Five Reasons To Skip College

Five Reasons To Skip College

Four years holed up in an ivory tower could be a waste of your time and your money.

http://www.forbes.com/2006/04/15/dont-go-college_cx_lh_06slate_0418skipcollege.html?partner=alerts

 

Very compelling argument for skipping college. Wish I'd read it 20 years ago!

 

Five Reasons You SHOULDN'T Skip College

Well, not so fast. As somebody who dropped out of college to take a job I thought was going to be a big break in my career (well, actually it was, but ultimately not worth leaving college), let me give you my reasons why you should not skip college:

1. Most employers will not consider you for a job. A college degree is considered a MINIMUM requirement for many jobs these days. Don't have a college degree on your resume? Many HR managers will file your job application in a round can. An advanced degree is needed for management positions within many companies.

2. College grads DO earn more. It's true...most college grads really do earn more than those without a degree. I've seen it first-hand. Even Associates degrees can help lead to a higher salary than a high school diploma alone. Sure, Bill Gates doesn't have a degree, but he's an exception, not a rule. He also started his own company. If you're going to work for somebody else, rather than for yourself, get a degree.

3. College grads are healthier. There was a study I read not too long ago which stated college graduates have better health rates than people who had only a high school diploma. Maybe it was because the college grads could afford things like gym memberships, better healthcare and better food. Or maybe they just knew more about how to take care of themselves.

4. You'll actually learn something. That's the whole point of college isn't it? Yes, like Matt Damon said in "Good Will Hunting", you can get yourself an education for $1.65 in late fees at the public library...but you won't have a degree.

5. You'll gain a sense of pride. Sure, the cost of a college education is a high price to pay for the privilege of being proud of yourself, but I can't tell you how many awkward moments I've had when somebody has asked "from which college did you graduate?" or "what kind of degree do you have?". I have worked alongside college grads for years, doing the same work, making the same, if not a little more pay (but many times, making less), but those questions still eat away at me.

Just get the degree. Sure, if you get a four-year degree in basket weaving, maybe there won't be a big financial payoff in the end. However, the chances are pretty good there won't be if you DON'T go to college.

 

Re: Five Reasons You SHOULDN'T Skip College

Excellent points TCord! I agree 100%


Abner

 

Re: Five Reasons You SHOULDN'T Skip College

And more...employers project substantial increases in hiring new college graduates this year, according to a study released by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

http://www.naceweb.org/press/display.asp?year=&prid=234

 

That was quite probably one of the least newsworthy articles I've read in five years. I had presumed, evidently in error, that Forbes was edited.

It could still be useful, though, as a litmus test: If this article makes sense to you, then you shouldn't waste your time in school.