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The answer is far from simple. For some, a college degree provides indispensable knowledge, credentials, and a network of relations. For others, these four years might be more effectively used to get hands-on experience or develop entrepreneurship skills. We asked Mr. Sanborn, an Economics and Financial Literacy teacher at SHS, to give his advice on this decision.
Some fields, like medicine, law, and engineering, require a degree. In these cases, college is a basic requirement for entering the profession. College also plays a role in students’ personal and professional development; it’s an atmosphere where students can make friends and learn skills like independence and critical thinking. Beyond that, relationships forged with professors, peers, and alumni can open doors to valuable career opportunities.
But as the cost of higher education keeps rising, there has been more debate over whether everyone needs college. Student loan debt has become a major burden for many graduates, and not all degrees promise a return on that investment. Mr. Sanborn said that determining a degree’s relevance to a career and performing a cost-benefit analysis can help with this decision, explaining, “Some careers require specific degrees, while others are much more flexible.”
He also outlined several ways to reduce student debt. “Some programs reduce the cost of college directly; others help students pay for the cost of college,” he said. “In general, financial aid is based on need, while scholarships are based on merit of some kind.” Mr. Sanborn also encouraged students and parents to look into 529 plans, which are “specifically set up to help families save for college.”
Even with these benefits, though, the cost of college is staggering. On average, college costs $27,146 per year in Massachusetts, where the average salary is $65,935. In order to send two children to college, a family will have to spend $217,168, or more than twice their yearly income before accounting for expenses.
Individuals heading into a career that values practical skills over credentials may opt out of attending college. Many of the trades, such as plumbing, carpentry, and electrical careers, require vocational training rather than a conventional degree. These paths offer stable, well-paying jobs without the financial burden of college tuition.
Additionally, the growth of alternative learning platforms has created different avenues to achieve success. Online courses and bootcamps offer accessible ways to learn in-demand skills, especially in tech and creative fields. However, Mr. Sanborn is skeptical of these. “I believe that such programs are much less expensive than college, and like college, if students apply themselves, they can learn a lot,” he said. “However, you don’t come away with a college degree… In addition, one of the benefits of college is building relationships and networking with professors, alumni, and fellow students.”
Ultimately, whether or not college is necessary depends on an individual’s goals, financial situation, and learning style. For some, a degree is a crucial step toward their dreams; for others, it may be an unnecessary detour. The changing job market and diversified educational opportunities have proved that there is no single answer to this question. College can be a strong tool, but it is not the only one in the toolbox.