What’s the best approach for wisdom, formal education or experience? I wonder…

As our two children head off to college and we pay the first semester tuition, I pause (first trying not to choke) and consider the myriad ways humans become wiser.  Despite modern conditions that indicate a college education is necessary and reflects the equivalent of a high school diploma in the 60’s, I am not convinced the tuition bill is worth the education our children will receive.  Not a great feeling.  When I was the same age, college fees were a small percent of today’s cost. But also, I’ve learned over the years that my “real Life” experiences have proved more valuable for my development than my formal education.

You may ask then why are we sending our children to college. It is never that simple; here are a few answers. They want to go to college. Their development will evolve over the next years at college and formal education is a solid stepping stone to maturity and life preparation.  Staying home and working is not the best choice for all of our relationships.

Knowing that I have posed an either/or question, what is your view on the subject? What happened for you? What do you encourage for today’s young people – formal education or experience? I wonder.