Is College worth it anymore?

[BabyGurlAron06]

Is wondering if college is worth the cost and time anymore.... Please tell me what you think feel...

[cloudsoup]

considering i've only recently graduated with an
associate's degree in interior design, i can't really
say yes or no since my college experience has yet
to pay off...

however, i knew from the start that i didn't want to
spend four years on a general degree. personally,
i'm much too creative to settle for something i can't
do with my hands.

i don't think college is worth it if you don't know exactly
what you want to DO first. i think the entire concept of
college is drilled into our heads, as if its an expected
duty after highschool. you can be successful without
a degree though, i think.

the thing is, you have to be dedicated to your skill,
talent, and motivation to accomplish something on your own.
which is where many fall short and wish they'd gone back
to get some kind of degree.

college can be worth it if you know what you want out of it.
i also think trade & vocational schools are awesome for those
wanting something specific in a shorter amount of time  

[bulldogs05]

I would say yes if you want any sort of good paying job. Yes there are people out there that are able to make a lot of money, or as much money as they need, without a college degree, but jobs seem to be getting more and more competitive these days and you sort of need a degree to hang. At least I think so. I hope I'm right too because I am building up some loans as we speak hahaha.

[liljp617]

One of my posts from a little while ago in a similar thread.

It's not really a debate to be honest. 

One, you can work while getting an education. 

Two, the numbers speak for themselves:

PER YEAR

Professional Degree   $109,600

Doctoral Degree   $89,400

Master's Degree   $62,300

Bachelor's Degree   $52,200

Associate's Degree   $38,200

Some College   $36,800

High School Graduate   $30,400

Some High School   $23,400


LIFETIME EARNINGS (in millions)

Professional Degree   $4.4

Doctoral Degree   $3.4

Master's Degree   $2.5

Bachelor's Degree   $2.1

Associate's Degree   $1.6

Some College   $1.5

High School Graduate   $1.2

Some High School   $1.0



In conclusion, if you have the opportunity/ability to get higher education and you choose not to, well...you're somewhat of a terrible decision maker and I'll have to doubt your intelligence.

You decide...

[BAnh]

I really like liljp617's post
It gives me a clear path what I wanna do in the future. I'm about enter my college life. Today I'm moving in the dorm and getting ready to explore the world. I say 'Yes' College is definitely worth it because it is one of the life experiences that no ones should never miss out in their lives.

[hjh1974]

My ex-husband has no college degree and has a pretty good job making about 80k.  I also know plenty of people who have bachelors degrees who make 30-40k.  Of course, I also have friends with multiple degrees who can't even find jobs.  There is a lot more to holding a job and making money than a degree.  That said, I'm very glad I have a bachelors degree.  I know it has helped me get jobs, but I'm self-employed now.

[eneidaselina]

I graduated with a two year degree. I'm not working at the degree I got. It's a job for now. I was a Art major. It's hard to find something right now. But like how one of the messagers said. I like Art and creating things. I can not see myself doing something I don't love but I have to right now to pay the bills.

[artmom09]

I think higher education is necessary but the costs are becoming outrageous. My sister and I are 8 years apart and she went to college for a total of about $50,000..a four year education.  I went to school for 3 years the total is $100,000 and then I capped out on loans and my parents also..I feel it's waaaayyy too expensive, but worth it if you can afford it. I'm not working in the profession of my choice, but very close and I lucked up with a great paying job while I was in college which I still have now.  I think I'm lucky, but if I had the funds to finish you bet I would....anyway it's worth it..but it costs so damn much

[sheliawheeler]

I have a four year degree and I must say it is worth the time and money.  You may need to consider relocating to a different area in order to reap the benefits of getting a degree.  Different degrees require you to live in certain areas of the USA or world.

[mrisha]

The numbers liljp67 listed definitely are not correct.  I do know people who only have some college experience and not a degree and they certainly earn a lot, lot more than the numbers quoted.  You can't always go by  what some research company has quoted, because they aren't reaching the masses.

I do believe in Education.  If I had the money I would certainly get my degree.

[th4moi]

Definitely important. I'm sure its gonna be worth all the time and effort once you start making good money. my parents never finished college & they regret it soooo bad and they always remind me of it to make sure i finish college...i'm majoring in accounting.

[liljp617]

The numbers liljp67 listed definitely are not correct.  I do know people who only have some college experience and not a degree and they certainly earn a lot, lot more than the numbers quoted.  You can't always go by  what some research company has quoted, because they aren't reaching the masses.

I do believe in Education.  If I had the money I would certainly get my degree.

err they're averages...meaning most people are likely to fall somewhere quite close to those numbers depending on the path followed. 

I am well there are high school drop outs who went on to great things and great incomes (Richard Branson).  I am well aware there are people who dropped out of college who are worth billions (Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook for instance).

The foundations that do these types of research DO reach the masses.  I believe you're the one not reaching the masses.  Knowing a couple people who are doing well for themselves who don't have a high degree has little bearing on the overall average.  The numbers are not exact, I'm sure other studies have found differing numbers, but you probably won't find a study that varies TOO much from those figures.  If you can, I'd love to see it.  Anecdotal evidence doesn't do anything for the discussion.

[trujillo33]

I think college is important somewhat!! Yea u will get a good job....but u have to put the effort to found a good job!!! In now a days college is costing more so when u get a good job u will have to pay a lot of student loans.  A person can get a good job even if they do not have a degree. They will have work experience!!

[Falconer02]

I think it's necessary for a high-end job (aka something that's ridiculously hard to learn on your own such as...rocket engineering or surgeon). Note to everyone considering college-- try picking something that the world really needs or something that there will always be job security in. Trust me on that one-- even if you're not ridiculously passionate about it, do it. Also do not go to 'degree-mill' schools like the ones advertised on tv a lot.

College is totally worth it if the jobs your going for are plentiful. Plus there's the whole social aspect which usually ROCKS!!!

[JonBamf]

Its all up to the person wanting to go.