It seems like every day I read something like: “65 yr old Grandma goes back to College & gets degree” where it goes on how wonderful this is. Now, oftimes this is a State Coll or University, ie her Education was heavily subsidized by public funds, ie Tax dollars. Now, I have no kids myself, but I have no objection to paying (reasonable )taxes to sent youngsters to school & college. Afterall, it’s an investment in our country’s future. But why do we pay taxes to send grandma back to college? How is THAT an investment in our country’s future?
Should Grannie pay in full for her “wonderful” fulfillment, or should we help pay?
Because maybe Granny will go into business for herself or begin working for a place without a mandatory retirement age and thus become a wage earner and taxpayer rather than living off a fixed SS income.
Granny may well have 20 yrs in her, but by that example, the kids have 65 good years in them. So our investment pays bigger dividends. About 16X, if you figure it. But remember, also, school $$ are limited, so for every “granny” there is a “junior” who doesn’t get to go to college.
Here at UK, we have such a program (the Donovan Scholars), which I believe is paid for out of a private endowment.
Besides, most internists I’ve worked with say that the best thing most of their older patients could do for themselves is to get out and do something. If we can encourage them to do that, I don’t mind throwing a few tax dollars that way.
Plus, I’d say that the actual cost is negligible. Often these people are taking up a seat in a classroom that would otherwise be empty, so it doesn’t actually cost any more to have them there. (Most of these programs depend on such availability, if I’m not mistaken–if a paying student wants your spot in the class, you have to give it up.)
I think it’s great. In some cases, it’s necessary. But back to great – many old folks have wonderful things to contribute to college life. I have met older people (I work at a land grant university) who have developed truly rewarding friendships with purple-haired, body-pierced 19-year-olds, among others. Not only does the young person benefit from the older person’s perspective, but what a world it opens for the old folks! Wow… They learn that “Gen Xrs” are not the anathema they are purported to be. And conversely, the Gen Xrs learn that old folks can be fantastic resources and wonderful friends too.
Equally important for college youth is that these oldsters carry our national history around with them, and it’s exciting to learn from them. They have FIRST HAND accounts of events that many of us only read about.
My dad is 79, flew a B-17 in WWII, and has AMAZING stories to tell. He is extremely well versed in military history, as well as the history of our nation. He has read almost everything there is to read about American Indians, ancient Rome, medeival England, Africa, and could tell you more than you would EVER want to know about ANY airplane ever made. He is an extremely talented artist. He is an ‘amateur expert’ about the Civil War. He has visited more Civil War battle fields than anyone I know. He could tell you all about the depression and EXACTLY what it was like, because he lived it. Shall I continue? Because believe me, the list is exhaustive.
So I say good for grandma, grandpa, or any other old person who returns to college, or is going for the first time. It takes guts and commitment. More power to 'em.
Now that I think about it, I’m pretty sure that for any college chartered and in part funded by your friendly neighborhood state legislature, to deny admissions to senior citizens on the basis of age would violate several state and federal statutes regarding equal protection and discrimination.
Oh, I forgot to respond to the original question - I do think our tax dollars are well-spent on oldies going to college. Sorry. One of many newbie mistakes I shall make, to be sure.
)taxes to sent youngsters to school & college. Afterall, it’s an investment in our country’s future. But why do we pay taxes to send grandma back to college? How is THAT an investment in our country’s future?