Is College the Best Option?

Noah Nalder

Professor Debbie Hansen

English 1010

13 September 2017

Is College the Best Option?

        In the essay Is College the Best Option? a variety of points are argued on whether or not college is a viable option for high school graduates. Most say college is inevitable for today’s youth, but people are still employable and capable of being successful if secondary school is not a part of their life.

        One of the arguments made was even with a college education people are equally opportune to jobs. The high the education does not always mean the more pay, or the better the individual. Alongside, having a degree could be a waste of money. When going into a subject that does not look at degrees, or a degree that does not matter, someone with a lower education could receive a job as effortlessly. Thousands of dollars could be wasted on an education that is not necessary. Someone going into a STEM program could potentially make more money than a full time teacher with a Bachelor’s degree. Strategizing the best option is always smart before looking into a career that might not benefit.

        Talking statistically, people who major in the health or education department, typically have their jobs longer than someone with a less permanent job. 14% of people holding a high school diploma typically make corresponding amounts of money as those with a Bachelor’s degree. With that 17% of people holding a Bachelor’s degree make more money than those with a professional degree! Private schooling vs. Public schooling have many differences too. Some private schools are very selective about those that are admitted. In those schools, over $620,000 of lifetime earnings are made. Compared to public schooling that is a huge number.

        To end the summary, college is very category specific. Research should be done to see if college is the best option. Wasting money is done too often, because people think they will benefit from college, but more than not, they waste money. Still arguing the point, most teenagers think college is an essential part of life.

My Reflections on Exercise #6

I personally believe that educationally, college is only necessary for those going into certain majors. For example, referencing Figure 2 the return on investment for most competitive majors ie. Engineering and architecture is much higher than those of non-competitive majors ie. Education and arts. However, financially I do think that college is important because of the difference in salary between college graduates, as opposed to high school graduates.
        The earnings of a high school graduate are still lower than that of any college graduate. I do believe that vocational schooling in a great alternative to college. I think that those who are trained for a job can perform equally to those who received a 4-year degree. However, noted by Figure 1 and Figure 2, the earnings, unfortunately, do not compare.
        I would like to major under the umbrella of business, which observed within Figure 1 is in the top five of work-life earnings held by those with a Bachelor’s Degree. So from my standpoint, school is a good investment educationally, as well as financially because in the long haul I will earn more than those with a high school diploma.