[danjoc]

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 :-/

[knbknb]

I'm German. I think this idea "Get a degree in Germany" is not impossible, but it would be quite risky for Americans. There are just too many unknowns or uncontrollable factors.

Many subjects, say Biology, are actually difficult to get in, even for Germans. Not having the language skills would mean you're in for bad grades from the very beginning.

It'll work only for a few majors, and only with a considerable effort, ideally before enrolling, to obtain relevant information (about costs and specifics) concerning the admission procedure and moving to Germany (or some other European country where college tuition is low, say Austria)

[pkaye]

Does Germany pay for room and board while studying?

[kenny87]

free means tuition-free. so yes, students have to pay for living expenses, books, etc.

[alexvoda]

But i think it still ends up cheaper than just the tuition in the USA.