Is College a Scam?

By Keenan W.

For years we’ve been told that a college or university degree is necessary to succeed in life. And in the fall of 2020, about 19.5 million people attend college in the U.S. (NCES). Yet, for many, the cost of college can be immense. So, as times change, more people are looking at alternatives to college.

Is College Worth It?

To some degree, college is worth it. College is definitely necessary to learn things from certain career fields and to gain experience. It also helps you to network with other people. A college degree can also partially ensure that you’ll be able to earn 75% more than an individual with just a high school diploma (Dickler). 

Though, on the other hand, college in general is expensive. The Federal Reserve reported in 2021 that the median student debt for all borrowers was between $20,000 and $24,999 (Welding). About half of student loan borrowers owe more than that, and half owe less. If you were unable to pay your loan off right away, and only had about $500 a month to pay towards your student loan, it would take more than 84 months (7 years) with more than a $15,000 interest before you would be able to pay off the student loan debt for your 4-year bachelor’s degree. Additionally, that would only be possible if you were able to get a paying job right out of college. Though we know for sure that employers are foremostly looking for people with experience, which is something you’re not likely to have after four years of studying. Furthermore, if you chose a major that wasn’t employable or useful to an employer (such as gender studies), you’ll be less likely to get a job right away, and it’ll take even longer to pay off your student debt,  or if you chose a career that required even more years of study (like a career in the medical field), then you’d require even more funds to pay for the rest of your studies. 

All of the pros and cons need to be considered before pursuing a degree. 

The Alternatives:

Luckily, times are changing, and having a college degree doesn’t entirely mean the same thing that it once did. There are many alternatives to college. 

  • Not going to college or taking a gap year: You could choose to enter the workforce right away and not go to college; or you could take a gap year, work and save up money, and then go to college, not worrying about funds. 

  • Community College: Community college is a great affordable alternative to college. Community colleges, sometimes called junior colleges, are two-year schools that provide affordable postsecondary education as a pathway to a four-year degree. You could easily get a more affordable associate's degree from a community college and then transfer to a university or you could possibly get a bachelor’s degree from certain community colleges. 

  • Trade School and Apprenticeship: Trade schools, sometimes called vocational schools, offer training for high-skilled industries, like welding, plumbing, and mechanical work. Other industries include healthcare, food preparation, and cosmetology. Trade school programs often last less than two years. If you want to work with your hands and do a more “physical” job, then trade school is for you. 

  • Military and other: Joining the military is another great alternative to college. After your years of service, the military even sometimes can sponsor you for your college studies. 

  • Entrepreneurship: Create your own business and work for yourself. 

As you can see, there are many alternatives to college. There are many costs and benefits to consider too. With certain paths, you’re bound to be able to earn more, yet the cost of those paths might be too much to manage. Ultimately, the choice is up to you. Yet, we hope this article is helpful to upcoming juniors and seniors as they have to choose between what they’re doing after high school. 

Keenan W. is in 12th Grade and has been with NSA since 2019. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her family after moving from South Africa. Keenan plays both the piano and the mandolin. She is also an avid reader, loves music, and enjoys watching 2000s movies. Some of her interests include psychology, criminal justice, international relations, business, leadership, and politics. She hopes to help and serve others through whatever her career may be.

🔎Informational, 🗣️AdviceEIC NSA2022-2023, April 2023 Publication