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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I love this post. it's really well written and gets to the core of the expensive american education. my parents ingrained in me that in order to be a success in this world, you need a good college degree so that brought me to america in the hopes of achieving the sought after american dream. after spending my 4 years in an expensive private college I don't have much to show for it except a $150k degree that barely gets me a job. since then I've been hesitant on going to purse my masters degree. college although it can be a good source of knowledge, going to one does not guarantee your success in this world, when you think about it. the majority of people with degrees are doing jobs where their "bought" skills are not being utilised. to add insult to injury, the wealthiest people on earth do not even have a college degree (bill gates, steve jobs, mark zukerberg....)
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the post and I totally agree with you. What are we doing with our lives!?
ReplyDeletethat should be the title to your next post.
ReplyDelete