In America, college is a very common thing, with the majority of highschool graduates continuing their education. In the eighties and nineties, college was much less cheaper than it is these days. Lately, with entrepreneurs like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs,who did not graduate college, many people have been questioning whether college, and its price, are worth it. Also, many wonder whether it’s best to have a specialized major like engineering, or a well rounded major like history. As a current college student studying a liberal arts major, I believe that college is a great experience for students, especially when a student chooses a liberal and fine arts major, because there is more room for creativity and allows one to have options to work in different environments, rather than be tied down to a certain career. I also think that while many students like me do not necessarily enjoy the stress and price of a college education, it is an insurance policy that we decide to go through since those who do not have a college degree, struggle more to find jobs. This is why I also believe that there should be more careers and opportunities for those who decide not to go to college.
Since the day a child is put into elementary school, they are taught that a college degree is incredibly important for success in America. As early as I can remember, adults around me, parents, relatives, and teachers all pushed a college education onto me. This is mainly because in modern times, those with college degrees statistically have more stable careers and salaries than those who only have a highschool education. An article written in Northwestern Now states, “As college graduates get older, their earnings rise much faster on average and peak at a later age than do those of high school graduates with similar backgrounds and test scores”. This is why many of my peers and I chose to go to college, because it is like an insurance policy that is not guaranteed, but overall helps improve the chances of success. Another reason to attend college and earn a degree, is the fact that it is a learning experience for young adults. Not only does college teach young adults about their career paths, it also teaches them how to be independent, “nurture critical thought” and, “develop them an ability not just to listen actively but to respond intelligently.” (“Learning by Degrees”, Mead). College is an experience that helps change the way students think, and helps them think, respond, and understand better. Someone with only a highschool education can also of course teach themselves through experience these skills, but college makes it easier by giving students opportunities to do so.
Another argument that many like to make about college is the fact that having a more specialized major like engineering, is more fulfilling than a much more vague liberal arts degree. I believe that a liberal arts degree is actually incredibly rewarding to have, because it not only teaches someone their specialty, (for example, art or history) but, it also teaches them about the world, different cultures, and people. A liberal arts degree teaches skills like, “critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and creativity”. These are vital skills that are, “integral in succeeding in the broader world.” (“What Do You Do with a B.A in History?” , Saxon). Many may make the argument that those who chose liberal arts degrees are wasting their money on careers that do not guarantee success. While it is not guaranteed that you will be successful with a liberal and fine arts degree, it is also not guaranteed that you will find one in another, more specialized field. In Kenn Saxon’s speech, “What Do You Do with a B.A in History?”, he questions those who argue a liberal arts degree with the question, “ Even if you wanted to, how could you know the best fields for making money in the future?”. This is definitely something to consider because, who knows what jobs will be replaced, and what jobs will be created in the future? Before technology, there were many jobs that were considered, “secure” that were replaced by technology. Even if you are lucky enough that your career isn’t replaced by a robot in the future, your career could significantly change from what is once. For example, teachers now use technology to help them in the classroom, and a teacher who is not considered up-to-date with technology could have trouble adapting and relating to ways students learn these days. This is why it’s best to choose a major you love and that will give you the most worldly experience, like a liberal and fine arts degree.
Another thing to consider when it comes to whether a college degree is necessary, is the fact that to some people, it’s not necessary at all. College is undeniably, a very expensive investment that puts most students in debt, or financial stress. Many students can not afford to go to college without working part time while they are a full time student. In fact, “the cost of tuition and the difficulties associated with going to school while working at the same time are top reasons why students abandon their studies.” ( “College Isn’t for Everyone. Here’s Why.”, Lynch). This is why it might be best that some people can work for a while until they are financially stable to afford their college tuition. Another thing to consider is that young adults aged 18-20 are unable to drink because they are too irresponsible, but they are considered responsible when it comes to putting themselves into debt by taking out loans to attend college. Many believe when it comes to college, that the risks that come with attending college are greater than the benefits, and I don’t blame them. College has become incredibly expensive due to the economy and the random things universities like to bundle into tuition. Do we all really want to add a rock climbing wall to the campus gym? No, but the university still makes you pay for it, because to an extent, it really is all about money. Also, the more students they can bring in the better, which is also another reason for the high tuition rates. This of course is enough to drive away a student who is financially struggling because they just don’t think it’s worth it. Also, not going to college doesn’t necessarily make someone less qualified for a career. For example, there can be someone with no college education that is a better graphic designer, who has more experience, than someone with a degree in digital media. With all these factors in consideration, I think it’s time more employers consider skill and experience when choosing potential employees, rather than just judging them by whether or not they spent four years to receive a signed piece of paper.
Overall, I believe that a college degree, and the experience of higher education as a whole, is amazing, and that definitely helps create security and aids in success, it should not be the deciding factor when it comes to employment. These days many jobs require a college degree, and for some people, college is unnecessary for the career they want, and also is extremely expensive. Also, those who do decide to go to college shouldn’t let others judgements outweigh their major decision process. A so-called, “vague and unpredictable” liberal and fine arts degree can really open minds, and help with critical thinking, as well as allowing the person with the major to explore different careers, rather than being stuck with one career. In the end, college should be highly advised for the experience and the benefits one can receive from it, but it shouldn’t have to feel like a requirement because not everyone is the same.