The question of college’s worth is complex, comparing it to the decision to get married with its consequences, costs, and ups and downs (Bennett 1). This essay aims to offer a clearer perspective on the actual value of college by utilizing articles from the “Reading Packet on College for Everyone” and https://college-education.procon.org/.
In the article “College is a Ludicrous waste of money” by Robert Reich, he argues that a four-year liberal arts degree is commonly seen as the only path to the American middle class, but it shouldn’t be the only option available. I agree with Reich’s claim as it is essential to consider alternative pathways to achieve a middle-class economic status. Reich also suggests that technical jobs should be recognized as potential alternatives.
Another argument made by Reich is that “Too many young people graduate burdened with debts that take years if not decades to repay” (Reich 1). This is also a significant obstacle for individuals considering the value of attending college since many of us cannot afford to be in debt for a decade. I personally cannot. Therefore, alternatives such as attending a two-year college or pursuing technical education may be the suitable choice for certain individuals.
In the article “Why go to College” by Wilson quarterly, the argument is made for the numerous advantages of a four-year college education. The author emphasizes that not only does higher education enrich society, but it also greatly benefits individuals. However, I believe it is crucial to establish alternative forms of higher education in order to alleviate the financial burden associated with obtaining a four-year degree. According to college-education.procon.org, as of June 2016, approximately 42 million Americans were in debt with $1.3 trillion in student loans and 45% of those indebted stated that college was not worth it.
According to the Department of Labor, a drawback of college is that many graduates end up in jobs that do not necessitate a degree. In 2008, there were 17 million employed individuals with college degrees who did not require higher education for their jobs. By 2012, one-third of college graduates had positions that only required a high school diploma or less. Surprisingly, this group included over 16,000 parking lot attendants, 83,000 bartenders, 115,000 janitors and even 15% of taxi drivers who held bachelor’s degrees. These statistics illustrate that attending college does not guarantee employment in one’s desired field.
The primary topic of discussion is the higher salaries earned by college graduates. In 2016, individuals aged 25 and above who had only completed high school received an average income of $35,615. On the other hand, those who held a bachelor’s degree made $65,482 and those with advanced degrees earned $92,525. While this argument holds merit, it brings up the point of how much of these earnings one would actually take home considering factors like debt and financial responsibilities such as mortgage payments and car bills.
The article “When college Isn’t Worth it” highlights the significance of graduation, college selection, and degree choice as crucial factors. These factors exemplify why college may not be suitable for everyone. Numerous students enroll in college but fail to complete their studies, with only 59% of four-year program starters graduating within initial years. Making an incorrect college choice refers to opting for a school with high tuition and low graduation rates. Similarly, selecting the wrong degree entails choosing a field like art or teaching that may have limited earning potential.
The total cost of attending college also encompasses the expense of foregoing job-related earning possibilities. The total cost of college extends beyond just tuition, fees, and books; it additionally encompasses an opportunity cost equivalent to a minimum of four years’ worth of wages and promotions from a full-time job – approximately $49,000 for a four-year degree and $20,000 for a two-year degree.
In my opinion, attending a four-year university is not worth it when considering the question “Is college worth it?” There are alternative options such as a two-year program or a technical route that offer a more secure financial outcome. These options allow individuals to avoid accruing excessive debt, which enables them to pay it off in a reasonable amount of time. This means that they can enjoy their paychecks instead of working solely to repay their substantial education-related debt. Additionally, pursuing a trade profession is a better choice than attending college. Trade professions are essential for the functioning of society and typically require less than four years of training. Furthermore, these professions often offer above-average wages. Therefore, based on these factors, it is clear that a four-year college is not worth it.
