I get what he's saying. I believe the debt I acquired in college really messed up my life.

But there's also the fact that college is now free in Germany, and that offer is open to Americans. I actively tried to persuade a family member to at least consider Germany as an option. After all, what could be better? Free degree, travel Europe on holidays, no drinking age issues.

She didn't consider it. She's going to a college nobody has ever heard of in the US and spending $45K annually for the privilege. At least I tried :-/