When one of my friends graduated HS (in 1989), his dad gave him 3 options:

1 - $15k he can use to start a business

2 - $15k to travel the world

Or

3 - $15k to start college

$15k was about six months salary for his dad in 1989.

He opted for #2, which he was able to stretch for about 4 years.

He then returned home with a wife at which point he started his own business (general contracting).

After which he went to college (in his late 30's).

My friend is now 53 y/o and he made a similar offer to his son who graduated last week.

We're waiting to hear the decision.

I suspect the dollar number is a bit more then $15k considering his dad's income bracket, but the actual figure wasn't disclosed.

Which option would take coming out of HS?