Monday, May 17, 2010
How Necessary is College
As graduation approaches us all, and our fellow classmates seem to have college fever, I look on the few of my peers whom are not so stoked about where they are going next year. While junior colleges seem to have a bad rep, and trade schools are hardly ever an option, I began to wonder the true benefit of a degree from a 4-year school. I stumbled upon this article and found its argument quite compelling. How many friends do you know that simply became part of the college process "just cuz" and base their application process on the pressures of our modern day culture. Our school, our parents, even our friends emphasize the necessity of attending a prestigious college. It's the favored subject at lunch, and the go-to question adults use for that annoying small talk: "So where are you headed next year?!". In this article Ohio University economics professor Richard Vedder blames the cultural notion of “credential inflation” for the stream of unqualified students into four-year colleges. Vedder says his research has found that the number of new jobs requiring college degrees is less than the number of college graduates. So is it worth it for us all to be sucked into the idea that it is necessary for us to survive only with a degree. Vedder also makes sure to mention the huge debt students find themselves in once graduation time comes around. The average student debt load in 2008 was $23,200 — a nearly $5,000 increase over five years. He also mentions that "two-thirds of all students graduating from four-year schools owe money on student loans". With unemployment rates for college students doubling over the past few years, their seems little incentive to pursue further education when looking at the big picture. However, our government encourages success in college. Margaret Spelling, the federal education secretary under George Bush, says that "it is crucial to the success of our country and to us as individuals to graduate more students from college". In essence, this article weighs both sides of the argument without taking biased. Yet, I am subject to the "the social acceptance that comes with that accomplishment". How does everyone else feel? College: Necessary or not?
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6 comments:
I've always wondered about the topic myself. College (especially 4 year schools) always seem to be on every one's mind. It's annoying how many adults and students alike use it as go-to small talk for any high school senior...
I think that we are experiencing "credential inflation." The more people that graduate college, the more demand for jobs that require a higher education. At some point, people will have to work below their credentials. It's just not possible for everyone to have a six figure salary. That makes me wonder--what will happen to the job market as more and more people continue to choose the college path?
-Katie Jensen
How necessary is college? I think many people are going to be sadly disappointed. There just isn't going to be enough jobs as Katie said that everyone will have a six figure salary. Don't most jobs require a bit of knowledge, training and most importantly experience? I really don't think college will make much a difference except for evaluating how hard someone tries and their potential in the job market.
I'd like to argue a little for both sides of this issue. Obviously getting a degree in something will help out in getting a successful job, however I don't agree that it is as necessary as many people would believe. Determination and Strive to do and be something and someone can help a lot living in America.
I would have to agree with Katie and Lily and say I think the main problem in the future will be the population. Sure more people will be smarter and do better at their jobs, but there is simply going to be more people capable for a job then there used to be.
Although i agree with what Katie, Lily and Jacob have said, I believe that college is necessary. It doesn't have to be a 4 year, but any education after high school will put one in a better position. Usually there are those who do not attend college and have an incredible future but that's not always the case.
Here is an article i found from 2008 that shows both sides to this issue. Either way, college is one's investment in the future.
http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/10/the-value-of-a-college-education/
In my opinion, college IS necessary. Most white collar jobs require you to have a Bachelors degree or Masters. It doesn't (really) matter where you go for college. It's what you make out of your education that matters. As far as student loans are concerned, I think that factors into a lot of people's decisions on where they want to go. I know I applied to USC and their entire costs total up to $50,000+ a year. I'm glad I am not going to USC because I can't imagine paying off those student loans when I graduate. As for the peer pressure, it seems that some people may be going to a UC (that was never their first, second, or third choice) for the reason that "it's a UC." So what? You can still go to CSM, transfer after two years, and you could even be a nurse if you wanted to. Like I said earlier, it's what YOU make out of your education that counts. A school is just a name.
I agree with a lot of what people have already said. Although going to college will bring in a higher salary, some people can live a simple life with a job that requires no college education (take for example, working at the post office). Unfortunately, going to a 4-year college and even graduate school won't always guarantee a well-deserved paycheck for some. Teachers and social workers (to name a few) are hard working people who are paid the bare-minimal despite the fact that years were spent in college and sometimes graduate school.
In short, college isn't necessarily needed to get a job that will pay for rent, but it also won't necessarily get you a job that will make you millions.
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