Why is everyone attending college nowadays? A big question that Lisa explores in this week’s episode. Decades ago, graduating high school and going straight to work wasn’t uncommon, and only part of the student base headed off to start college courses. Now, it seems the reverse. How did that happen, and how does it affect us today?
College for All: Where It Came From—and Why It’s Failing Our Kids
Podcast: It’s Not That Hard to Homeschool
Host: Lisa Nehring
Website: https://notthathardtohomeschool.com
Episode Summary
For decades, parents have been told there’s only one path to success: college. But where did the College for All mindset come from—and is it actually serving our kids today?
In this episode, veteran homeschool mom and education leader Lisa Nehring breaks down the history of the college-for-all philosophy, how it reshaped education, and why more families are questioning whether college is truly the best—or only—option for their teens.
If you’re feeling pressure about college decisions, student debt, or what success should really look like after high school, this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps.
🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Where the College for All movement originated—and why it wasn’t accidental
- How rising tuition, student debt, and dropout rates changed the ROI of college
- Why trades, certifications, and skill-based paths are making a comeback
- How automation and AI are reshaping the future workforce
- Why homeschool families are uniquely positioned to think differently
- Five practical ways parents can help teens build direction without debt
📉 The Real Cost of “College = Success”
Lisa shares eye-opening data, including:
- Why nearly half of college students don’t finish
- How college costs have risen over 750% since 1980
- Why many graduates are underemployed in jobs that don’t require a degree
- How student loan debt has quietly become a massive revenue stream
More importantly, she explains how tying a teen’s worth to a college acceptance letter has created anxiety, confusion, and misplaced priorities—and what to do instead.
🧭 A Better Question Than “Where Are You Going to College?”
Instead of asking where your teen is going, Lisa encourages parents to ask:
- What problems do you want to solve?
- Who do you want to serve?
- What kind of life do you want to build?
These questions lead to direction, purpose, and confidence—with or without a traditional four-year degree.
🛠️ Practical Alternatives to the College-Only Path
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
- Dual enrollment and accredited degree pathways
- Trade certifications and tech credentials
- Apprenticeships and hands-on skill building
- How homeschoolers can graduate teens debt-free and prepared
Lisa also shares how families can research college ROI using tools like the College Scorecard and PayScale—and why teaching teens to evaluate financial decisions matters.
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🚀 Ready to Explore Smarter Pathways?
True North Academy offers accredited, skill-based pathways that allow students to earn a high school diploma alongside an associate or bachelor’s degree—or stack certifications for trades and tech careers.
👉 Schedule a free advising call at https://truenorthhomeschool.academy
❤️ Final Takeaway
College for all started as a dream of opportunity—but it’s become a trap for many families.
The future belongs to students who can create, adapt, build, and lead—with or without a degree.
As Lisa reminds us:
The goal isn’t a degree. It’s direction. Character. Competence. Calling.
You’ve got this. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Lisa Nehring and her husband, Dr. David Nehring, a Clinical Psychologist, and Biblical Scholar speak together on a wide variety of topics, including education, classical education, vision, mission, parenting, marriage, and more.
- 25% Of Colleges Could Close – And What Smart Families Are Doing About It - February 25, 2026
- All The Options - February 15, 2026
- Life and Leadership Skills - February 3, 2026
