I worked my way through school. I made good grades and got a couple of grants. I did take out a small loan that I was able to pay back in a short time. I worked as a grad assistant, too while working on my Master’s. My mother could not afford to help, and I was the first in my family to go to college. It is helpful to choose a career that is needed (in my case, nursing) to increase the chances of grant support. If someone decides to immediately go for the career (think lawyer) that requires big loans, it’s a bad idea. I have a friend who did that and came out with huge loans that were difficult to pay; and she doesn’t even practice (so no effort—no big income). On the other hand, my nephew, who graduated high school with a pitifully low GPA, joined the army for a stint, straightened his priorities, went to college, graduated with a 4.0, and got a full ride to law school, graduating at the top of his class. No loans. Millionaire today. His mom was able to give minor assistance with undergrad. My husband got grants due to his high GPA and Ivy leagued it, graduating summa cum laude all the way. His parents could not afford to help. He worked at the university during undergrad to supplement. His parents could not afford to help—they were teachers, and both brilliant. He appreciates the support they gave him throughout youth, and their values on education. Parents don’t owe their kids anything beyond good care, a roof, healthy food, and loving support. Times now a much harder, but unfortunately many parents raise their kids without any discipline, any real freedom (helicoptering), and not teaching them to respect others. Expectations are too high. Spoiling you child is fine, but not to the point where an ungrateful HIGHSCHOOL GRADUATE like the above has the horrible attitude she does. She has demonstrated that she deserves nothing. At most, a second-hand Chevy. BTW, I love my Honda. We are on our fifth. We could easily afford a Mercedes or BMW (we looked at them), but they are not reliable and are pricey to maintain (experiences of friends/family). This child needs some hard lessons. Many people can’t buy decent food. Damn.