The same parent believes, as a tenet of life in America, that his progeny deserves a "college education" regardless of cost. Right or wrong, parents and students accept this precept. It is further reinforced by public service announcements that proclaim that a 'college' degree is the only way to achieve in this country.
The cost of the degree can be painful and expensive. One student in High School, a star athlete, may get a full scholarship in anticipation of wealth from National Team selection and some do.
Other parents select to pay for or borrow for that child's degree...when there is no athletic scholarship.
I got a degree at my parents urging. They paid, I paid by working through five years of classes. The first year was an academic disaster. My parents believed in me and supported my travel to Europe in my third year.
In my parapatric college life I moved thirteen times, worked five jobs, and graduated two years after returning from my voyage. I had Ninety dollars in the bank, a summer job offer, and confidence. Tuition had just increased by Fifty percent but Ninety dollars would still buy fifteen to eighteen credit hours.
No employer has ever asked for my Degree, just if I had one.
