There are too many people getting college degrees as it is- or at least too many getting degrees in the wrong subjects. The UC has gone to requiring calculus as a check on the endless stream of students who want to go to a UC in California. Not everyone who wants to go to college, should go to college- but counselors are too brainwashed about how fabulous college is to say this to students who really need to hear it. College may be a fun experience, and it might even make you a better thinker (though that's not a given, if you consider some of the crappier college teachers out there), but for the financial health of a student, and their family, there are often many better alternatives.
The degrees that are really needed are in the sciences. There aren't a lot of jobs for anyone else, outside of finance and some areas of business.
But health care has numerous openings for students who get certificates or two year degrees! And those students can earn a living wage. Phlebotomy, respiratory therapy, lvns, medical data specialists- these students can get in and get out quickly, and have a way to support themselves. That's important in an economy like ours.
And the trades are a great way for students to learn something valuable, and have a career that matters, and that pays well, even if they aren't a traditionally good student in school.
There is, and should be, a bias toward preparing students to support themselves, or you should be upfront and fully disclose you are going to take thousands from the kid (or their parents) for a degree that won't get them a job. You can sell hogwash, but you must do it with full disclosure. |
