Is a college degree really worth it? Does it carry the same clout that it use to?

Answer 1

I think the general answer is that a college education is worth the time and expense for several reasons.
1. Most professions (teaching, nursing, law, medicine, engineering, management, architecture, etc.) require a degree, and often graduate work.
2. I don't have the exact statistics off hand, but college graduates make on average 50% more than high school graduates (1995 data). This gap expands further for people with advanced degrees.
3. The pillars of literacy are writing and mathematics. The ability to write a compelling essay about your favorite equation is a good test, and not likely achievable in high school.
4. There is also a more philosophical reason. Human understanding is reaching the point that some very deep questions (e.g. the nature of consciousness) will likely be answered in our lifetimes. The answers may only be accessible to people with more advanced training.

However... there is a lot of twaddle in universities. I think it is best to stick to core subjects based in mathematics, natural sciences, economics, composition, etc. Double or joint majors are also very good, and lead to greater career flexibility.

Answer 2

I would definitely say that a college degree is worth it, and probably more so than it ever has been. People as a whole are becoming more and more educated causing more competition for better jobs. While it is true a person can make good money without a degree, these jobs are far outnumbered by jobs requiring a degree. The average person with a college degree will earn $250,000 more in their lifetime that the average person without a degree.

Answer 3

Yes - it is getting to the point where you need a college degree or an associates degree in order to get an entry level job. The average person with a college degree makes quite a bit more than someone with a high school degree.

Answer 4

In a sense, it depends on the field you are looking to get into. But, more and more, degrees are preferred if not required. My degree in business got me promoted over someone who was more qualified having been there much longer than me while I was still relatively "new".

Now I'm pursuing nursing, which requires a degree.

Because you never know where life will take you, I'd recommend getting a degree. You may enter a field that doesn't require one, but want to move onto something later that prefers a degree. It's money well spent.

Answer 5

I'm a college student now and I ask myself that everyday. I love school, I love to learn, but it is soo much money. My husband works construction and he makes a decent amount of money. I go to school full time and work a crappy part time job waiting on crabby customers and cleaning up their messes. I get really frustrated that he can make so much money without schooling while I suffer, but in the end it will pay off-or will it?? I'm going to be a teacher and will make about the same as he does without having gone to school. the problem is there are more opportunities for guys to have goodpaying jobs without a degree than girls. It's not that girls can't handle construction, but where are we gonna change our pads/tampons at the contruction site??? How are we gonna lift lumber when we are pregnant wheras teaching you can work until the baby comes. If you are a guy....consider not going..if you're a girl...go to school for pete's sake

Answer 6

i imagine that something even better efficient than knowlege, college dregree, or income this existence is the flexibility to savor and take excitement in the little issues in existence becuase we may be able to study a thanks to have better happiness. decrease back to school degree VS expertise, i imagine that a college degree could be valueless if the holder has no longer obtained the expertise to save the interest even with the degree. on the different hand, expertise and dedication alongside with different helpful features can yield better positive lengthy-time period outcomes, as a change of short-time period. despite the indisputable fact that, college ranges are tremendous in the adventure that in addition they contain the expertise.

Answer 7

A college degree is definately worth it. It is hard to get a good job without it.

Answer 8

It's kind of like a highschool diploma once was. Having one doesn't help a whole lot, but not having one will hurt your chances for having a good career. I have a degree and I make a lot of money - but my job has nothing to do with having a degree. Ironic, eh?

Answer 9

I got my college degree outside USA, but still.. it helped me once I came here to get a decent job that pays good money. Without degree you will start at low paid jobs.. think of it as an element that will fast forward your professional life.

Answer 10

In America, it has become the plum line. While the person who owns the company may not have a college degree the person in HR does, and they'll never let you in w/o one.