We asked parents in our Paying for College 101 Facebook Group, “What is the most important thing that you want your child to get, or become, because of college?” Many parents responded, and their answers ranged from the obvious to the downright surprising.
The Ability to Get a Job Was #1
“I wanted mine to be employable. There. I said it.” — Kris C.
“Employment… specifically, good employment that allows my child to live the lifestyle he was raised with or better.” — Deborah T.S. 
“Independence, solid employment, and a great life experience!” — Julie C.
“Well-rounded, knowledgeable, and set up for a lucrative and fulfilling career.” — Ronda S.
Becoming Critical Thinkers Who Are Ready to Do Good Was Also Important
“I want them to become critical thinkers who serve their communities with empathy.” — Robyn G.
“I want my children and my students to come out well-rounded, with great communication skills and the ability to think critically. The soft skills are going to carry these kids through the rest of their lives. I teach a non-majors chemistry course. Most of the students are not going to use chemistry but they will use the critical thinking skills that are necessary for success.” — Janet G.
“I believe an educated society is a better one. Critical thinking and being surrounded by others that come from all over to help shape a worldview are important.” — Kris T. T.
“I wanted my kids to follow their dreams and ambitions, college or not. For those who go to college, I want them to find people who understand and support them and to find ways to grow, not necessarily in a classroom. I want them to step outside their comfort zone. I wanted them to mature, recognize that things are rarely set in stone and that it is OK if they change their minds or even experience failure. Each of my three children took a different path — one did not go to college but earned a trade certificate, one had “some college,” and one earned a bachelor’s degree by 20 and a master’s degree at 23. And I’m well aware that most people don’t work their entire lives in one career or sometimes even remotely related to their major, so I never expected a singular, unwavering path.” — Donna S.
Graduating Debt-Free And Able to Support Themselves Were Also Key
“I want them to graduate debt-free, have an experience of growth and independence, exposure to a variety of people and viewpoints, and skills for a relevant career.” — Shelly N.
“I want them to be debt-free at graduation, I want them to have critical thinking skills, and a satisfying job that pays enough to support a family — and hopefully survival skills to deal with whatever comes.” — Trina J.S.
Finally, There Were The Answers That Made Us LOL
“I’m just hoping he does his laundry regularly next year.” — Kurt K.
“Where do I want them to be? Out of my house!! (JK)?” — Diana CG
To join this and other conversations like it with parents just like you, join our Paying for College 101 Facebook Group.
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