Back to School Ad

Opened my hotmail this morning and this was an ad in the sidebar of my inbox. As you may know, I am cursed with uncontrollable over-analyzation of advertising. Why did they choose this picture for a student loan ad?? What is the message supposed to be?? A few possibilities:

1. This crazy-ass old man will whip you with a hickory switch until you agree to go back to school
2. Behold the grim face of under-education.
3. Enroll in The Bridge Troll Academy today!
4. This is Grant. He will loan you college tuition in exchange for "foot rubs" and discretion.
   
5. You want to end up looking like a deranged vampire owl??? Go back to school!!