College: The Other Costs

For all of its benefits, college has drawbacks beyond the exorbitant financial costs. This cautionary program examines the dangers awaiting unsuspecting and unprepared students. Members of fraternities and sororities, for instance, make social and professional connections, but Greek life has its dark side, such as hazing. Andrew, a former frat member, talks about the initiation ritual that almost killed him, which involved drinking a large quantity of alcohol and vomiting to excess (he previously spoke about the incident for an exposé in Rolling Stone). Andrew believes that fraternities are more likely to evade consequences for adverse outcomes when their alumni sit on boards or make large donations. The downside of college sports is given short shrift here as the program moves on to look at “study drugs” such as Adderall, a performance-enhancing substance meant to increase academic production (although some experience short-term gains, it is estimated that 10 percent will become addicted). For students who take out loans, debt can follow them for years, especially as interest and collection fees accumulate (some students turn to semi-legitimate forms of employment, like escort work, to pay their bills). Also covering the consequences of binge drinking and dehydration at spring break destinations, College: The Other Costs alerts students to the worst aspects of the college experience, covering much ground in a relatively short timeframe, but it unfortunately lacks discussion of preventative measures or solutions. A strong optional purchase. Aud: H, C, P (K. Fennessy)