Reply To: What is a Yeshiva Education Worth to You?

Ames, my husband and I both make professional salaries. Combined, we have a six figure salary. Much to Tzippis shock, it really doest go very far in the area I live in. Remember, 3 kids at $12,000 tuition is $36,000 after tax (Which is roughly $55,000 pre-tax). Then add in a mortgage (typically in my area its about $3000 between the mortgage and property taxes which are around $12,000/year) and thats another $36,000. You are already at $91,000, havent taken off maaser or bought food, clothing, commuting costs, medical/car/life insurance,utiliites…I completely understand Cantoresq’s dilemma because I know for me, its the debate to have more children or not.

Also, Kollel is not a career- its a lifestyle choice, and a luxury. Its the same as being a stay at home mom. If you cannot afford the tuition, a stay at home mom should either go to work (assuming day care and commuting costs mean that she will earn something extra over the year – even if its just $1,000) or make a major time contribution like Oomis. Its unfortunate that others don’t seeit this way – if they did, tuition would likely come down because more people can pay full tuition. Tuition is constantly raised to cover the cost of other kids whos parents cannot afford it. Perhaps tuition boards should come up with a list of things you have to get rid of to qualify.

Yossiea – my husband had asked and was told he could use a portion of maaser money, and I’m not the only person that I know of that was told this (granted, even using partial maaser doesnt even come close…). Just ask your LOR.