Is Going to College Really Worth It?

By Andreas Fanos on April 10, 2018

This question is very difficult to answer because of the complexity of the country in general and the growing competition, costs, and hard work that is needed. It seems like an obvious yes, but that is not the case anymore. People want to go to college and now it is an absolute necessity to go. Many years ago people did not need to go, instead opting to work in their families business or learn a specific trade.

You’re sitting in your room and pondering whether to go to college or not; what you want to do with your life. You have absolutely no clue and partially unsure.

The growing yes or no stems from the fact on the major that you choose. Each major has its ups and downs, however, some majors can be difficult to make a full-fledged career into and it has fewer opportunities to succeed. You may be working at a couple of retail stores, restaurants, or freelance-sites to make some money before making it big-time. Everyone should be pursuing something they like and are passionate about to succeed regardless of the obstacles or work needed.

Credit to Pixabay

The real obstacle to the question is the money. With the growing cost of college, it can be downright unaffordable for the middle and lower classes. Individuals will have to take out a lot of money in loans and owe hundreds of thousands to chase a degree or multiple degrees. Owing that much money puts a lot of stress and hardship on an individual and paying it back can be tough. Either way, you will be paying money no matter which college you choose to go to, whether its a private, state, or community. Individuals who do not have the money can go to community college, but the resources won’t be there as much and private schools offer more and far better resources for students.

I fear how much college tuition will be when my kids have to go to school or 40 to 50 years down the line because it keeps rising constantly. Student loan debt is real as more students are accumulating a massive amount of debt and having to pay a lot of money each month for 10 to 15 years or less to pay it off. This is why college might not be worth it, especially if someone has the connections already. Realistically, someone can get a good job without a college degree and be successful. Many business owners and successful entrepreneurs don’t have a degree and jobs like being an electrician, plumber or mechanic do not have degrees, but make good money in a thriving, lucrative market.

What doesn’t hurt though, while pursuing a college degree is learning other skills. Broadening them, and mastering various skills to be successful. Working more than one job helps too, one is just not enough anymore. And one skill does not help as much as having many.

Under certain parameters and rules for people who reside in New York City, they can get a free college education. But this is the only known place where it will be totally free. The problem is that regardless of it being free, it can be a lot of years before you make any good money and make it into society. For great jobs like being a doctor or lawyer, you will need to get an undergraduate degree and go through more years of schooling, from 3 to 6 depending on what you want to do. And in the process move far away to get a good job where there are openings.

However, when you measure all the pros and cons a college degree ultimately is worth the cost and hardship that it causes because you are educated and have a degree in your name that no one can strip you of. College graduates tend to have better-paying jobs and a lesser chance of unemployment. College teaches you a lot more than just reading books and going to class. The experience is worthwhile and you learn a lot about yourself in the process. And more job opportunities open up alongside having a college degree. Times will be tough, but keep pushing through for that diploma with your name on it.

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