Peace Studies Or Something More Practical?

Dear Mongoose,

My son is a senior at ECHS this year. He is and has always been a very good student and has his sights set on a very prestigious liberal arts college near Los Angeles. I am very happy and proud for him with one exception, he wants to major in "peace studies". The school is very expensive and I feel I should have some say in his major, do you agree?

Dear Keeper of Knowledge,

Tuition...$30,000/year X 4=$120,000
Books...$3,000/year X 4= $12,000
Room & Board..$10,000X 4= $40,000

Earning your degree= $172,000

I didn't graduate from college but that's all pretty easy math. Other than becoming a foreign diplomat or professional hippy, I have no idea what practical use there is for a "peace studies" degree. Let's assume when your son graduates he lands the ambassador of Kryzeckistan position.  According to whatever statistic I googled, base salary is $30,000. Call me stupid but one of-- if not the main purpose of earning a degree is to better your chances of getting a job--one that will allow you to repay student loans, eat, have working heat and air in your own home and so on. Talk to your son, see what his career aspirations are. My opinion is if your career aspirations' yearly salary doesn't  equal half of the total tuition cost--aspire differently. Again--I never graduated college but I can pay my bills and know how to use a calculator.

We'll See Ya,
Mongoose