Why do so many people spend 20,000+ dollars on going to college when...?

they could start their own business with that money and have double the income potential as a college grad?...

Sailon	Nothing is guaranteed in either camp. -There are people who go to college and do very well for themselves. -There are people that do great in highschool and burn out in college. -There are people who go to college and put their all into it only to watch all their time(investment) go up in smoke because the Company that they put their blood,sweat,and tears into just close or sell out. -There are people who start a business who skyrocket because they are focused and their timing is right. -There are people who start a business and before you know it their into something else because their previous plans crapped out. And on & on it goes. You can be assured of one thing though - change- if you learn how to adapt to change and take advantage of it by being Proactive you will be ahead of the curve.
imisidro	Because not everybody is cut out to become entrepreneurs. Some are born or want to become their own boss and start on the path to entrepreneurship at an early age foregoing college education. Like you, they know they have a more limitless earning potential as an entrepreneur, with a more challenging life as they start, grow and manage their own business. High risks, but high rewards as well However, many more want the security of a steady paycheck -- and to get a larger paycheck, you need to have the right education. Some are also risk-averse, and do not want the roller coaster ride of self employment. Each person has a different path. What works for you may not necessarily work for another. As long as the person is happy with the path they've chosen, then that's the important thing.
Yarcofin	Many people have no clue how to run a business and they will go bankrupt very quickly. Even good businesses have trouble generating revenue the first few years. It isn't like everyone who owns their own business is a millionare. Overall, those with a college education make $1,000,000 more on average than those with only a high school diploma. If you go to university, that number is even higher.
MM	Going into business for yourself is no guarantee of making money.
red riter	One can lead a fuller and more rewarding life with a good education. You could learn something about the world and the universe in college. Arts, literature, sciences, etc. It's not just about the money,although statistics clearly show college grads more. It's only $5K a year for a 4-year degree.
bud68	Ain't necessarily so. And there are other benefits to a college education besides earning potential.
snck	Lets see, where to start. 1) What business are you going to open with $20,000 bucks that has double the income potential as a college grad? 2)You are aware that a large majority of business fail to meet expectations or even achieve sustained profitablity? 3)You realize that most self-employeed individuals work much harder and many more hours than those gainfully employeed? 4)You understand that being your own boss means that you have no benefits for which you do not pay. No health insurance, no dental, no matching 401K, life insurance, paid vacation, etc.? 5)Stablity? 6)The benefits of the knowledge aquired while going to school? 7)The people you meet, friendships you develop and business contacts you make at college? 8)The weight a college degree has on financing applications to open/expand your business? There are many more reasons a college education is a valuable asset to have not to mention you still haven't address the first couple of questions about this goldmine you can buy/start up for $20K, and I swear if you point out some hair brain MLM scam your involved in I will throw my computer out the window ou of shear frustration!
J	Where do you get your facts? Most individual businesses fail within a few years - the major reason is lack of money. It is hard to get a college degree for $20k and even more difficult to start a successful business for that amount.