6 answers
Gora
Student
Arkansas City, Kansas
1
Question
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Why do i need college education when its not really useful after school ?
Why do i need college education when its not really useful after school ?
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6 answers
J D
Managed and Advised Account Operations processor
2
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
J’s Answer
College can be important for some, if the skills it develops and the connections you are exposed to can outweigh the growing cost of tuition, books, administrative fees.
If however time is squandered, money is wasted as you go into tens of thousands of dollars of debt (undoubtedly higher for others), and the opportunity costs of what else you can be using your time on (creating businesses that add value to others, learning trade skills, etc) is not considered, than surely it is a waste.
This all comes down to the individual experience as everyone will vary to a high degree. Many will tell you how great college is, but only you can decide how to best use your time and talent. Having said that, education stays with you like nothing else in life and should be the goal of all, it’s just a matter of do the costs outweigh the benefits in your situation
If however time is squandered, money is wasted as you go into tens of thousands of dollars of debt (undoubtedly higher for others), and the opportunity costs of what else you can be using your time on (creating businesses that add value to others, learning trade skills, etc) is not considered, than surely it is a waste.
This all comes down to the individual experience as everyone will vary to a high degree. Many will tell you how great college is, but only you can decide how to best use your time and talent. Having said that, education stays with you like nothing else in life and should be the goal of all, it’s just a matter of do the costs outweigh the benefits in your situation
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
119
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
College is EXTREMELY important for making a living after you graduate. There have been many studies conducted that prove that statistically all college degree holders make more than non degree holders. Anyone who says college isn't needed is probably also someone who didn't go to college. It is necessary for many many different reasons.
1. Character growth
2. Learn what your passions are
3. Make lifelong friends
4. Figure out who you are as a person
5. Confirm that what you THINK you want to do really IS what you want to do
6. Gain experience and knowledge in your chosen field
7. Work with and learn from people already doing what you want to do
8. Experience independent life for the first time
I was in the same boat as you, I really didn't think college was necessary. But after going all 4 years and graduating with a degree I can say with more confidence than anyone that you want to go to college- you're just convincing yourself otherwise.
1. Character growth
2. Learn what your passions are
3. Make lifelong friends
4. Figure out who you are as a person
5. Confirm that what you THINK you want to do really IS what you want to do
6. Gain experience and knowledge in your chosen field
7. Work with and learn from people already doing what you want to do
8. Experience independent life for the first time
I was in the same boat as you, I really didn't think college was necessary. But after going all 4 years and graduating with a degree I can say with more confidence than anyone that you want to go to college- you're just convincing yourself otherwise.
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
477
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
Who says it's not useful after graduation?
Whoever says that has no idea what they are talking about.
Whoever says that has no idea what they are talking about.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
780
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Gora, it's crucial to grasp that the idea that college education lacks real-world use overlooks the profound power of higher education in shaping personal, professional, and societal growth. College isn't just a stepping stone to a job; it's a holistic journey that arms individuals with critical thinking, adaptability, and a deep understanding of complex systems, going beyond traditional classroom learning. The worth of a college education isn't solely in the knowledge gained, but in the fundamental intellectual and personal growth that comes from engaging in academic challenges, diverse interactions, and exposure to different perspectives that broaden one's worldview.
Professionally, a college education offers more than just job training. It nurtures vital soft skills that are highly valued in today's ever-changing job market: critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, teamwork, and adaptable learning. These skills go beyond specific careers, enabling graduates to navigate complex professional environments that require intellectual flexibility and nuanced understanding. Employers highly value employees who can think strategically, communicate effectively, and adapt quickly to technological and organizational changes – skills honed through comprehensive higher education.
Economic data consistently shows the significant long-term financial benefits of a college degree. Research indicates that college graduates earn significantly higher lifetime earnings compared to high school graduates, often amounting to millions of dollars over a career. This economic advantage comes not just from initial job prospects but from improved career mobility, increased opportunities for advancement, and the ability to switch between different professional fields more effectively. The initial investment in education becomes a powerful catalyst for future economic potential.
Beyond financial aspects, college education is a crucial platform for personal growth and social mobility. It exposes students to diverse viewpoints, encouraging them to understand complex global issues, develop empathy, and engage with ideas beyond their immediate experiences. The college environment offers a unique setting for intellectual and personal growth, where individuals learn to question their assumptions, engage in nuanced discussions, and develop a more sophisticated understanding of themselves and the world.
The fast-paced technological landscape increasingly requires sophisticated, adaptable intellectual skills that are nurtured through higher education. Modern careers demand continuous learning, interdisciplinary thinking, and the ability to integrate knowledge from various fields – skills fundamentally developed through rigorous academic training. College education teaches students not what to think, but how to think: how to research effectively, critically evaluate information, construct rational arguments, and tackle complex problems with systematic, creative strategies.
Networking is another often-underestimated benefit of college education. The connections made during academic years – with professors, peers, and industry professionals – can become invaluable professional and personal resources throughout one's life. These networks offer mentorship opportunities, potential career paths, collaborative possibilities, and ongoing intellectual engagement that extend beyond the traditional four-year educational experience.
Personal growth and self-discovery are perhaps the most profound yet intangible benefits of higher education. College provides a structured yet exploratory environment where individuals can experiment with different intellectual interests, challenge their worldviews, develop a deeper understanding of their abilities, and cultivate a sense of personal purpose. This journey of self-discovery is invaluable, helping individuals align their professional goals with their intrinsic passions and developing a more nuanced understanding of their potential societal contributions.
Gora, it's important that you understand that the notion that college education is not "useful" fundamentally overlooks the holistic nature of personal and professional development. Education is not a simple transactional process of acquiring job skills, but a transformative journey that equips individuals with the intellectual, emotional, and social capabilities necessary to navigate an increasingly complex, interconnected world. For those willing to engage deeply and thoughtfully, college represents not just an educational experience, but a profound opportunity for personal transformation, intellectual growth, and the cultivation of a life characterized by continuous learning, critical understanding, and meaningful contribution.
Professionally, a college education offers more than just job training. It nurtures vital soft skills that are highly valued in today's ever-changing job market: critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, teamwork, and adaptable learning. These skills go beyond specific careers, enabling graduates to navigate complex professional environments that require intellectual flexibility and nuanced understanding. Employers highly value employees who can think strategically, communicate effectively, and adapt quickly to technological and organizational changes – skills honed through comprehensive higher education.
Economic data consistently shows the significant long-term financial benefits of a college degree. Research indicates that college graduates earn significantly higher lifetime earnings compared to high school graduates, often amounting to millions of dollars over a career. This economic advantage comes not just from initial job prospects but from improved career mobility, increased opportunities for advancement, and the ability to switch between different professional fields more effectively. The initial investment in education becomes a powerful catalyst for future economic potential.
Beyond financial aspects, college education is a crucial platform for personal growth and social mobility. It exposes students to diverse viewpoints, encouraging them to understand complex global issues, develop empathy, and engage with ideas beyond their immediate experiences. The college environment offers a unique setting for intellectual and personal growth, where individuals learn to question their assumptions, engage in nuanced discussions, and develop a more sophisticated understanding of themselves and the world.
The fast-paced technological landscape increasingly requires sophisticated, adaptable intellectual skills that are nurtured through higher education. Modern careers demand continuous learning, interdisciplinary thinking, and the ability to integrate knowledge from various fields – skills fundamentally developed through rigorous academic training. College education teaches students not what to think, but how to think: how to research effectively, critically evaluate information, construct rational arguments, and tackle complex problems with systematic, creative strategies.
Networking is another often-underestimated benefit of college education. The connections made during academic years – with professors, peers, and industry professionals – can become invaluable professional and personal resources throughout one's life. These networks offer mentorship opportunities, potential career paths, collaborative possibilities, and ongoing intellectual engagement that extend beyond the traditional four-year educational experience.
Personal growth and self-discovery are perhaps the most profound yet intangible benefits of higher education. College provides a structured yet exploratory environment where individuals can experiment with different intellectual interests, challenge their worldviews, develop a deeper understanding of their abilities, and cultivate a sense of personal purpose. This journey of self-discovery is invaluable, helping individuals align their professional goals with their intrinsic passions and developing a more nuanced understanding of their potential societal contributions.
Gora, it's important that you understand that the notion that college education is not "useful" fundamentally overlooks the holistic nature of personal and professional development. Education is not a simple transactional process of acquiring job skills, but a transformative journey that equips individuals with the intellectual, emotional, and social capabilities necessary to navigate an increasingly complex, interconnected world. For those willing to engage deeply and thoughtfully, college represents not just an educational experience, but a profound opportunity for personal transformation, intellectual growth, and the cultivation of a life characterized by continuous learning, critical understanding, and meaningful contribution.
Violet Florez
Media Production
5
Answers
San Bernardino, California
Updated
Violet’s Answer
Well, you don't, necessarily need a college education.
Higher education is always beneficial, especially college, because there is so much that we aren't taught in k-12, such as media literacy or how to vet information, among others. But unless you follow a very specific path, you won't ever really use your major.
Bare in mind, even if you don't pursue traditional college, you will need some form of vocational training training, to even have a chance at a career.
Here's some anecdotal evidence for you. The most stable people I know, have vocational training, but the most financially unstable & adventurous people I know, are still pursuing higher education.
Higher education is always beneficial, especially college, because there is so much that we aren't taught in k-12, such as media literacy or how to vet information, among others. But unless you follow a very specific path, you won't ever really use your major.
Bare in mind, even if you don't pursue traditional college, you will need some form of vocational training training, to even have a chance at a career.
Here's some anecdotal evidence for you. The most stable people I know, have vocational training, but the most financially unstable & adventurous people I know, are still pursuing higher education.
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
351
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Gora, if you have this question, I am glad that you are exploring it here. I wonder if you are referring to the specific content from your courses versus the skills. From my and my children's experiences, I agree with others here that going to college is terrific for intellectual, emotional, and social growth (see especially Thomas's comments).
But you likely won't have the best experience at college if you aren't ready or don't want to go at all. Perhaps you want to take a gap year after high school? If you do, I would suggest working or participating in structured travel or volunteer experiences, not just staying home idle. You could also explore trades that don't require college to see if any appeal to you.
Good luck!
But you likely won't have the best experience at college if you aren't ready or don't want to go at all. Perhaps you want to take a gap year after high school? If you do, I would suggest working or participating in structured travel or volunteer experiences, not just staying home idle. You could also explore trades that don't require college to see if any appeal to you.
Good luck!