The Great College Debate Essay

The standard way of thinking about college has often given the impression that education will open doors. College is foretold to be the wisest choice a student can make to better their future with a successful, high-paying job. Yet Charles Murray, author of the article “Too Many People Are Going To College,” introduces a controversial side to the argument, believing that the decision for students to attend college is one of great importance, but the choice may be made too soon. Murray emphasizes the reasons why this situation exists and continues to be proven true in today’s society with factors such as the misleading statements to students about college and the high academic standards students must conform to.

In today's world college is a major aspect of our society. However, many argue whether or not everyone should actually go to college. Not everyone should go to college for two main reasons. Not everyone that goes to college can graduate because they don't take it seriously or they are just not smart enough and they end up just wasting money. Second, not everyone can afford college and depending on what job you get, you might acquire so much debt it will very hard to pay off later and college might not be worth it.

For others, college is needed for them to carry out their dreams. College should not be regarded as some sort of special club that only the “elite” are a part of. College should be looked at as a choice. A choice that absolutely anyone can make at any

This article was a very engrossing read, listing the pros and cons of college. Interestingly enough, the journalist John Cassidy leaves an insinuation that the revered idolization that is known as higher education of college is a scam. Similar to AP tests, attending college is expected of almost all students as it will give them benefits later on in life; high wages for an example. However, the expenditure for going to college is the hard fact that it will squeeze all the money from your wallet, bank account, mattress, and anything you managed to shove up your butt. This suffocation may lead some students to get a student loan and get into debt (which is something you specifically told us not to do). Add in the fact

Americans have always believed that going to college is beneficial in many aspects and leads to a promising financial future.Recently, people have started to challenge this belief. Back in the day, if you had a college degree you were almost guaranteed a job. As Sir Ken Robinson puts it “You’re better having a degree than not, but it's not a guarantee”. Robinson has a valid argument; education trumps ignorance, but at the same, you don’t always have a high paying job waiting for you. Common sense seems to dictate that if their isn’t a job awaiting you then why waste money on a degree? This imposes another debate; are colleges worth the price of admission? In Andrew Hacker’s recent studies, Hacker seeked to compose an answer. He concluded that

Whether or not everyone should go to college has been a strongly debated topic as of late. There are those who believe college is necessary in order to survive in America, in terms of jobs, future living, and general life knowledge. Then, there are others who believe that college is merely an extracurricular for those who want to expand their opportunities or further explore their own lives. Despite the countless varying arguments either for or against the belief that everyone should go to college, there still exists a constant struggle for those deciding whether or not to pursue higher education. Two very strong arguments of this debate are “Is College For Everyone?” , by Pharinet, which argues against the belief that all Americans should

The articles “The Case Against College” and “The Value of a College Degree” both have good points on the topic of pushing students to attend college. After reading both, I feel that parents and teachers should push students to attend college. The major reason for this is because of the benefits of attending college. College education can be seen as an investment.

That doesn’t mean it’s always in someone’s best interest to go to college. “By telling all young people that they should go to college no matter what, we are actually doing them a disservice,” wrote Stephanie Owen and Isabel Sawhill in “Should Everyone Go to College?” (Downey N. pag.). You should always consider your intended occupation. A degree doesn’t always promise to make you more money than if you only had a high school education. Recognizing tuition cost is out pacing inflation, you have to make sure your degree is worth the time, money, and effort you’re about to put into it. ‘’With fast-rising tuitions and stagnant wages, fewer of us are immune from borrowing to pay for our university education. And delaying or forgoing college while we save is a difficult option: according to the Center for American Progress, weekly earnings for workers with a bachelor’s degree were $1,066 in 2012, compared to $652 for workers with a high school diploma. Those without a degree are nearly twice as likely to be unemployed. For many, going to college, then, is simultaneously a rational economic choice and an economic disaster’’ (Clark N. pag.). Often if a four-year degree isn’t right for someone they might try a different, cheaper route such as; training certification, a trade school, or online courses (Downey N.

In the essay “Are Too Many People Going to College,” writer Charles Murray explains that not everyone is in need of going to college for three main reasons: a liberal education should be gained in elementary and middle school, many people already have knowledge and skills necessary for a technical career, and many students are in college to “buy an admission ticket-the B.A.” (246) and ensure employers consider their resume. Murray does not argue anything against college itself but more against society and especially the education system. Murray also accuses guidance counselors and parents of “automatically encouraging young people to go to college straight out of high school being thoughtless about the best interests of young people” (249).

As a senior in high school, questions regarding college and my plans for the years following graduation are asked to me on a day-to-day basis. College is definitely the most important thing I am focused on this year, and although a college degree is highly valued in the job field today, many argue that not everyone should attend college due to the fact that it brings a new level of responsibility that many cannot handle, many careers now do not require a four-year degree, and because students no longer have the desire to learn.

Paul Taylor of the Pew Research Center, on NPR’s All Things Considered, stated that “in a modern, knowledge-based economy, the only thing more expensive than going to college is not going to college.” This applies to our economy today. A recent Pew Research study showed that millennials with a high school diploma make only 62% of what college graduates make. In addition, the study revealed that 86% of college graduates say they have a “career-track” job, compared to 57% of high school graduates. Such numbers indicate the importance that receiving a college education can have. However, the economic necessity of education in our country seems to further distance education from a “liberating” structure.

Deciding going to college is a decision that today young adults are deciding for themselves. Alternatively, is this decision taken away from them by society standards? Most young adults are crossing this social dilemma by the time that finishes high school. In addition, we have learned how a college degree can provide us a higher economic status, power, prestige, and level of property. That is to say, it does not matter if you are very skillful on computer coding, managing, or finance, because most of your skills have to back up by a certification that it say so. US News Money had predicted by 2020 most of the “high education jobs” were you need at least a bachelor degree will cover from the 50% to the 60% of the job market. As a result,

Did you know that now is the perfect time to seek a college degree and reep the rewards of such an accomplishment? Studies show that in 2008 alone, more adults are finding themselves enrolled in college classes. In a fearless effort to fit in with society many adults have targeted college degrees to gain the success they seek after. This success is both abroad and personal to college graduates. A College Education provides Rewards for ones’ Future; people who earn degrees market themselves for Earning a College Degree, Long-Term and Short-Term Career Goals, Lifestyle Choices and Financial Growth.

The day has come to move out of the house; the excitement of one 's 18th birthday has faded into time that seems as if it were centuries ago. This leaves many students asking where do they go now? Many young adults choose the college path, the path in pursuit of a higher education. As graduating high school students we are fast approaching a theoretical wall known as life, we are in need of a detour. In this day and age we see more high school graduates planning to pursue a higher education. Socially, going to college is the expected next step, but there are a myriad of reasons beyond peer pressure that cause graduates to strive for a higher education and the respect that is associated with it. Beyond being a couple buffer years between high school and “the real world”, a college degree can lead to job security, increased wages, and a healthier life.

As senior get to ready reach towards the end of their high school journey, many question what their future holds. Some already know college is for them, but not everyone does. Is college the path they really should go to? Is college worth it? College is imperative because students expand their knowledge, giving students higher chances of getting paid more by just attending college. In our society and the world we live in, a college degree will mostly likely guarantee a job compared to those who didn’t attend complete or at least attempt for a degree. Dan Rather claims, “A college degree is the key to realizing the American dream, well worth the financial sacrifice because it is supposed to open the door to a world of opportunity” (Rather). Although many argue that college is too expensive and not worth the sacrifice, it is indeed an essential sacrifice to help in one’s life for a better future. Former President Obama explained, "Education helps us be better people. It helps us be better citizens. You came to college to learn about the world and to engage with new ideas and to discover the things you're passionate about -- and maybe have a little fun. And to expand your horizons. That's terrific -- that’s a huge part of what college has to offer” (Obama). College is worth it because a college degree can lead to a better higher paying job and the college experience allows students to grow independently with a creative educated mindset and promises a bright future.