Is college really worth it?

@lola1981 (102)
United States
January 7, 2010 9:34pm CST
With the cost of tuition and the unemployment rate rising in some states one seems to question are all those long hours of studying, doing research reports, term papers, applying for scholarships, possibly changing majors and goals really worth it? Lets say you do graduate from college and get a degree but you have no experience in that area will you really feel like job hunting, getting turned down, replaying the whole secanrio in your head? I'm just considering my options that's all.
16 responses
@olisaur (1922)
• United States
8 Jan 10
I've also often wondered that. Technology is advancing so fast these days, by the time someone finishes college, they'll probably have to re-learn things. And not just are the tuition and fees outrageous, the supplies are soooo expensive, too- namely books. It's impossible to go to college without some sort of financial help. :/ I guess it really depends on what you want to study/do in life to determine whether or not going to college is worth it. But more times than not, it's worth getting somesort of degree.
@lola1981 (102)
• United States
25 Jan 10
I'm thinking of starting a business of some kind so I can be my own boss!!
@danitykane (3183)
• Philippines
8 Jan 10
hi lola, With my experience it really is. College education gives me more opportunity to grow, career wise and financially. But it doesn't necessarily mean that people who doesn't have a degree will not have a good future. In fact, there are lots of people who are very successful and doesn't have any degree at all. Even more successful than those who have college education. So it really depends upon someone's determination in life and with some "luck" anything can turn out just great. In my case, I really wanted to have a secured future and a nice job that's why I went to university. With our economy right now, it is hard to find a good job, most of it requires you to have a diploma or a degree. So might as well to have one and wish for the best. Happy Lotting!
@lola1981 (102)
• United States
25 Jan 10
I'm really gonna give it more thought cause I don't want to be 40 yrs old working at Burger King ya know! Not knocking it but I deserve way more than 7 bucks an hour!!
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
23 Jan 10
All depends on what you do while you are in college. If all you do is party and study, then you aren't going to get what you need to be successful. however, if you work in your field - either an internship, volunteer work, or finding a company that is willing to give you a part time job - and use your time wisely, you shoudl not have a problem finding a job. An option if you are worried about repaying loans is to go to a 2 year college to get an associates degree in your field. That will take care of a lot of the basics that you will need for your Bachelor's degree at 1/2 or less than 1/2 of the cost of going for 4 years at a regular college. After you get your associates degree you can apply to a 4 year college to get your Bachelor's degree.
@ybong007 (6643)
• Philippines
27 Jan 10
This article by Karen Hughes sum it all up. The number one benefit of a college degree is average yearly income. Studies show that people with an associate degree earn up to 25% more each year than someone who is doing the same job without a degree. The reason for this is that degree programs provide students with practical, up-to-date information of certain industries and equip them with skills that are in demand. This makes their knowledge more available to employers. Another benefit of a college degree is the job opportunities. Taking that first step in earning your degree will open the door of opportunity to you in ways that will increase your potential in landing a great job in the field of preferred study. Many employers prefer hiring someone with a college degree of some sort, some employers even require than every candidate have at least an associates degree. For example, if an employer has a choice of two candidates with equal experience and skill but one has a degree and the other doesn’t, the employer will most likely choose the person with a college degree. The benefits of a college degree increase the higher your degree is. Because some employers require candidates have a degree, getting an associates degree will open many doors. A higher degree means that you have even more knowledge about your chosen field and the information you have gained is even more detailed. Furthermore, getting your bachelors degree will open up even more doors for job seekers and even those trying to further their current career. Knowledge is power. Another in the list of benefits of a college degree is the power to receive more promotions and raises in pay. The more knowledge and experience you have the more willing employers are to give you better positions in the company and better pay raises or bonuses. Because having a degree ensures you have a more detailed understanding of your field it is beneficial for your employer to keep you around and even give you better and more frequent promotions. They want what’s best for their company, they want to do things to make their company grow and succeed, and promoting someone with additional knowledge in their field will only increase their chances of success. Also, when an employee has that kind of knowledge companies are usually willing to pay that person more. Getting a college degree makes you more valuable to a company and they will be willing to pay you for it. Additional benefits of a college degree are control over your future and a healthier outlook on life. Only you have the ability to decide how much you want to learn and where you want that knowledge to take you. The fact that having a degree opens more doors for your career means that you have the power to determine which doors you want to step through. That particular benefit of a college degree is something that gives you control over your own future. You know that the higher degree you have the more knowledge you’ll gain so it’s up to you to decide where you want to go in life. Having that kind of control will help anyone gain a healthier outlook on life. Bettering ourselves and taking control of our future only stands to make people happier. Getting the edge needed to land a job in a field that makes you happy is one of the greatest benefits of a college degree. When you are happy you are able to do more for both yourself and your employer and be more productive in your career. Personal satisfaction is just one more benefit of a college degree. By getting a college degree you will have the pleasure of knowing that you took the steps that were necessary to better educate yourself and better your future. You’ve stepped into a new and rewarding part of life in getting the knowledge for a career that interests you and the possibility of higher quality employment and increasing economic standing.
@DenverLC (1143)
• Philippines
8 Jan 10
having a degree after college is not enough. We also need to practice what we have learned after a long studies and serious expenses. A professional must only need to be resourceful and patience always to find a job in this society of equally competent individuals. Learning should also be continuous to remain growing for the best at all times.
@lola1981 (102)
• United States
25 Jan 10
Your right about that so i'm tapping in all the free resources I can!!
@PastorP (1170)
• United States
8 Jan 10
In today's economy I can see why you question getting a degree. We can add to the dilemma employers who are too degree specific. When I moved to our current city and looked for a job while we started a church I had a Bach Sci in Bible--and had served as a pastor a for a decade. I tried to get a job at an adult daycare center which required a Bach degree-- but then I find out it HAD TO BE in sociology or social work! Like, being a pastor did not count??? Employers need to learn a degree means nothing if someone is not going to work anyhow. I wanted to work there--but, anyhow. What you might want to look into is some college programs that offer two degrees. In the long run it still might be worth it either way because some employer are the opposite and take a more general view. Like, I was able to use my Bach degree to be a substitute teacher. You may want to consider to get your education and be self-employed. If I had to pick and was not called to the ministry and wanted something that would be around--something with food, or nursing, medical, --- you know, stuff people always need.
@lola1981 (102)
• United States
25 Jan 10
I'm really considering being self-employed like starting a small residential cleaning business so i'm doing my homework on it!
@tawny_24 (341)
• United States
9 Jan 10
Well it is a toss up really. A degree does legitamize you in the eyes of some kinds of people. Even though having one is not an indicator of the quality of your character, even if you major in ethics! Attending college is also not an accurate indicator of ones level of common sense. Case in point: Girls gone wild. Less than ten percent of college graduates work in the field that correlates with thier major. I studied horticulture and greenhouse management. Before I came home to care for my dad I worked as a mortgage broker. The truth is anyone can get a job, regardless of the level of education you have. Your income level does not always reflect the salary you make. One of the most successful people I have ever met and a mentor of mine never finished college. Many people would judge this man to be a complete loser because he obvioulsy has no job and he dresses like a slob when he is just out and about, but he makes a lot of money and he cleans up real good. One of the most unsuccessful people that I know holds multiple degrees, is a former naval officer, and once held a position at the pentagon. But he has pretty much no money, his relationships suck, he can't hold a job, and he is obviously miserable.
@divalounger (5849)
• United States
21 Jan 10
Statistically, you will make more money if you graduate for college than not. Check out the stats at http://www.bls.gov/emp/emptab7.htm. The median weekly pay rate for a person with a high school diploma in 2008 dollars was $618. The median rate for a person with a bachelor's degree, also in 2008 dollars, was $1012 dollars. That can add up to a big chunk of change over the course of 30 or so years.
• Indonesia
8 Jan 10
Most people in the world will say "yes, it is". In my opinion, it depends on ur goal whether ur graduation has science objective or ur graduation is for getting job n earning much money. If ur goal is science objective, it's absolutely worth and it's a must n required. However, if ur goal is getting job n earning much money then i say it's not a compulsory but it's ur choice whether or not u need it n want it. In my opinion, the creativity is more worth than ur bachelor degree. take a look at thomas alfa edison, he was not a graduate but he was creative n genius. Although all people around him said how stupid he was but he then could prove that he was so genius n creative, moreover he invented the greatest invention in which all people in the world n over centuries need n use it. There are lots of rich people without degree. Degree however is still worth even tough not the most important, i think. Being rich = creative + hardworking Being scientist = degree + hardworking Those r not the steady pattern, that's just my opinion by having a look at very rich people that i know.
@Sketch1 (33)
• Australia
9 Jan 10
As a college kid myself, I say YES! It is so worth it whether or not you ever use your degree, the experience itself is worthwhile. You learn so much more than the subjects you study.
• Portugal
8 Jan 10
SURE believe me it is worth it...
• Philippines
13 Jan 10
i know there are not a lot of jobs to go a round but the thing is, if there is a job opening, it would be best if you were armed with the right degree and educational background.. just a thought.. (",)
• India
11 Jan 10
Iola Ji, I think that inspite of the high cost of tuition fees and the unemployment rate being so high, one must opt for the college or university studies. In order to rise high in the world, education is also required. I agree that the long hours of studying, doing reaserch papers sometimes look boring. Preparing for the terminal examinations is also cumbersome. A graduate even without experience can compete with other professionals of the field. You can go in for the Government job after passing the necessary tests cleared provided you are a graduate. So, I am of the firm view that every citizen of the country must be a graduate.
@tap0991 (2766)
• United States
9 Jan 10
Well going to college doesnt automatically guarantee you a job unless you have some ties or some junk going on but going to college is worth it because you one get more money and two you will look better than the people who do not have one.
8 Jan 10
hi, for me college is worthy because it is life time achievement,, if you can Graduate and you cant find a job you have another option to stablish your own business,, and theres time for everything,,just apply and if you are one of Choosen dont forget God one who help you in your dailyt life...God bless
@allknowing (130064)
• India
8 Jan 10
As long as society recognises a college degree and gives preference to those who have this, one cannot get away from it unless one is innovative and starts his own business with the talent one possesses.