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Haven't studies shown that even subsistence farmers do better with education? As far as I've read, more education is good for anyone who can afford it. (Even
by roc 14y ago
Haven't studies shown that even subsistence farmers do better with education?
As far as I've read, more education is good for anyone who can afford it. (Even at its inflated prices, a college degree remains a good investment for most.)
It seems to me the real problem is that most people who'd do just as well with a smaller university education are paying 5x as much for a big/name school education. Which, for those taking on debt, is hardly optimal. And their willingness to do this is what drives the prestige/price bubble.
So, really, the correctable social prejudice is not breaking "everyone should go to college" [1], it's breaking "small school education is inferior to big/name school education". [2]
[1] Though that could certainly stand a weakening and reformation to "most people should do post-high school education", with a heavy dose of de-stigmatization for trade schools, community college and the like.
[2] That prejudice is undoubtedly true of a minority of places and programs, but rarely; and extremely so in the case of undergrad programs.
- run4yourlives 14y agoCollege != Education. Travel can be education. So can reading. In fact we should always be learning something new. You don't need a university for that.
- roc 14y agoSure. I agree with that general notion. I'm just of the mind that many more people will get an education in a directed experience than in a self-taught manner. It's rather like the famous anecdote of the would-be musician who asks a famous self-taught master how they should approach becoming a musician. Paraphrasing: Aspirant: "How do I go about becoming a great musician?" Master: "Go to school." Aspirant: "But you never went to school." Master: "I never had to ask anyone 'how', either". Which is to say: those who are capable and willing to do self-directed learning will do so regardless. For anyone who seeks/takes advice on how to proceed "go to college" remains the best answer.
- therandomguy 14y agoEducation is not enough. It needs to be converted into "knowledge that can be applied". That is the part that college handles. I would much rather go to a surgeon that has gone to college/univ over someone who has read all about surgery on wikipedia during his travels to Thailand.
- sjg007 14y agoThe surgeon is actually is an apprentice under the guide of a more senior doctor. Access to the master requires enrollment in medical school and then a residency. It is not book learning per se.