Is college necessary?

Why are you going to college?

For prestige?

For your parents?

Since the COVID pandemic, rumor has it that college applications are down.  Lots of people have called into question the notion of a college education. 

What do you think: Is college really necessary? 

Many people are bringing up that very uncomfortable question.  A liberal arts education, which covers a broad range of topics, may not really be necessary for those who are targeting more trade-like professions, like carpentry or farmer.  But how do you know whether you are only fit for a trade-like professions.

In fact, before the 1960s, there was a lot of concern about making college accessible to people of all races, ethnic backgrounds, and socio-economic status.   In the 1940s, only 1 person in 20 actually attained a college education. 

Nowadays, that number is closer to 1 in 4, thanks to civil rights movements and expanded funding options.  However, because of the crippling levels of student loan debt, many are taking a more “cost-benefit” analysis to the question: are graduates actually earning enough post-college to make the ROI worth it?

Ultimately, that ROI depends on what you plan to study, what the job market is for your training.

Although there is a broad range of answers to that question, I do believe that for most people, college brings better long-term life options, a more expansive view of the world, and greater earning options for the duration of your life. But you do need to do some soul-searching before you apply, to better understand exactly what you want college to do for you.

In over a decade, as an admissions consultant and career coach, the problem lies more in the approach people take, both to their chosen college, their major, and their first career steps.  It’s about taking the time to better understand yourself before you make key life-changing decisions.