We recently asked you to evaluate whether the college experience was worth the price tag. Here’s what you said:
Lots of interesting data. For example while the majority said college was worth it, it wasn’t what I would call an overwhelming majority (only 57%). But if you add the people who think the cost of college will eventually pay off, then college comes away with a pretty clear value proposition.
Then again, if you look at the number of people who don’t think college was worth it and don’t believe it will benefit them in the long run…those numbers match the people who are waiting for college to benefit their professional lives.
The numbers told me that college continues to be something we have to consider carefully and shop for real value. It’s not one-size-fits-all when it relates to our careers.
Not all professions need a college degree. Colleges and universities offer a wide variety of programs and experiences. At a wide range of prices. Each of us has to weigh what we want from the college experience, what we need in terms of our future professional lives, and how much money we have/want to spend.
We also need to get the most bang for our buck. It’s hard once you’ve graduated from college to go back years later. Not impossible, but I’m sure there’s a big adjustment.
As we see more flux in the world of work – skills gaps, Boomers retiring, young professionals being under-utilized…the subject of college and its value will continue. The question is will our opinions remain the same.
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Carolyn Sokol says
Interesting data – aside from the formal education, there is value in the connections available to you during the college years. If you take advantage of this, whether it be through a fraternity, sorority, alumni, service organization, clubs, professors, or roommates, the opportunities you may gain from these relationships in the future could arguably be almost as valuable as the education you are receiving. Careers involve relationships as well as book smarts…
Rory Trotter says
Good post, Sharlyn.
Personally, I think the real value of a college degree is that college is where you “learn how to learn”. The skills that most students get in undergrad aren’t all that valuable in the workplace (unless they major in engineering/IT/something else highly technical), but the ability to think critically and develop oneself are invaluable in the long run.
As the cost of tuition continues to rise it should be interesting to see how this answer changes over time.
Thanks for sharing, and keep writing.
Best,
Rory
Sharlyn Lauby says
Thanks for the comments. I find it really interesting the number of comments about the things you learn in college beyond the “book smarts”. Self-learning, relationship building, etc. All important aspects of the college experience.
Shane says
If you measure a college degree by a utilitarian yardstick – “will it get me a job”, or as a job factory, then the numbers will be lower; but even from this perspective Rory is right. I embarked on my degree as an end in itself rather than as a means to an end, and as such it held enormous value that just happened to tally with my profession.