Is College Worth It?

Education is key to a better and more productive life for the student. Basic knowledge like language, math l, civics and physical skills are most important. As long as these basics are focused on, education, in my opinion, can make society better.

Education can change the world when used for self improvement and for the advancement of society. The wrong kind of education can cripple the individual and society, however. Of course, these statements are subjective to a point but there are truisms to the usefulness of learning skills that are in demand. But, sometimes, it seems that the education market offers some degrees just for the sake of creating more profit.

About online learning.

Some students can thrive with online learning but it isn’t for everyone. Some students need the individual attention during or after class so online learning may not be for them. However, if online learning is done, the tuition should definitely be lowered because a lot of resources wouldn’t be needed if there is no in class learning. Will colleges with huge endowments abide? We shall see.

Is a college degree worth it?

Most college students rack up a lifetime’s worth of debt to go to college so, increasingly, the answer to that question is a ‘no’ for a lot of prospective students. The cost of a college degree is just getting out of hand. But why?

One reason, there is a lot of demand for a college degree. Another reason, the higher education market has been twisted by government intervention like government-backed student loans that taxpayers have to pay back when the student doesn’t and taxpayer-backed grants that are not paid back. I believe the latter factor is the main culprit.

Colleges raise tuition knowing students will get unlimited student loans and grants. This makes it more expensive for every student. Furthermore, many students that don’t belong in college go to college because, why not, the money is so easy to get up front to pay for college. In these cases a college degree is just not worth it to society.

Many students go to college to get worthless degrees. By worthless I mean the debt that is accumulated to get the degree will most likely not be paid off with the salary the borrower gets using the degree or the borrower cannot get a relevant job using the degree. In these cases the degree IS NOT worth it, especially to society and taxpayers that back student loans and grants to pay for these worthless degrees.

Before I finish I want to assert that many students go to college, get a good degree, pay for it up front and/or pay back their student loans. In these cases it is definitely worth it. So, it’s not all bad! Lol!

Finally, we all have differing opinions on the worth of a college education. I have made my opinions and some facts known here. Agree or disagree. I will leave you with the task to decide for yourself.

Donny Letson