Hello, my name is Jacob and I am currently a high school senior. My ultimate goal is to hear people’s feedback on my situation to better weigh the advantages and disadvantages of going to college. First, a little about me. By graduation I will have a 4.1 GPA with a 1400-1500 SAT score. While both of these are pretty good, it still doesn’t make college free at the schools I’m looking at. I have roughly $25k in a 529 right now, and estimate $30-35k by the time I would enroll in college. I’m looking at public 4 year schools in Colorado with a good business program. Most schools I’m looking at have sticker prices of $25-30k/year. After financial aid would be awarded, I would be looking at $15-20k/year. Unfortunately merit scholarships will be the only ones I get most likely (I’m a white, third generation student). If we assume that the total cost will be $70k, I could pay $35k from savings, and probably another $20k as I worked throughout college. That would leave me with $15k in debt if all goes well. As I mentioned, my goal is to go into business and ultimately own my own business which does not require a degree. My goal is to use coasting FI/RE to save enough money in my 20’s and 30’s to semi-retire before 40. Financially speaking, I’m wondering if it would be better to take the 35k in the 529 and invest it, work while others are in college, and avoid student loan payments of $200-300/month. I know that a graduate might make more money post-graduation, but the opportunity cost of those loan payments could help catch me up. I know that it’s good to get the education, have the experience, network, and get a degree. The reality is that with my GPA and test scores being so high, I would almost feel like I was wasting all of that hard work if I didn’t go to college. I’ve read/watched a lot about this topic and over and over again I see people regretting their financial decisions in their early years. That’s why I’m trying to seek advice from the older generation and avoid those mistakes. I sincerely appreciate you all taking the time to read this and comment your thoughts. Thank you!