Learn about Kids: The value of college: six readers share their perspectives

We wonder if a more expensive college was worth the expense. Guardian readers share their thoughts

debt Student Loans in the U.S. is $ 1 billion, the job market for college graduates is the darkest of what has been in a decade, only three of the 30 occupations with the largest number of jobs expected by 2020 will require a bachelor degree or higher for the position, according to the Associated Press. As part of the series of four panels of our people, asked: In a world where a degree is expensive does not guarantee employment, what is the value of the university

"America has mortgaged my generation" - Trevor Wylie

I am the son of a steelworker and beautician, so impressed me on several occasions that growth is going to college was very important. A college degree was the golden ticket to save me all the difficulties and the struggle that saw my parents suffer - or so they said. Now I am faced with debt after graduation 90k next month, and have nothing more than a few interviews to prove it, I can say that there is no way I would take the same road again.

I think one of the most crucial aspects of the epidemic of student debt is that people are forced to make the fundamental decision - and the University of debt or not the university and no prospects - at the age of 17 or 18 years. At this age, I was almost unable to understand the obligation that I was getting into. I warn all young (er) people to learn about the reality they embark before accepting the student loans that are pure exploitation.

The reality we face is daunting:. No job and debt compounded by interest rates ruthlessly inflammation, or a meager salary that is so overwhelmed by my tuition that can hardly be considered worth it

America has mortgaged my generation. I would like nothing more than getting married, buying a house and raise a family. None of these things are an option now because you can not afford to do, even with a job. I'm just an isolated case - many of my colleagues feel exactly the same

"It's a ridiculous amount of money" - Ruthie Dreyer

go to the New School in New York and is certainly a lot of money (about $ 35,000 per year). I honestly do not think my education worth? No, but I think my education is less of a scam that major private universities. All my classes have 15-18 children in them, and our classes are "seminar style", which means students the opportunity to talk much.

Some of my classes are inspiring examples of progressive pedagogy, while others are absolute nightmares. The quality of the class in seminar style depends on efforts by students. I was lazy in high school career, but miraculously transformed into an A student at the New School. I do my reading for classes, because the class is embarrassing and annoying if I do not.

When you plan to do most of the conversation in an argument, and when classes are so small, he is forced to become a reality articulated analytical thinker. I received lots of individual attention from teachers, and take their help whenever I can.

I think the university is a waste of money if you go to get drunk every night and do minimal work for classes. University is certainly expensive, but students are also under-stimulated. Prices must come down, but what if the class size in general. Too many students are paying ridiculous amounts of money just to keep a seat warm.

Association has made my bright future "- Christine Beavers

I must say that my title and my graduate degree was useful. Now doing research in a national laboratory, and my future looks and feels very light, which may be a consequence of not having to look under a mountain of debt that most of my peers. It was very ugly when a friend of mine, who is married and has two children, said he would be entitled to a grant recently divorced. It has 100k + of debt from student loans. Your marriage is worth more to him than - I respect him for that.

Degrees "should be funded" - Robert Owens