I'd tell them that's fine so long as they have an alternative plan that will work out for them.

I'll tell them that they can do whatever they want, if it makes them fulfilled and they can excel in it it's more than good enough for me.

Id throw it out of the house and never talk to it again ofc

Good. Though I would still encourage seeking vocational training, even as a backup.

They are a child (let them be a child) .Now - young adult- Different story (I wouldn't ask them why they didn't want to go but instead- What were their plans for life?) In what direction were they going and ultimately how they were planning to survive in thrive. (They deserve the freedom to fail and learn to grow as an individual) I do not own their life. I just hope they think wisely with each choice they must deal with the consequence.

I'd support any choice of my child. Also any other choices that might follow.

ask them what they want to do instead. I went to college and had a fulfilling & debt-free experience so if they were worried about that I could give them guidance on it, but I'm not going to push them into it because 1) that's how your kids resent you, 2) doing something for 4+ years that your heart isn't into is not good for your mental health, and 3) there are lots of viable options aside from college. I won't say a college degree means NOTHING because I don't think that's true at all, but it's also pretty evident that you don't need one to make a financially & emotionally fulfilling living

I have a child? I'd say it's perfectly Okay.

'why the fuck are you talking to me, little one? WHERE ARE YOUR PARENTS!?'

Let them get a job at McDonald's and see how long it takes for them to make up their minds.

I'd want to hear their post-school plans, maybe they have a path to fulfillment or 'success' (however they define it) that doesn't make college necessary - I'm sure as shit not going to foot the bill and force them into something they don't want to do, we will both end up resenting each other

Ask them why. Make sure they're not misinformed or looking at something the wrong way. Beyond that, I'd let them do whatever they want to do. Besides, a college education doesn't mean very much these days in the US (other than a massive debt).

I'd be like, "thank god, my child isn't a NERD"