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What can I say to my daughter?

My 18 year old daughter says she is "200% sure" she wants to go to ORU. It's a charismatic evangelical 'for profit' university founded by Oral Roberts. It costs over $41,000 per year.
When I asked her why she chose that school, she said that God called her to it. 😕
Even if she were to get a full scholarship (she's gotten a $6K drop in the bucket already) I really don't think this school will be a good choice. She wants to study early childhood development, which I think is great, but there are plenty of more affordable schools for that.
I feel that she's using the God thing to avoid applying logic to her decision. She knows I'm a non-believer and we have agreed to disagree on the subject.
I value my relationship with her above all else.
How can I convince her that this is a bad decision without insulting her beliefs?

Papa1965 5 Apr 13
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36 comments (26 - 36)

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1

No one truly chooses a college based on god calling them. There's another reason that the excuse is masking.

1

tell her to come to canada. she can get a better education for less that 10,000/yr.
and with the exchange rate you get a 30% discount.

1

If it isn't a full scholarship, I might just talk about economic practicality. ECD is awesome, but it isn't going to bring in lots and lots of extra cash as far as I know. Also, does she know about all their rules? Dress code, you need to submit an excuse within 48 hours if you miss church, no water balloons, no social dancing...Look over the handbook with her. [handbook.oru.edu]

2

All you can do is love them and let them live their lives. I know it sounds simple. But what else can you do?

It does sound simple. The truth often does. 😉

1

discuss student loans, the job placement prospects, and the national ranking of the school in that subject - ie probable value to cost ratios. pure economics.
Suggest she keep and open mind until you visit two or thee other viable options. For my daughter we visited five before we found the one where she felt it was a good fit to attend. My son visted all those and one of his choosing before deciding to stay here and go to a state university.
Also point out part of the college experience is the opportunity to be exposed to a great variety of people and beliefs. doesn't always happen but in theory...

0

I don't think you can convince her. All you can do is make it clear that any debt is on her. Don't provide money or co-sign on loans. You can also get information on the average amount of debt graduates usually have. Finally, I would get job and graduate school placement rates for the school. I'll bet they're pretty dismal. In academia, this isn't even considered a 'real' institution of higher education (based on the curriculum and the educational rigor of the institution -- which may or may not be based on their religious foundation (I had to say that last even though it's more like a religious high school),

1

Try to ask her.... were all the Money of those Students goes. Is it Returned back to the Needy and Poor?

1

She is passively being aggressive towards you. Let her go where she wishes but without your support or money. She is an adult so let her live her life with all of its consequences.

0

Are you paying the tuition? If yes, you have a leg to stand on. If no, give it up. It is her decision, her money , her future.

1

Sorry to break it to you but you've lost your daughter already. She doesn't respect reality, doesn't respect reason and she doesn't respect you. You're only delaying the inevitable.

I have a similar situation. My daughter isn't a believer, but my ex took her to shrinks and she's now fully brainwashed to hate me. Even if she sought to make up, the times we should have spent together are gone forever, and the frustration has burned whatever bridge might have been left. I've moved on with my life. I have no choice except to disown and forget her. I could say that she'll always be my daughter, but so what?

She inherited her mother's emotional illnesses and her pains gives her something to talk about.

1

I really don't have an answer for this...just that she is an adult and she will do what she wants no matter what you say....is she trying to antagonize you with going to a school with beliefs that you don't agree with? Maybe, but she will find her own way...will it be the right way? Not sure....but that is how we learn in life...by making mistakes.

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