Reasons Why College Is Worth It

As high school students near graduation the question of future plans is often asked by family, friends, and teachers. The expected answer to this question is college, those who do not give this answer are often looked down upon and told they should go to college. Many people believe that you must go to a four-year college to be successful in the future, though this is not necessarily true. While some careers require a four-year college education, there are many jobs that do not. This includes blue collar jobs such as HVAC, plumbing, electrician jobs, mechanic jobs, carpentry, construction, welding and many other trades. High school guidance counselors should advise students based on their future career goals to help prevent unnecessary financial debt and time wasted on an unneeded education.

One of the most critical topics that factors into a students’ decision on their future after highschool is their financial situation. While some families can afford to send a student to college, most can not, whether it is due to not being able to pay for one, or even multiple students. Part of the reason for the high tuition is to compete with other schools. Both colleges and universities are forced to update their facilities on a constant basis to stay ahead of other schools, students are more likely to choose schools with updated technology. Due to this the tuition of these universities and colleges are raised to pay for these new facilities, this in turn hurts the students. Owen and Sawhill authors of ​“Should everyone go to College?” ​a report that was published in 2013, state “With tuitions rising faster than family incomes, the typical college student is now more dependent on loans, creating serious risks for the individual student...” (212). Due to the rising tuitions students are forced to take out loans, many times with high interest rates. These loans must be paid back, this forces students to think about the return on investment of their particular degree. If the return on investment is low, then it may not be worth it for the student to take out the loan in the first place. Not all students are guaranteed loans, and some students are left without a way to pay for their education. While college may be a good investment for some students, not all students can afford the career they are pursuing. Students must take into account the return on investment for both the major they wish to study as well as the college, the more prestigious the college, the higher the return rate.

When many students are forced to think about their futures they are often pushed towards four-year colleges when the career they are pursuing does not require it. The careers that some students wish to pursue don't require a four-year degree. If students are pushed towards going to a four-year degree, they waste time that could be spent on training or on a job. As Charles Murrary the W.H. Brady Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, states “the two-year community college and online courses offer more flexible options for tailoring course work to the real needs of the job” (242). The flexibility of two-year colleges allows students the ability to complete coursework while also continuing their lives. This allows students to work part time and while being a part time student, allowing them to earn money while studying. For students who are under financial strain this flexibility allows them to continue working, as well not losing their income as most of the times full-time students of four-year colleges are forced to move out of state for their education. Contrary to the belief that the longer you are getting an education the more you must know, there are some things that you can only learn once you start working in your chosen field.When students enter college, whether it is a specialized university or a college with a diverse set of majors, students are required to take a specific amount of general educational courses. According to the opposition a college education is needed for a more diverse and useful education. While many argue that college is not necessary, there are many people who believe it is needed for a diverse and useful education. One of the people that agrees with this statement is Sanford J. Ungar, former president of Goucher College. Ungar believes that college is necessary for students even stating, “Yet one could argue that the traditional, well rounded preparation that the liberal arts offer is a better investment than ever...” (Ungar 227). Ungar believes that a four- year degree is needed for students to successfully be able to transition from one job to another. Ungar believes that students need to have a general education in order to be able to do many jobs, instead of one specific job. What Ungar Fails to understand is that liberal arts are often taught in high school, so students who don't go to a four-year college still learn this basic education, students who attend two-year universities are often required to complete basic general education courses including liberal arts. According to Liz Addison a graduate of Piedmont Virginia Community College, the Royal Veterinary College in London, as well as Southern Maine Community College, “The community colleges of America cover this country college by college and community by community. They offer a network of affordable future of accessible hope and option to dream.” (259). Addison acknowledges the fact that community colleges are more accessible to students as well as more affordable to those who cannot financially support a four-year college education. If a student cannot afford to attend a four-year college or university, and yet they still try to take on the financial burden it may cause an even greater financial strain on their family as well as causing them to have to drop out of college due to financial stress.

High school guidance counselors often try to steer high school seniors towards college, often forgetting how it affects the student’s futures. Whether it is a financial problem that stops the student from going to college or just the fact that their job does not require it. College while a good idea for most people, it is best for some people to avoid college as it is unneeded. When planning guidance counselors don't always care about the students plans so it is essential to do research on the options for your career field.