Student Loan Forgiveness

[Merlin]

I didn't go to college because I could not afford it, and the jobs I got suffered because of it.  Other people took out loans, got degrees, and are now in management.  So my boss wont have to pay back their loan, and I still wont have a degree. That's BS.  If they lose their debt, they should lose their degree.

Hmmm there is fallacy in this type of logic, 
I sense resentment, 
A loan doesn't cancel out all the hours of study to earn a degree, a loan doesn't buy you a degree, it facilitates the payments but the work is still there, up to the student to earn those grades
Colleges overcharge. 
But no one should lose their degree because a loan is forgiven.

I agree. But I can also see why some people may be resentful. Particularly those who were unwilling or unable to complete the degree they wanted when they were younger.

That said, earning a degree takes a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. Unless someone comes from a family of wealth where the money for college isn't a concern, attending college requires certain sacrifices. Forgiving some college debt doesn't take away the effort and time it took to earn the degree. I'm sure they didn't pursue the degree with the intention of taking on debt because they knew it would be forgiven later.

Anyone can (and has always been able to) get a degree if they are willing to make sacrifices. For some people that means working hard in high school to earn scholarships and grants; or working multiple jobs for a few years to earn money for college; or spending several years in military service. Others take on debt that will likely follow them around for the bulk of their adult life. Here on this forum people's sacrifices include doing a ton of research, spending a lot of time figuring out a plan and taking courses, and assuming some risk by pursuing a non-traditional education that may not be accepted everywhere, in exchange for paying a lot less for a college degree.

Personally, I disagree with the concept of debt forgiveness unless it is a one-time thing and comes in conjunction with a change in the way public colleges are funded (and how college expenses are audited). Otherwise, we're going to be right back in the same place we were in a few years. Nobody should be required to take on debt to get a 4-year degree from a public college or university. Sure, if they want to pay to go to a fancy private school, that is their choice but so is the debt responsibility. There should always be an avenue for free or inexpensive college that is available to everyone who pays taxes.

And one doesn't need a degree to make big money, it is all about hard work, dedication and skills.

I can attest to this. I didn't earn my first degree until a couple of years ago and I'm far closer to retirement than I am to college age. I've been earning a very good living for most of my adult life. But it had nothing to do with my academic accolades. It was more about self-education, picking up some valuable skills, honing my craft by putting in a lot of time and hard work, taking some calculated risks, and making the right kind of connections along the way. I've never needed a degree to earn a living. I really only decided to pursue a degree because it was a life goal of mine to do so and now that I've started down the path, I have determined that I really like academia and I want to eventually earn a doctorate so I can teach, or maybe do research and write books later in life.