I went the academic route
My wife did not
She makes almost twice than me and we both have six figure salaries

there are pros and cons with each track...
my wife is currently in school now just for shits and giggles and because her job pays for
she is also in school something she loves
I went to school for something I wanted to do since I was 6

if they don't go I wont be disappointed
but they will have our support either way