Is college overrated?

[rocketgrl94]

IDK what to say because some these majors these students have like Human Development, Meterology is hard to find a job in
and they are $50k-$120k in debt so some are saying college is a lie and students are saying they should have just went to a Trade school and paid less money for it and still be successfull
What do you guys think?...........
Here's the story

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Economy/story?id=6654468&page=1

[KT2000]

The common mistake the people in that article made was believing they were entitled to something. There are never guarantees.

I usually don't like to speak for others, but I'm guessing most older and more experienced people here would reply to this with "welcome to the real world."

I graduated college four years ago and am paying off student loan debt. I don't have a job in my major field, but that is by my choice and not because I can't find anything. If I wanted to pick up and move, I could do it at a moment's notice.

I don't expect anyone to hand me anything, and I'd be willing to guess that most people start out their working careers in tought spots. My first job out of college was a part timer. I found full time work within the next year, and I'm working up from there.

In my opinion, everything comes down to the individual and how they choose to handle the tools they've acquired. A person with a college degree can be just as useless as one without a degree if they so choose, just as a person without a degree can be as successful as someone with a degree.

Yes, prices to attend colleges are very high, but this is where the human element of choice should take over. There are very affordable higher education options out there in addition to numerous scholarship/aid avenues.

It all comes down to the choices we make as individuals. The people in that article are preaching to the choir.

[rocketgrl94]

The common mistake the people in that article made was believing they were entitled to something. There are never guarantees.

I usually don't like to speak for others, but I'm guessing most older and more experienced people here would reply to this with "welcome to the real world."

I graduated college four years ago and am paying off student loan debt. I don't have a job in my major field, but that is by my choice and not because I can't find anything. If I wanted to pick up and move, I could do it at a moment's notice.

I don't expect anyone to hand me anything, and I'd be willing to guess that most people start out their working careers in tought spots. My first job out of college was a part timer. I found full time work within the next year, and I'm working up from there.

In my opinion, everything comes down to the individual and how they choose to handle the tools they've acquired. A person with a college degree can be just as useless as one without a degree if they so choose, just as a person without a degree can be as successful as someone with a degree.

Yes, prices to attend colleges are very high, but this is where the human element of choice should take over. There are very affordable higher education options out there in addition to numerous scholarship/aid avenues.

It all comes down to the choices we make as individuals. The people in that article are preaching to the choir.

i know u said it was your choice to not get a job in your major field but u dont regret going to school for that major especially because of the money involved in that major, well on the other hand you would have something to fall back on if you wanted

[Favpack]

I watched 20/20 for the first time in 3 years and watched this piece. KT is correct. The other segments on the show were pretty good, but, this one was laughable.

First - don't spend $125k and get a degree in meteorology. Second - there are no guarantees, as noted. Third, get a job, and scholies, live at home, etc. to keep your debt load down - again, welcome to the real world.

[KT2000]

i know u said it was your choice to not get a job in your major field but u dont regret going to school for that major especially because of the money involved in that major, well on the other hand you would have something to fall back on if you wanted

I have skills outside of what I majored in, so that's not the only option I had available to me out of school. I know for a fact I got my first full-time job because I had a degree, and the person I was up against did not.

This web site allows me to stay sharp in my major area, and it has also helped me develop other skills I wouldn't have had otherwise. I started this thing when I was 18.

[rocketgrl94]

I have skills outside of what I majored in, so that's not the only option I had available to me out of school. I know for a fact I got my first full-time job because I had a degree, and the person I was up against did not.

This web site allows me to stay sharp in my major area, and it has also helped me develop other skills I wouldn't have had otherwise. I started this thing when I was 18.

so you are recession proof! :D

[KT2000]

First - don't spend $125k and get a degree in meteorology. Second - there are no guarantees, as noted. Third, get a job, and scholies, live at home, etc. to keep your debt load down - again, welcome to the real world.

And that really shouldn't be a problem even though it's a limited field. Meteorology majors have to take a boat load of advanced math and computer science courses. There are plenty of jobs out there where those skills can be put to use.

[JMSFan]

I watched 20/20 for the first time in 3 years and watched this piece. KT is correct. The other segments on the show were pretty good, but, this one was laughable.

First - don't spend $125k and get a degree in meteorology. Second - there are no guarantees, as noted. Third, get a job, and scholies, live at home, etc. to keep your debt load down - again, welcome to the real world.

This is the way my son has went to college. (SFA) He has 1 semester left, and he has done all of this almost debt free.

[twcpfan1]

Only one thing to say. For those with pre High School kids, make sure you pound it into their heads that high school is where they should work the hardest and give their best effort. It will go a long way towards graduating from college debt free. Besides for HS kids who excel academically as well as extra curriculars, College becomes a breeze.

[RedRage00]

It is not overrated.

Had I not gone to college I would still be working at HEB in Victoria. ugh

[rocketgrl94]

It is not overrated.

Had I not gone to college I would still be working at HEB in Victoria. ugh

u might be manager by now

[RedRage00]

u might be manager by now

Nope. I knew people that were cashiers for like 28 years. I have bigger goals. :cool:

[rocketgrl94]

Nope. I knew people that were cashiers for like 28 years. I have bigger goals. :cool:

daaaamn cashiers for 28 years?!

[CyFallsMom]

I don't think college is overrated but you have to major in something that is workable. You also have to realize that not everyone goes into a job right out of college with a golden parachute attached to their backs. My niece is an Architect with a degree from UT - her first job paid $28,000 a year just a few short years ago.

On the other hand, my older, former hippy sister (she dropped out of 10th grade) went to work as a receptionist in 1980 at a law firm. When they brought technology in (first the word processor and then the PC), she learned them, taught them and became their administrator and IT guru! I saw one of her W-2's a while back - it was over 200K. Sometimes it just takes a little luck and a lot of persistence. Oh and she's still at the same law firm! And she travels the world over setting up their systems. She's never sniffed a college classroom. It took her longer without a degree but, back then, you could work your way up the ladder with very little if you were smart enough.

[rocketgrl94]

I don't think college is overrated but you have to major in something that is workable. You also have to realize that not everyone goes into a job right out of college with a golden parachute attached to their backs. My niece is an Architect with a degree from UT - her first job paid $28,000 a year just a few short years ago.

On the other hand, my older, former hippy sister (she dropped out of 10th grade) went to work as a receptionist in 1980 at a law firm. When they brought technology in (first the word processor and then the PC), she learned them, taught them and became their administrator and IT guru! I saw one of her W-2's a while back - it was over 200K. Sometimes it just takes a little luck and a lot of persistence. Oh and she's still at the same law firm! And she travels the world over setting up their systems. She's never sniffed a college classroom. It took her longer without a degree but, back then, you could work your way up the ladder with very little if you were smart enough.

WoW!!! 200k:notworthy

[yankee]

No.

[Favpack]

I don't think college is overrated but you have to major in something that is workable. You also have to realize that not everyone goes into a job right out of college with a golden parachute attached to their backs. My niece is an Architect with a degree from UT - her first job paid $28,000 a year just a few short years ago.

On the other hand, my older, former hippy sister (she dropped out of 10th grade) went to work as a receptionist in 1980 at a law firm. When they brought technology in (first the word processor and then the PC), she learned them, taught them and became their administrator and IT guru! I saw one of her W-2's a while back - it was over 200K. Sometimes it just takes a little luck and a lot of persistence. Oh and she's still at the same law firm! And she travels the world over setting up their systems. She's never sniffed a college classroom. It took her longer without a degree but, back then, you could work your way up the ladder with very little if you were smart enough.

Great story CFM - thanks.

One of the best ways to "use" your tuition is to network with other folks. Find some really smart people and make them your friend.

[Miss Kitty]

I hate that term "fall back on". Goiong in having something to "fall back on" is setting yourself up for failure, IMO. Set your goals, and reach them or chose not to, but don't fall back. Choose to have stepping stones to move forward as opposed to something to fall back on.

[TEXREB]

I don't think college is overrated but you have to major in something that is workable. You also have to realize that not everyone goes into a job right out of college with a golden parachute attached to their backs. My niece is an Architect with a degree from UT - her first job paid $28,000 a year just a few short years ago.

On the other hand, my older, former hippy sister (she dropped out of 10th grade) went to work as a receptionist in 1980 at a law firm. When they brought technology in (first the word processor and then the PC), she learned them, taught them and became their administrator and IT guru! I saw one of her W-2's a while back - it was over 200K. Sometimes it just takes a little luck and a lot of persistence. Oh and she's still at the same law firm! And she travels the world over setting up their systems. She's never sniffed a college classroom. It took her longer without a degree but, back then, you could work your way up the ladder with very little if you were smart enough.

My wife's uncle has a similar story. He started working for Marathon Oil as a roustabout in the late 70's with only a HS education. He worked his way up the ladder and now runs a refinery and makes about 500K/year. My best friend flunked out of college, started working offshore and makes about 120,000/year while I have the college degree but make much less than that. So it can be done if you are willing to work/learn/network and not be afraid to take some chances. That being said, overall, most people without college degrees generally make less than those that do.

[dragons08]

No, but it's really unfair how based on what your parents do, your asked to foot the bill for other people. I know people who are loaded (parents rich), but they are paying their own education how is that fair that you're price be determined by your parents despite them not always paying? Then you have kids who get to go for free and everything. It's total bs, just lower the price for everyone and do away with free college.

[jakerz]

College is overrated when it comes to the perception that people have that if you go to college you automatically make more money. Education is only a small percentage of what it takes to achieve wealth in America.

However, you can't forget you're also paying for the experience.

[Firebird]

http://money.cnn.com/2006/10/25/pf/college/census_degree/index.htm

Going to college doesn't guarantee you anything just like not going to college doesn't guarantee anything. You can be successful or unsuccessful regardless of the cards you are holding. But going to college absolutely helps improve your hand. It's up to you how you play it.

[agmc27]

college isn't overrated. if anything it allows you to learn a lot about yourself and become more independent which is benefical for the future.

[wesaxman34]

http://money.cnn.com/2006/10/25/pf/college/census_degree/index.htm

Going to college doesn't guarantee you anything just like not going to college doesn't guarantee anything. You can be successful or unsuccessful regardless of the cards you are holding. But going to college absolutely helps improve your hand. It's up to you how you play it.

Couldn't have said it any better.

[AE 8008]

um, well i would say no. not overrated. even in searcy

[AE 8008]

Employers want people who can do several different tasks.


'tswhy im minoring in Spanish

[mad_fan]

The piece of paper opens doors that otherwise would not be...
You have to go MAKE something of YOURSELF once you get the degree...
If you can't make a good living in the discipline your degree is in than you change directions...
And if you didn't learn to do that going through college...you shouldn't have the degree...

[BDB]

for me, that piece of paper is good, but a portfolio can make or break a case.