Studying Just Became So Much More Expensive.

When did chasing our dreams start coming with such a heavy price tag? Whether you want to be a model, pilot, or future CEO, there's one thing that's guaranteed: studying is expensive. And no, we're not just talking about your usual tuition hikes. We’re talking about the skyrocketing costs of everything—from classes to rent, textbooks to groceries. Even getting a basic degree feels like it’s reserved for either the super wealthy or the exceptionally gifted.

The harsh reality is that unless you’re a straight-A genius with a full ride, the rest of us are left taking out an education loan or tapping into our savings just to survive. And if you’re daring enough to study internationally? That’s when the big bucks come in. Suddenly, your dream school abroad starts looking more like a distant fantasy, unless you’re prepared to take on a student loan that could haunt you for decades.

The Real Cost of Higher Education

You might be wondering, "How did we even get here?" Over the past few years, we’ve seen tuition at universities around the world skyrocket. And it’s not just tuition—the whole experience is becoming pricier. Everything from accommodation to student fees has seen a steep rise. For students who want to do more than just survive, like attending events or networking, the costs can get out of hand real quick.

One of the big trends we’re seeing is that universities are charging premium prices but not necessarily delivering premium experiences. More students are starting to question whether the traditional route of getting a degree is even worth it. Should we really be drowning in debt for the next 20-30 years for the sake of a diploma?

The Dream Dilemma

For many of us, the dream was always bigger than just staying local. We wanted to go international, immerse ourselves in new cultures, and learn from the best institutions. But with tuition for foreign students being astronomical, it’s no wonder many have had to rethink those dreams. What’s the point of chasing an international degree if it means spending the next chunk of your life buried under an education loan?

A recent tweet summed up the frustration perfectly:
“Does anyone else feel like no matter how much you pay towards your student loans, the interest is so crazy that the number never goes down? Or is it just me.”

That pretty much hits the nail on the head. With interests piling up, it often feels like the amount you owe just never shrinks. Instead, you’re stuck in a cycle of paying off interest while the actual debt barely budges.

The Elite Few

Let’s be real: for many, higher education is starting to feel like a club reserved for the elite. If you’re not coming from a wealthy family or aren’t the next Albert Einstein, you’re either taking on significant debt or missing out on the opportunity altogether. Of course, scholarships and grants help, but the competition for those is fierce. If you're not excelling in every aspect, you’re likely left to fend for yourself with a hefty student loan.

Some argue that this is the way the system works—higher education is an investment. But what happens when that investment doesn’t pay off the way you hoped? Not every student walks out of college as a CEO, and for many, the debt isn’t proportional to the opportunities available.

Is There a Way Out?

So, where does this leave us? The conversation around student loans and the cost of education has never been more urgent. People are waking up to the fact that the traditional model of higher education needs a major overhaul. We need solutions that don't involve lifelong debt just to get a degree.

Some students are taking alternative paths—online degrees, trade schools, or opting for internships over traditional college routes. There’s even a growing trend of students questioning whether a degree is necessary at all for certain careers. After all, not every dream requires a formal education, especially in today’s digital world.

But for those of us still keen on getting that degree, whether it’s to become a pilot, model, or something else entirely, we’re left hoping that the system will change before it’s too late. Because right now, it feels like the price of studying is getting higher while the payoff remains uncertain.

So, as the cost of living and studying continues to rise, students are left grappling with a difficult question: How much is too much when it comes to investing in your education?