'm not in debt. I was able to pay for all my loans three years after graduation.

Bridget: College is now $20,000 or more not $8,000. That's more than double! With all the interest I'll have to pay, I'll definitely be in debt.

Mom: Yes, I know college tuition has increased but so has minimum wage. You earn $7.50 at ACE and minimum wage is $7.25. You can save some money and get loans. You can go to college.

Grandma: Sorry I'm late. What did I miss?

Bridget: I really don't think I can afford going here.

Grandma: Yes you can Bridget. You can ask for a loan like we did.

Bridget: How much did you pay for college?

Grandma: I paid about $700.

Bridget: How much did you get paid at work though?