Is College worth it anymore?

[lilbear61]

if you had asked me this question years ago i would have said it is most definitely worth it.  now that my younger sister, who has only a high school diploma is making over twice what i am, and i have three degrees that i'm still paying for, i'm not so sure ......

[abstract1er]

depends on the career you choose, a college education will be worth it in the long run!

[ahunter300]

First, college is for you - not your family - not your government.  Not every one needs college but the stats say that for every level of education one receives they have a higher degree of financial success. PhD 4 time a BA - Master's about 2 time a BA.  But here is the problem - the cost for the degrees has approximately doubled.  Still those with degrees fair better in the money department - a high school degree - about half that of a BA and worse no degree almost 4 times less than a BA.  So, you do the math is it a good investment for you and where do you wish to position yourself in a competitive society.  Any investment in one's self is a great investment.  Whether you get into a trade (plumbing, electrical, culinary or any trade you enjoy doing) or go to college - it is all about fullness of live and opportunity.  Remember it is not just your opportunity but if you plan to have a family it is the childrens opportunity also.  Financially, I suggest that to truly have financial success one must have:  a job, an income property, a 401 and a business.  Like a car if your financial machine is not hitting on all cylinders (opportunities) then you may not have a smooth running career.

To meet the cost of education, I joined the Army - spent 3 years (2 in Europe) - used my VA to go to college and part of law school and was able to purchase our first home with VA.  Not all may have the same fortune, but the opportunity is still there.

[Freeman352]

If you are going to be a doctor or lawyer, then yes its worth it. Otherwise, it may not be. I did not go to college, but many of my friends went to college to be a secretary, teacher, firefighter, vet assistant, etc...and I make more money than almost all of them. Plus I have more work experience than them, and they owe $$ for student loans.

[liljp617]

if you had asked me this question years ago i would have said it is most definitely worth it.  now that my younger sister, who has only a high school diploma is making over twice what i am, and i have three degrees that i'm still paying for, i'm not so sure ......

People keep saying this like it's something you can actually count on.  Relatively speaking, the number of people with only a high school diploma making more money than someone with a Masters is low.  You cannot rely on luck to get you through life.  If you don't go to college under the assumption that money will make its way to you either way, you're probably going to get a fair kick in the *bleep* by life.  People like Richard Branson and Mark Zuckerberg had a lot of luck go their way (not to take anything away from their determination).  You can't go through life under the assumption that luck will come your way as it did for those two and others.

There's a strong connection between a great percentage of people below the poverty line and lack of a high school diploma/college degree (minus the fact that they probably couldn't afford it to begin with).

[dreamyxo]

It depends on what you're looking to get out of it.  Going to college did not give me a job but it made it easier.  I enjoyed my college experience.  I still really don't know what I want to be when I grow up but if I had it to do over again I would still go.

[jan8904]

I would personally say that on the whole, it's worth it.  The biggest downside is not knowing people that did well with just a high school degree, it's that the reality is in today's job market, having a bachelor's degree means pretty much the same thing that a high school diploma meant to those that graduated in the 80s.  What's disappointing is that in many career fields, you need a higher degree (aka masters or doctorate) to get a good job.  Now if funding is an issue, there are alternatives.  You can always try a state school instead of a private school for instance.  There are also a ton of local scholarships that you can apply for, you'd really be surprised.  Furthermore, you could even look at doing something like ROTC.  They pay for your college and on the bright side, you have a guaranteed job when you graduate.  They are also likely to give you on the job training which will be useful for finding a job later.  If you choose to stay in the military, they often help pay for higher degrees as well.  It's not for everyone, but it's certainly something to check into.  I hope that helps!

[Braenchild]

It's worth is if you go into it knowing EXACTLY what you want to do, and you're passionate about that field.  If not, you're gonna get swept in reality and debt immediately after graduating.

[klkwid]

This is totally a loaded question.  You need to have a degree to do most everything that makes any kind of money, but it costs so much now and there's no guarantee that you'll get into your field anymore!  You definitely need to research teh field you're interested in-look up job offers for the field and see what the requirements are to even be looked at.  Some jobs won't need a college degree, but they might pay more if you have one-other jobs they won't even look at you without your degree.  On the other hand, you don't want to go to college for 4 years, end up with a basket weaving degree, and work next to Bob who's just out of high school making more than you are. 

[liljp617]

It's worth is if you go into it knowing EXACTLY what you want to do, and you're passionate about that field.  If not, you're gonna get swept in reality and debt immediately after graduating.

Most people in undergraduate don't have a clue what they REALLY want to do.  At 18-19 years old, how can you be positive that there's a single career you want for the next 25-30 years of your life?  There's not many people in undergraduate programs that know precisely what they want to do...they have an idea (that will probably change multiple times), sure, but it's pretty difficult to know EXACTLY.  That's part of going to college -- finding your passion, finding the thing you're most interested in that will allow you to live a good life.

[smadesy]

I am currently in college and Yes, it does get expensive, but at age 33 and where I live, I definately say it's worth it. Around here in NV you can't get a job without a degree. The schools also give you referrals and work you for some experience in your chosen field if possible. I used to own a painting company and yes I made great money, but anymore the physical labor was getting to be much especially when it's 125 degrees outside. I'd rather make less and enjoy what I do. Education and experience is what lands you a good career most of the time, but not all.

[vlsm23]

Honestly I want to say no because I feel like I've wasted the last 5 years of my life w/a college degree and masters, but I keep holding on to the belief that it will be worth my time in the future when the economy improves.

[lilbear61]

thinking .some more aqbout this question . . . sometimes i really do think it wasn't woreth it when i look at my sister for one example . . . but when i think beyond the money i think HOLY COW was it worth it.  i learned a lot and i use some of the skills i learned on a daily basis.  i met my first true love in college and i have friends still from my undergrad  and grad days.  that's what makes it worth it to me.

[ancmetro]

  Yes, any type of higher education is worth something. Education pays...ignorance does not! Even if you do not find paying jobs, you will know what to do compare to the ones who barely finish high school. You will also be happier, much, much happier with some type of higher education because you will have many more options and choices.

[darkcrystal7102]

Yes, Any kind of schooling is totally worth it.  ...and dont get so down about the 5 years of college.  It was not a waste.  When the economy gets back on its feet you will be able to find a job alot faster than someone without an education.  I think you should stay in school as long as you possibly can.