Is A College Education Necessary?

Going to college is a common route many people take. Many people enjoy the four years spent getting a degree and living the "college experience," such as going to sporting events, trying out clubs, making new friends, and learning about living an independent lifestyle. College is a great time for growth in life beyond the classroom setting. Although it is a great experience, it costs a lot of money each year. The average cost of tuition at any four year institution is $25,362 and it takes people on average 20 years to pay off their student debts. The typical perks of going to college include the opportunity for a specialized career, increased job opportunities, networking opportunities, and increased economic stability. The average salary of someone with a college degree is $50,000, but the range can go even higher than that. There are lots of benefits to having a degree. Employers really do look at one's education, and often, an applicant with a degree would get a job over an applicant without a degree. Another benefit of a college degree is the ability to find a set career path. Sometimes prior to college, people do not know what career they want to go into. Colleges offer lots of classes, and you have some time to discover what path interests you most.

 

While the typical college experience can be very enjoyable, it is not that way for everyone. Your specific skills and talents can get you hired. You just need to identify those skills and the careers that go with them. There are three main factors that should be considered when deciding if college is the route for you. These factors include hiring managers, the industry, and your definition of success. Hiring managers have a lot of pressure nowadays to chose the most qualified applicant with the best application. Someone with a college degree would most always be picked over someone without. You need to check if the hiring agency you are interested in is looking for highly qualified applicants. If so, there will be little opportunities to get a job without a degree. In addition, the industry is important to know about. Some industries require degrees, such as fields like psychology or sciences. Fields such as marketing, design, programming, or content creation may not need a degree. The most important factor in deciding whether college is the right path for you is how you define success for your life. If you want to start your own business or go into a family business, then you may not need a degree. It depends what you want for your life and what makes you happy.

 

There are many different forms of education that are not the common college route. Trade school is one common option where you can learn about automotive, plumbing, electric, aviation, culinary, art, tech, and beauty. Another way to get a good job is through apprenticeships, where you can get real work experience and learn along the way. Furthermore, the military is a great option for lots of people. It can give lots of experience upon entering the workforce.

In addition, the military may even reimburse you for your college tuition if you decide to go to college later on. Although there are many pros to joining the military, it is a big decision that should not be taken lightly as it is a big commitment and is not for everyone.

 

The ultimate decision on if college is right for you should be based on what will make you happy and what kind of future you want for yourself. There are many options for both the college and noncollege route, and no one decision is right for everyone.