Commentary
As my children progress through K-12 schools, my spouse and I have debated the value of sending them to college. Despite being college graduates ourselves, we are wary of the rising costs, diminishing degree value, and institutions adopting radical ideologies. Many jobs no longer require a four-year degree, and online education offers high-quality educational resources at a lower cost, enabling individuals to create custom portfolios without accruing massive debts.
We pondered: Should a college degree be the ultimate goal for our children, or are we part of a generation that questions the necessity of college?
There are numerous ways for future generations to excel academically and contribute to their communities without a costly credential. Experience and consequences can be powerful teachers.
Related Stories
American high schools have evolved into pipelines for college degrees obtained at a high cost. Students are treated as commodities by a financial system negotiating aid packages beyond their comprehension, leading to a debt burden they struggle to grasp as they borrow more to navigate an inflated economy.
Despite their merits, high school administrators and counselors often lack vocational creativity and prioritize the prestige of college acceptance, limiting students’ alternatives. They tend to push the bachelor’s degree path, neglecting trade schools, homemaking, or freelance careers.
Young women are particularly impacted by these pressures, often steered toward “pink collar” fields like teaching, social work, or psychology, which demand multiple degrees and credentials. Many delay starting families in pursuit of validation and credentials, only to face low salaries and significant student debt despite their impressive resumes.
I have a daughter aspiring to be a teacher and another interested in becoming a gymnastics coach. I’ve encouraged them to pursue their passions but make thoughtful, character-building decisions aligned with their values. I’ve advised them to ignore the pressure to have it all immediately and instead focus on finding vocations that complement their life choices, including marriage and motherhood.
Some of my most fulfilling work experiences involved working as an electrician’s apprentice. The satisfaction of powering up a newly constructed home and witnessing blueprints come to life is unparalleled. While tradesmen may undergo rigorous certification processes, the hands-on training is where true learning and rewards lie.
This is not to diminish the value of college degrees. Highly trained professionals like doctors are essential, and universities serve as vital hubs for research, collaboration, and specialized learning. However, we must reassess our societal emphasis on college as the pinnacle of success. Are we urging our children to mortgage their futures based on outdated ideals? Will the proliferation of niche college degrees truly benefit future generations? Must one walk across a stage after four years to be deemed successful?
Let’s empower our youth to pursue education and passions, with a college degree being a secondary consideration if necessary.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Please rewrite this sentence.
Source link
