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What are the pros and cons of going to College?
I'm curious on whether i should go to college or drop out.
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Ann Marie’s Answer
The decision to attend college and attain a degree vs. not going is a very personal choice. I will say this - it doesn't hurt to have a degree. Some employers prefer candidates that have at least a 4-year college degree. I agree with the previous posts that having a college degree can help with advancement in a company. It's just sad that nowadays an education has to cost so much money and students need to take out so much in loans. If you decide not to obtain your bachelor's, at least consider a trade - A/C/heating techs, plumbers and electricians, etc. make pretty good wages and can have a solid income for years. I obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems back in 1984. I worked at AT&T Bell Labs and Bell Communications Research. When I started my family, I took a little detour and worked as a part-time consultant doing technical training (Microsoft Office apps) for several companies and the state. Then I decided to become a high school business teacher. Now I am back in industry working as a Senior Data and Reporting Analyst. I can honestly say having my college degree didn't hurt!
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Kathleen’s Answer
Hi, I understand the choice to go college is a complicated for each individual. I think the best way to think about this decision is by thinking about what it is you want to do in this life. What kind of life do you want for yourself, family and future generations.
Here’s the data on future earnings depending on whether you have a Bachelors (four year)degree, Associate degree (2years) or a H.S. Degree .
“People with a bachelor degree earn on average, 31 percent more than those with an Associate degree and 84 percent more than with just a high-school diploma, according to Georgetown University Center on Education and the workforce”. This stat was from a recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education; October 28, 2022.
We are living in a knowledge economy, meaning that most jobs for the middle class will be white collar. If you would like to be in the middle class one day or maintain your economic status you will need a college degree.
Additionally, if you are the oldest in your family and the first to go college the likelihood that one of your siblings or even your parents will follow is very high. That will increase the earnings potential of everyone involved. Lastly, your children will be more likely to go to college if you have gone because they will see the benefits of financial gain that has arose from your success.
As to how to pay for your degree, my advice is go to a state school. To cut cost, go to a community college work on your associate degree and then transfer to a four year state school. Here’s the important information… don’t fail your classes because it’s a waste of money! Get internships every semester and during summer break. Make sure you are building your resume for when you graduate.
The world is a big place and college helps you with the tools on how to navigate the way you want to live your life. It is a solid opportunity to improve your life for the better. Don’t waste the opportunity.
Here’s the data on future earnings depending on whether you have a Bachelors (four year)degree, Associate degree (2years) or a H.S. Degree .
“People with a bachelor degree earn on average, 31 percent more than those with an Associate degree and 84 percent more than with just a high-school diploma, according to Georgetown University Center on Education and the workforce”. This stat was from a recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education; October 28, 2022.
We are living in a knowledge economy, meaning that most jobs for the middle class will be white collar. If you would like to be in the middle class one day or maintain your economic status you will need a college degree.
Additionally, if you are the oldest in your family and the first to go college the likelihood that one of your siblings or even your parents will follow is very high. That will increase the earnings potential of everyone involved. Lastly, your children will be more likely to go to college if you have gone because they will see the benefits of financial gain that has arose from your success.
As to how to pay for your degree, my advice is go to a state school. To cut cost, go to a community college work on your associate degree and then transfer to a four year state school. Here’s the important information… don’t fail your classes because it’s a waste of money! Get internships every semester and during summer break. Make sure you are building your resume for when you graduate.
The world is a big place and college helps you with the tools on how to navigate the way you want to live your life. It is a solid opportunity to improve your life for the better. Don’t waste the opportunity.
Updated
Brandy’s Answer
I wouldnt recommending dropping out. I can say from experience that my employer preferred to see higher education when I applied for promotions or different positions. Like you may have seen in the previous answer, someone with a college education can earn more and be a more sought after candidate. I would keep that in mind for the future. I was not bought into the whole college role at first but after a few years of being turned down for jobs for that reason I began to take classes in addition to working so that I could boost my career. I do wish I had started sooner and not been so stubborn about it.
Updated
Julie’s Answer
College is a personal decision. It depends on what you want to do...and remember, this can change throughout your lifetime!
If you want to be in the medical profession, you have to go to college. If you want to be an electrician, you go to trade school. I do recommend after high school education in a specific field where you can generally get a better paying job than if you don't go to obtain additional training.
There is currently a shortage of Electricians, plumbers, technicians in hospitals, etc. which do not require a college degree. Sometimes it is good to get started in life with one of these certificates before going to college...college is expensive if you don't know what you want to do.
If you want to be in the medical profession, you have to go to college. If you want to be an electrician, you go to trade school. I do recommend after high school education in a specific field where you can generally get a better paying job than if you don't go to obtain additional training.
There is currently a shortage of Electricians, plumbers, technicians in hospitals, etc. which do not require a college degree. Sometimes it is good to get started in life with one of these certificates before going to college...college is expensive if you don't know what you want to do.