According to the US Census Bureau, on average, earnings increase with educational levels. High school dropouts earned an average of $18,900, high school graduates earned an average of $25,900, and college graduates earned an average of $45,400. Thus, higher educational attainments resulted in steeper increases in salaries. Furthermore, those who never finish college would expect a lifetime’s earnings of $1.5 million, while those who did earn a bachelor’s would expect to make $0.6 million more. I think the numbers speak for themselves.
Although I firmly believe, as evidenced, that there is a direct correlation between education and success, I do not believe that it is the sole determinant of whether a person will be successful. Other key aspects to consider are personality, opportunity, and connections. In other words, while it’s not common for a person to be successful in the absence of a college education, it is possible. National Review Online relays countless stories of people who became quite successful without a college degree. In many instances the “knowledge and expertise” was “entirely a product of on the job training”.
One interesting point that these stories brought forth was the difference in methods of thinking between college graduates and non-college graduates. While college grads are good at memorizing and the like, they aren’t necessarily original thinkers. Can college “remove the creativity” required in the real-world? Similarly, college grads sometimes lack the hunger and drive to work relative to their non-grad counterparts. Can college inhibit the potential of an entrepreneurial type person? I think this is a curious point in regards to “the road less traveled”. I would be interested in reading up on it further to determine its validity.
In summary, I don’t believe that college is for everyone; some of us don’t learn to the extent of our capacity in such a structured environment. This doesn’t mean that such people won’t succeed elsewhere. Although education is needed for success, this doesn’t mean that education comes from the school environment. While many people do need college in order to succeed, it is possible to do without and be triumphant.
I think some form of education is necessary to survive in our economy today. I know a handful of people who have never gotten a formal education and when all of the layoffs happened a few years ago they had a terrible time trying to find another job because they had no education. They had gotten their first job from connections, but without an education could not get another one because of their lack of education. I do agree though that college is not right for everyone, but I think there are other ways to get educated like through vocational schools or at least high school. Now there are many other options for people who did not like college to succeed to fit everyone’s learning style and likes.
ReplyDeleteI agree when you say that college isn’t for everyone. Some jobs just don’t require a high level of education and there are those lucky few who become millionaires as only high school graduates. But on the other hand, I definitely prefer my surgeon to have a rather high education! Although you might not need an education to have a job and be a functioning member of society, in order to have the most successful job you need an education. Somebody who hasn’t taken the time to go through higher levels of education does not deserve to make as much money as somebody who has taken the time. But it all depends on somebody’s personal decision. The ultimate question seems to be: How much money do you want to make and how much time are you willing to put into it?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in that I don’t think college is for everyone. Some people can’t learn in the classroom with a professor lecturing them for an hour every day. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. I think America puts too much emphasis on going to college and getting a degree. It’s almost frowned upon if a person doesn’t go to college and I think a lot of the reason that is, is because many people think money is the most important thing. Many people think that if you have money, you’ll be happy. I don’t agree with that. I think if someone has a job that they enjoy, who cares how much they’re making. As long as they have enough to get by is all that matters. Farmers are a good example of this. I know several farmers back home who never went to college, and farming is one of the most needed careers ever. I’m not saying no one should go to college; there are several jobs that require years of education, and need those years of education. But I don’t think those who choose not to go on to higher education should be looked down upon for that decision.
ReplyDeleteIn short, no. I do not believe that you have to go to college to succeed. There are several reasons and examples for this. If going to college was necessary, we would not have companies such as Microsoft and Apple. Going to college certainly provides an edge to those that attend as long as they participate actively and work at it; but people that don't go to college can work hard and keep themselves on an even level with college goers. However, that does not apply to all professions. For example, doctors most certainly need to go to college. I for one would not dream of going to a doctor who does not have a degree in medicine. That just goes against common sense. But in terms of management positions, I feel that people who didn't go to college certainly could succeed. Tonight during the Political Public Radio broadcast, a comment by Barak Obama was brought up when he said that he wanted every person in America to have the opportunity to go to college. Several of the broadcasters disagreed with this statement in that they felt like people, young people especially, would not want to be forced to go to college. When did the President ever say anything about forcing them to go to college. He only said that he wanted every person to have THE OPPORTUNITY to go to college. I think if every person had the opportunity to go to college it would be a very beneficial opportunity for them. So, college; is it necessary? No. Is it strongly recommended in my opinion? Yes.
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