Parents Ask Kid to Repay Them for College Over 'Not Using the Degree'

July 20, 2026 - 17:11

A recent Reddit post has sparked a heated debate after a parent shared that they are asking their adult child to repay the full cost of college tuition. The reason? The child graduated but never worked in the field they studied.

The original poster explained that they funded their child's education with the understanding that the degree would lead to a high-paying job in a specific industry. Instead, the graduate chose a different career path entirely, one that does not require the degree. Feeling that the investment was wasted, the parents now want the money back.

Reddit users overwhelmingly sided with the graduate. Many argued that paying for a child's education is a gift, not a loan with strings attached. "You don't get to retroactively charge rent because your kid didn't become a doctor," one commenter wrote. Others pointed out that a degree still holds value even if it is not used directly, as it teaches critical thinking and opens doors in unexpected ways.

The thread highlights a growing tension between generations over the rising cost of higher education. While some parents see tuition as a shared investment with expected returns, many young adults view it as support for personal growth. As one user summed it up: "They don't owe you a dime. You chose to pay. They chose their life."