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I don't really think that is a realistic reason to pursue higher education. Without even getting into some of the deeper conversations, there are only so many "

I don't really think that is a realistic reason to pursue higher education. Without even getting into some of the deeper conversations, there are only so many "better" jobs to go around. 80% of the jobs out there pay less than $50K per year, and just $45K per year for 75% of the jobs. Meanwhile, if you are aged 25-29, 30% of your peers have a degree. Therefore, 33% of college graduates in that age group are basically guaranteed to make less than $50K per year and many of them will fail to even make the $45K threshold. Not to mention that in reality, percentage is even larger than that as a significant number of non-college graduates live in the top 25% of earners. Furthermore, 18% of university graduates fail to even earn $20K per year and just 24% of the top 1% have a non-graduate degree as their highest level of education attainment. I see no compelling reason to even begin to think you would go to college to get a better job, unless that job is in a specific field where the law requires (doctor, lawyer, etc.) Someone still has to drive the taxis. Having a degree doesn't put you above such work and the more people obtain their degrees, the greater chance someone with a degree will take on such work. With that said, college still has merit and should not be discounted. Finding a job at the end should be one of the last reasons you consider attending.

drcube 14y ago
> Finding a job at the end should be one of the last reasons you consider attending. I agree with this if you're rich, or else qualify for a free education like a scholarship or the GI Bill. But for most people, college is a significant investment and should be treated like one. Why should someone take out mortgage sized amounts of debt for no other reason than to learn something interesting? Is that a responsible use of borrowed money?
- randomdata 14y ago
  With such overwhelming evidence that a degree does not make for a good investment in most cases, and enrolment rates only increasing, there must be something else attracting people. My hunch is that people want to look important. Similarly, taking out a massive loan to drive a brand new BMW doesn't make financial sense either, but lots of people still do it because it shapes their image.

drcube 14y ago

> Finding a job at the end should be one of the last reasons you consider attending. I agree with this if you're rich, or else qualify for a free education like a scholarship or the GI Bill. But for most people, college is a significant investment and should be treated like one. Why should someone take out mortgage sized amounts of debt for no other reason than to learn something interesting? Is that a responsible use of borrowed money?

randomdata 14y ago
With such overwhelming evidence that a degree does not make for a good investment in most cases, and enrolment rates only increasing, there must be something else attracting people. My hunch is that people want to look important. Similarly, taking out a massive loan to drive a brand new BMW doesn't make financial sense either, but lots of people still do it because it shapes their image.