Thoughts on College (Even Though My Oldest is Only Five)

The other night a few girlfriends and I started talking about college. College for our children. For Chloe, that age is only 11 years away. Which considering how quickly the last 6 have gone by, we're in some deep trouble.
As an adult feeling the pinch of student loans, the thought of my daughter dealing with the same thing makes me nauseous. But in a one income (teacher salary) family saving for college just isn't a reality for us right now. Ending the month with more than $6 in our bank account is more like it.

This has been on my mind constantly lately. I've come up with the best solution: pray that the rapture happens in the next 11 years. That will solve the "pay for a wedding" issue as well. Heck, our student loans won't even be paid off in the next 11 years so I can cross that off the list as well!

I'm not downplaying the growth that can come from a college experience (meaning going away to a four year college like the husband and I) but maybe college isn't for every kid? That was never an option for me. It was always known and expected that I would get a degree. I was the first person in my family to graduate from college. Those four (three actually, I graduated a semester early, saving thousands of dollars in student loans!) years changed and molded me in a way that nothing else could have. My faith grew exponentially. Friendships were formed that are lifelong. That time in my life I hold so incredibly dear. Both Andrew and I want our kids to have that opportunity, if they decided college was for them.

Where the Hubs and I met, and fell in love. Simpson University, Redding, CA

If they decided against attending a 4 year college, what are their other options? A trade school?  I am really in the dark about this whole realm of education. I guess it's something we'll have to look into when the time comes.

I had the opportunity to go to college for free, and I turned it down. I think about that a lot. Every month in fact when we make another student loan payment. I don't regret my choice, I wouldn't have the life I have now had I not followed the path that I did. But then I think that maybe one of my kids may have that opportunity by getting some type of scholarship. But I also know the hours of hard work, things you give up and money spent to develop your skill and get a scholarship offer. And I'm not sure that's the path I want to head down either.

I don't have the answers to theses questions. I just needed to get the thoughts out. Where do you stand on this issue? Is college essential for everyone? Do you regret your choice to attend college when you get those stinkin' student loan bills?