Grant Cardone: Controversial Opinions on College and Homeownership

Entrepreneur and real estate mogul Grant Cardone is no stranger to controversy. His bold opinions often spark heated debates, particularly his recent assertions that most people should not attend college and that buying a house is a poor investment. These statements challenge conventional wisdom, prompting many to reconsider their financial strategies.

Why Cardone Says College Isn’t Worth It for Most People

Cardone argues that spending four to six years pursuing a college degree—often incurring significant debt in the process—may not be the best use of time and resources. He emphasizes that much of the information taught in college is readily available online for free. In an interview on the "Success Story" podcast, he stated, "You could literally open an iPad up and learn."

While Cardone acknowledges that college can be beneficial for some, he believes that the majority should reconsider their educational paths unless they are attending top-tier institutions that offer valuable networking opportunities.

The Data Behind His Claims

Supporting Cardone’s perspective, data from the Education Data Initiative reveals that the average return on investment (ROI) for a bachelor’s degree starts negative—around -4.09% in the first decade—and takes about 11 years in the workforce to break even. The total cost of earning a typical degree, including tuition, room and board, and student loan interest, is estimated at $255,217.

However, it’s essential to note that long-term earnings potential remains strong for many graduates. A 2025 graduate with a bachelor’s degree can expect to earn approximately $7.95 million over their lifetime, significantly more than someone with just a high school diploma or an associate degree. Degrees in fields like finance, engineering, and computer sciences tend to yield the highest returns.

The Real Cost of Owning a Home

Cardone’s other contentious stance is that buying a house is "a terrible investment." In a discussion on the "Digital Social Hour" podcast, he pointed out that homeownership incurs ongoing costs—such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance—without generating income. "It doesn’t cash flow," he explained. "Even when the loan’s paid, you still gotta pay property taxes, still gotta insure it, still gotta maintain it."

Distinguishing Between Homeownership and Investment

Cardone makes a clear distinction between owning a primary residence and investing in income-generating real estate. "I’m not saying don’t own real estate," he clarified. "I’m saying take all the money that you would have spent on that house and invest in real estate that cash flows."

Data from Bankrate supports some of Cardone’s concerns. The average annual cost of owning and maintaining a single-family home in 2024 was over $18,000—26% more than four years prior. In high-cost states like California or New Jersey, that figure can exceed $25,000 per year.

Is He Right?

While Cardone’s views may not resonate with everyone, he acknowledges that some individuals should pursue higher education. "Are there some people that should go to college? 100%," he states. For those who value stability, community, or emotional ties to their home, the benefits of buying may outweigh the financial downsides.

However, for those focused solely on financial growth, Cardone’s advice is clear: don’t follow the crowd. Rethink traditional paths, run the numbers, and make choices based on long-term value rather than societal expectations.

Conclusion

Grant Cardone’s controversial opinions on college and homeownership challenge the status quo, encouraging individuals to critically assess their financial decisions. Whether you agree with him or not, his insights prompt a valuable conversation about the evolving landscape of education and investment in today’s world.