The debate over whether college is worth it began when the colonists arrived from Europe and founded “New College” Later, they renamed the college we know today as “Harvard University”. About 19.5 million individuals will be enrolled in college across the U.S. in 2024, and a total of over $1.75 billion in student loan debt in 2024. About 62% of Americans go to college after high school leaving 38% that either go to a trade school or don’t go to college at all.
Pros and cons of college. The first pro on why somebody should go to college is most jobs require college degrees and it also helps explore careers and earn better job opportunities. Pro number 2 is higher pay. College graduates can be paid more because they are more qualified for the job. By going to college they should know more about their job and that makes them more efficient at their job resulting in higher pay. The last pro is job security. Most college graduates rarely face unemployment, because of job security. Employers value employees with specialized knowledge and higher education levels.
Cons of going to college. Con 1. College is not guaranteed a job or a better life. Like I said in pro number 3 you have a higher job security but you are not always guaranteed that job. College is also not an infinite money glitch. You may spend the big bucks to go to college and be very smart but if you don’t get the job your degree is for then you just wasted your time and money and now you’re set back even further. Con 2 is student loan debt. As I said in the first paragraph there is over $1.75 billion in student debt across the U.S. and can set people back for half of their lifetime. Depending on what you’re studying and what college you are attending you may be paying a lot or a little. Tuition has risen faster than income which is resulting in people having to take out loans just to pay for college. Con 3. Many people would be better off going to a trade school or pursuing work right out of high school. Trade professions are a necessity for society to function. Trade schools are very affordable compared to college and often pay above-average wages. More kids going to college rather than a trade school has resulted in a skill gap in the U.S. in jobs like plumbers, electricians, mechanics, construction workers, or manufacturers.
I will probably attend a trade school after high school because they are much more affordable, teach more hands-on, and, teach more of the jobs I would realistically like to do in the future. I think if you want a really high-paying job you will probably have to attend college but for what I want to to in the future a trade school fits me much more.
What are your thoughts on college?
What are your thoughts on a trade school?
Which would you attend?
https://college-education.procon.org/
https://www.bankrate.com/loans/student-loans/student-loan-debt-statistics/
https://www.bestcolleges.com/research/college-enrollment-statistics/
Replies
Great topic choicej and well done overall Dalton! Be sure to keep commenting back to students.
I believe that going to college is good, ecspecially to get a good job in todays world. If you want a higher paying job, in this economy you usually have to go to college not saying always, I would attend a college though.
I think college is good for some people, but in my opinion it's useless its a waste of time for me and my interests. trade school on the other hand, i think is better use more hands on less time learning more in the field of work i want to be in. I would attend trade school.
It can go either way. College has many benefits and so does not going to college. Going to college can earn you credits and things that you can take with you your entire life to make it easier, such as a masters. With a masters you can make more money. I think trade school is not a bad path but I think college would be a better way to go. I would attend college.
I agree with what you said about college but I would attend a trade school because for what I want to do in the future I do not need a master's or another certification. I also feel you can learn more because you do more hands-on work and it is easier to remember.
I belive that it depends what your going in to It is benificilly i belive but if you get a job that pays well that you dont need a college education in I dont think so because you can be debt free. now if your a doctore you obvisly need one but welding you just need a certificite for some jobs and you can get that at most highsvchools.
I think that getting a college education is very important in todays world. Most stable jobs such as doctors, lawyers, and teachers require a college degree to just get an interview. Other jobs that aren't as stable such as fast food workers, part time workers, and retail employees, don't have stable incomes and offen don't bring in a lot of money.
2.) I think it depends on whatever career you are trying to pursue. I think trade schools are good for certain careers but college can be good for other careers.
I think that college depends on your choice in a career path. If you decide to take an alternative approach, its still an education. I think that trade school are very beneficial. It teaches you about your future job and basically training to do it. When I graduate highschool, I think I would personally pick college.
What are your thoughts on trade school? I like trade school more than college, this is because it sets you up for a job right after finishing school. It also costs a lot less and takes less time. You will also master whatever you want to do sooner.
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