What if your child doesn’t go to college—then what? Hannah Maruyama of Degree Free joins me to explore real options for homeschool families choosing a different path.
Today we’re tackling a question that comes up again and again for homeschool parents: If we don’t send our kids to college, then what do we do with them?
To help us unpack this, I’m joined by Hannah Maruyama, founder of Degree Free and host of the Degree Free podcast. Hannah is passionate about helping families and young people see the incredible opportunities that exist outside the traditional college route.
In this conversation, we’ll talk about practical alternatives to a four-year degree, how parents can prepare their kids for meaningful work and life, and what it looks like to build a future without relying on the college system.
Whether you’re already committed to a degree-free path or just beginning to question the college default, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and plenty of fresh ideas.
If We Don’t Send Our Kids to College, Then What Do We Do With Them?
This is episode 332 of the Homeschool with Moxie Podcast.
Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s becoming more and more relevant for homeschool families — exploring real options beyond college and helping kids design meaningful, successful lives without the traditional degree path.
Joining me is Hannah Maruyama, co-founder of Degree Free and a leading voice in the movement toward redefining success after high school.
Hannah’s Personal Journey
We kick off the conversation by asking Hannah to share her story — what experiences shaped her views on higher education and inspired her to become an advocate for the degree-free path. Her journey reveals why she’s so passionate about helping families see that success doesn’t have to start with a college acceptance letter.
Parent Perspectives & Mindset Shifts
For many parents, deciding not to send their child to college can feel risky or even scary. In this episode, we dig into questions like:
- How do parents typically react when their child considers a degree-free path?
- What mindset shifts help parents feel confident in choosing alternatives to college?
- Is college really the “insurance policy” we’ve been told it is — or could skipping it open new doors?
Understanding Teen Motivation & Decision-Making
From the teen’s perspective, the pressure to choose college can be intense — but do most really know what they want?
We explore:
- Why so many teens automatically choose college after high school.
- Whether they’re driven by true goals or just societal and social expectations.
- The essential conversations every parent should have with their teen before making big decisions about the future.
Real-World Preparation & Alternatives
When families open the door to other possibilities, what do those look like in real life?
We ask Hannah:
- What are practical alternatives to college that help teens gain direction and purpose?
- Is our current high school system actually preparing kids for real-world success?
- How can homeschool parents design an education that builds the soft and hard skills needed to thrive outside the college system?
Success Stories & Inspiration
Hannah also shares real stories of young people who chose to skip college and still built fulfilling, sustainable lives and careers on their own terms. Their journeys challenge the traditional narrative of what success looks like and offer powerful proof that there’s more than one way to thrive. These stories inspire confidence for families exploring alternative paths, showing that with creativity, purpose, and the right skills, a degree isn’t the only key to a meaningful future.
Closing & Resources
Listen to the full episode to hear the insights, stories, and encouragement Hannah shares for homeschool parents rethinking what comes after high school.
Connect with Hannah and Degree Free here:
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