Monday, November 11, 2013

Getting a college degree in the US-An expensive social class status

The more I hear about college abroad, the sadder it makes me feel. Although I love Pace University dearly for its location, professors, & students, the cost of a Pace education is unbelievably expensive & students graduate paying off debt for decades. Pace isn't even in the top tier of schools & yet students pay $50k per year to attend (without financial aid, that is).

Then I hear stories about schools abroad where public university education is free, fully paid by the government. Another story to consider: CEO of Family Dollar, Michael Bloom, recently on the show, Undercover Boss, has an associate's degree from a community college. He didn't need an expensive US university degree to be the success he is today, but even millionaire, Mike Bloom feels lesser than those with a 4-year degree. So why are people trained to think that spending tens of thousands of dollars will get them ahead for sure? Why is an American 4-year degree the absolute way to go to "make it"? I am not saying that a US education isn't worth anything; education in the US is great. The US has amazingly intelligent professors who have so much knowledge & experience.

However, for the price students pay, professors do not see nearly enough of the benefits, nor do the students. Students who graduate college with enormous debt & in this economy are faced with this horrible job market. Also, why is there such a stigma against community college? Community college is a great way to save money & earn prerequisite credits that students need to take in any college they're in. Unfortunately, many students learn early that community college is seen as "a low education" & "not the best education to get." But if you are undecided in what major to pursue (like I was) or trying to save money (like I wanted to do), then community college is a great option. So my purpose in this post is to say that the most expensive way isn't always the best way, regardless if it's Harvard or any of those big names. Nothing is worth the stress of debt after graduation. Yes, education is important, but get it the smart way, not the easiest. You don't want to be spending your first paycheck on paying back loans.

Until next time... ciao 💗

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