Is College the Best Option?

Introduction: Is College the Best Option?

The debate over the necessity of a college degree in one’s career continues among researchers and analysts with question, Is College the Best Option? However, in the context of the “American Dream,” earning a college degree has become integral to an average American’s aspirations. The pursuit of a good job, homeownership, and raising a family is commonly seen as commencing with a college degree from a respected institution. Education is considered a secure investment with a favorable return on investment.

In modern society, obtaining a college or university degree is viewed as a pathway to the upper middle class or higher class, leading to higher earnings and an improved standard of living compared to high school graduates. While education can contribute to a healthier social environment, reducing crime rates and fostering open-mindedness, the decision to invest in a college degree requires consideration of various factors.

Sawhill and Owen highlight in their article, “Should Everyone Go to College?,” that the value of a college degree depends on factors such as the institution attended, field of study, graduation status, and post-graduation occupation. However, many students and families may not thoroughly research their target colleges, and some students may lack the grades or apparent skill set for their desired institutions.

While obtaining a college degree generally brings positive impacts in terms of professional and personal development, there are situations, colleges, majors, occupations, and individuals for which a substantial investment in higher education may not be the most prudent decision. Motivations for pursuing a college degree include better career opportunities, an elevated standard of living, improved intellectual skills, and overall life contentment. Yet, factors such as the cost of college, return on investment, individual interests, and choice of major play significant roles in shaping the decision-making process.

Education: Is College the Best Option?

In the 18th and 19th centuries, education symbolized total independence and freedom, offering economic and political empowerment. Individuals sought education for the ability to provide for their families, raise children as responsible citizens, and experience overall independence (Obama).

Contrastingly, in modern society, education is perceived as a prerequisite for inner peace, happiness, and attaining a good standard of living. A college degree is often considered mandatory for high-paying jobs in major companies, offering career progression and financial success (Hrabowski). Statistics show that college degree holders have a significantly higher earning potential compared to high school graduates, contributing to a more content and fulfilling life (Obama).

While college dropout cases exist, college degree holders generally experience lower unemployment rates and are better positioned to achieve the ideal American Dream of homeownership, family, and quality education for their children. However, certain successful entrepreneurs like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs were college dropouts, emphasizing the importance of individual qualities, skill sets, and determination in shaping careers.

The argument stresses that, despite the importance of a college degree, education should not solely equate to corporate servitude. It calls for a broader understanding of education’s value beyond career success, highlighting its historical importance and the need for societal benefits, including reduced crime rates and improved health and safety.

The essay emphasizes the changing mindset of today’s youth, who may not fully appreciate the struggles their ancestors faced for education. It argues that developing an understanding of education’s broader impact, beyond personal success, is crucial for creating a society with fewer unemployed and uneducated individuals, fostering open-mindedness and effective problem-solving.

Ultimately, the essay concludes that addressing the issue of education’s importance goes beyond obtaining a college degree; it involves instilling a comprehensive understanding of education’s societal benefits among the younger generation. Once such awareness is established, debates over the significance of college education may cease.

Future: Is College the Best Option?

In deciding whether to send an individual to college, considering factors beyond future salaries and lifestyles is crucial. The rate of return on education becomes a significant aspect for parents, especially with the declining value of education and the proliferation of institutions claiming excellence without the necessary experience, faculty, and infrastructure.

Investing in a college that lacks credibility may not be worthwhile, as the value of the degree may not match that of renowned institutions like Harvard or Stanford. Families may prefer their child to enter the workforce directly, recognizing that certain colleges may not provide a substantial return on investment. Financial constraints or students’ inability to meet college standards due to various reasons, such as entrance exam failures or lacking specific skills, can also impact the decision to pursue higher education.

Community colleges, often overlooked and criticized, offer an alternative for individuals facing such challenges. Despite stereotypes, these institutions provide basic skill sets and exposure to real-world scenarios at an affordable fee structure. Students who are diligent and serious about their future can perform on par with graduates from top universities. This success is attributed not only to the knowledge gained but also to the well-rounded personalities and skill sets molded through overcoming challenges in obtaining a community college degree. Thus, this underscores the importance of personal abilities and skills in industry performance, with the college degree serving as a secondary factor.

Murray’s Opinion: Is College the Best Option?

Charles Murray quotes John Stuart Mill in his article “Are Too Many People Going to College?” stating that the objective of some universities, like the University of St. Andrews, is not to produce specialized professionals but capable and cultivated human beings (Murray). While many agree with this sentiment, there is a paradox as some argue that too many students attend college without aligning their field of study and career interests, making the investment in a college degree questionable.

Education is seen as essential for grooming individuals with good manners, personality, character, and a positive disposition towards others. However, some argue that elementary and secondary schools already instill these qualities, potentially rendering college education unnecessary if the primary focus is on cultivating human beings (Murray). This perspective is universal and practiced globally.

Despite this, the argument acknowledges that children’s brain cells are more active and responsive than those of college students. Therefore, teaching manners and skills at an early stage is considered a best practice to instill these values permanently. The preference for college admissions often leans towards students with a strong school background, as the foundational years shape an individual’s basic roots. Parents who invest significantly in their children’s early education prioritize building strong roots, emphasizing the importance of understanding the basics of intellectual life rather than focusing solely on scientific and biological discoveries (Graff).

Major Degrees: Is College the Best Option?

As discussed, the decision to pursue a college degree often hinges on the relevance of the major to the student’s future career. If a degree is not a prerequisite for the desired occupation, students may choose to skip college and enter their chosen field immediately. However, certain majors, such as liberal arts, face discouragement due to misconceptions about their value and job prospects.

Liberal arts majors, in particular, are often misunderstood, with parents and communities expressing concerns about potential political chaos and limited job opportunities associated with these degrees (Ungar). The perception that liberal arts graduates have contributed to societal challenges and economic recessions further contributes to reluctance in supporting such educational paths. Stereotypes persist, questioning the practicality of degrees in areas like French or deep knowledge in physics and sciences, leading parents to dissuade their children from pursuing these fields.

The job market for liberal arts graduates is seen as quiet, reinforcing the hesitancy to support these educational choices. This perspective aligns with the argument that education should enhance intellectual skills rather than mold students into corporate slaves serving industry needs (Ungar). The common practice of evaluating intelligence and career potential based on GPAs and academic scores is criticized. Success, the argument suggests, should be measured by an individual’s happiness and contentment with life, irrespective of high scores or college degrees (Rose).

The misconceptions about liberal arts students primarily entering politics and causing harm to the nation are challenged. The argument points out that graduates in liberal arts can contribute positively to society in areas like social work. It underscores the idea that high academic achievements do not guarantee high intellectual capabilities or a secure future (Rose). The shift in measuring success, according to this perspective, is vital for societies and communities to thrive.

Education: Is College the Best Option?

The concept of education and knowledge has undergone a significant transformation in the 20th century. While history illustrates the fervent pursuit of education by African Americans in the 18th and 19th centuries for freedom and independence, the motivation for education in the 20th century has evolved. Today, more than 80% of the world still considers education important, but the focus has shifted. In the past, individuals were driven by a hunger for independence and a thirst for knowledge, willing to endure torture and threats to secure education for themselves and future generations. In contrast, the youth of the 20th century views education and a college degree as tools for a promising career, symbolizing a pathway to a large house, a good car, and a luxurious lifestyle for their families. While providing for the family’s future is a commendable goal, the argument emphasizes the need to recognize the true importance of education in the lives of children. Education should aim to shape better human beings, enhancing intellectual capabilities, grooming personality, and developing a strong skill set to tackle various challenges. Going to college is seen as the initial step in this process.

College degrees are acknowledged for their potential to promise better careers, an improved standard of living, and enhanced opportunities compared to high school graduates. However, the decision to send students to college involves considerations such as the reputation of the institution, the necessity of a degree for the chosen occupation, career prospects, job outlook, and the individual’s basic skill set. In short, the argument advocates for education and knowledge to be accessible to everyone, emphasizing the improvement of fundamental intellectual skills, the ability to navigate arguments, and the grooming of personalities as essential outcomes.

Works Cited: Is College the Best Option?

1. Graff, Gerald. “Hidden Intellectualism (The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing).” 2009. Web. 27 Apr. 2022.
2. Hrabowski, Freeman A. “Colleges Prepare People for Life.” Tribunedigital-baltimoresun. 2013. Web. 27 Apr. 2022.
3. Murray, Charles. “Are Too Many People Going to College? – AEI.” AEI. American Enterprise Institute, 8 Sept. 2008. Web. 27 Apr. 2022.
4. Addison, Liz. “Two Years Are Better Than Four.” New York Times. New York Times Blog, 26 Sept. 2007. Web. 27 Apr. 2022.
5. Obama, Michell. “Remarks by the First Lady at Bowie State University Commencement Ceremony.” The White House. The White House, 2013. Web. 27 Apr. 2022.
6. Rose, Mike. “Blue-Collar Brilliance.” The American Scholar. The American Scholar, 1 June 2009. Web. 27 Apr. 2022.
7. Sawhill, Isabel, and Stephanie Owen. “Should Everyone Go To College?” Brookings. Web. 27 Apr. 2022.
8. Ungar, Sanford J. “7 Major Misperceptions About the Liberal Arts.” The Chronicle of Higher Education, 28 Feb. 2010. Web. 27 Apr. 2022.

Relevant Questions: Is College the Best Option?

1. Is College the Best Option for Everyone, or are there alternative paths that can lead to successful and fulfilling careers?
2. How does the Rising Cost of College Impact its Status as the Best Option for Higher Education?
3. In the Changing Landscape of Work, is College Still the Definitive Gateway to Success in Various Professions?