The point of the article is you're not likely to obtain a four year degree by going to college, especially not for only 4 years: "But federal statistics show t

The point of the article is you're not likely to obtain a four year degree by going to college, especially not for only 4 years: "But federal statistics show that just 36 percent of full-time students starting college in 2001 earned a four-year degree within that allotted time. Even with an extra two years to finish, that group's graduation rate increased only to 57 percent." Technical education has a much more certain payoff. Bookkeeping, welding, plumbing, nursing, all are possible with 2 year degrees and are ways to get a good job and a good career. A 2 year nursing degree is a relatively fast way to get into a good income and relatively flexible schedule, allowing further study. And economists are backing up the 'Don't even waste the money, just go straight vocational' approach.