Would Donald Trump Have Gone to College Without Draft or Student Loans?
These type questions often arise when diving into the life of former President Donald Trump. Whether it's his academic background or his career trajectory, one can certainly find a wealth of information. A significant aspect that is often debated is his college education. A frequently asked question is, would Donald Trump have gone to college if there were no student deferments or military draft options available to him? Was his sole rationale for attending college to avoid the draft?
Understanding Background
Donald Trump, born in 1946 to a wealthy family in New York, had significant resources at his disposal. His father, Fred Trump, was a successful real estate developer. Therefore, his college education was likely a decision influenced by both personal and financial factors. To explore this question, it's essential to look at the context available during that time.
The Role of Military Service
It is well-known that Donald Trump briefly served in the National Guard, becoming a commissioned officer. If there were no way to defer military service to pursue higher education, it might be speculated that he would have served his duty. This leads to the fundamental question of whether his primary motivation for college was to avoid the draft.
Student Loans and Deferments
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, when Donald Trump was of college age, student loans and deferments were relatively new concepts. Before the implementation of the Guaranteed Student Loan program in 1965 and the formation of the Selective Service System in the United States, deferments were less common for college students. Without these options, the cost barrier for college education was higher, and many young men like Trump would likely have faced the considerable challenge of financing their higher education.
Personal and Financial Considerations
Donald Trump's decision to attend the University of Pennsylvania ( Wharton School) likely had multiple layers of reasoning. From a personal standpoint, he wanted to gain the credentials necessary to join the family business and further his career in the real estate and finance industries. Furthermore, the cost and unforeseeable demands of military service over the drawn-out period of the Vietnam War would have presented significant risks and uncertainties.
Contemporaneous Opinions and Context
Historically, college education was a privilege for many, and not everyone had the opportunity or the means to attend. Deferments and student loans became crucial for young people who sought higher education despite their draft status. Without these options, the decision to pursue college could have been greatly influenced by financial considerations and career aspirations rather than a desire to avoid military service.
Conclusion
The question of whether Donald Trump would have gone to college without the availability of student deferments or military draft remains an intriguing one. Donald Trump's decision to attend the University of Pennsylvania was influenced by both financial and personal circumstances, reflecting a broader context of the era. It is fair to conclude that his primary motivation for attending college was more about career advancement and gaining the credentials needed after graduation, rather than solely avoiding military service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the main reason for Donald Trump going to college to avoid the draft?
While avoiding the draft was a possibility, it is not the only reason or the primary motivation for Donald Trump's decision to go to college. His family background and the financial resources available to him, combined with the prospect of career development, were also significant factors.
How impactful were student loans and deferments during the time of Donald Trump's college education?
Student loans and deferments played a crucial role in making college education accessible to many, including Donald Trump. These financial instruments allowed young individuals to pursue higher education without facing immediate financial strain.
Did Donald Trump face any challenges in his college education?
Despite attending a prestigious university, Donald Trump faced challenges, including the need for financial resources and the demands of family business involvement. His academic background and the use of student deferments were instrumental in navigating these challenges.