Is a College Degree Worth it?

By NHS Journalism Class

The NHS Journalism Class conducted a survey amongst their peers to determine the opinions on the worth of a college degree and reasons why students should or shouldn't attend college. Follow along for the results, some of the responses, and an overview of the conclusions drawn from the results.

Journalism Class Survey Responses:
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​Yes! You should go to college! Invest in your future.

Na’Zira Lewis (12th) - Yes there are benefits to going to college. For starters, college graduates usually make more than others, and most jobs require a degree. College graduates are more likely to have health insurance.

Anonymous (Staff) - If you go to college then you can make a lot of friends and have some great core memories while earning a degree. 

Elliot Greenberg (12th) - Getting a bachelor's or other degree increases your chances of getting a good job and you get some independence but you aren't completely on your own. You get to learn something that you're interested in and you get to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds. Students should attend college if they want a career that requires a degree or certificate. College also increases your chances of getting a job and also helps you build connections.

Tiana Smith (12th) - People with higher levels of education typically earn better wages and are less likely to become unemployed.

Anonymous (Staff) - If you can go to college then you should so that you can get a better job. Also living at the college is a great way to be on your own and figure out life and who you are. 

Linda Hughes (Staff) - Students should attend college for personal growth and to find a career that they can succeed at and have a higher paying job then those who do not attend college.

​Avery Obermeier-Walker (10th) - You will receive a higher education that most people cannot get which makes you ahead of others. You will be able to apply for many more jobs with much better benefits and be able to receive a better salary than most.

Michele Dooley (Staff) - I believe that students should attend college for a plethora of reasons. In my experience, living in a dorm (not at home) provides independence and responsibility and allows you to meet new people from all walks of life. These experiences build character, as well as a network of friendships and acquaintances that you can use for finding employment in the future. Generally, those with higher degrees are paid higher salaries and receive benefits. 

Ariadne Sibrian (9th) - Students should attend college because depending on what they decide to study, they could have great choices for work. They could earn a lot of money, and graduating from a good college always looks good on a resume.



Save your money! Don’t go to college!

Na’Zira Lewis (12th) - College isn't for everyone, not everyone can afford it, and a lot of people feel like they were forced into it.

Anonymous (Staff) - College is very expensive and you shouldn't go to college if you are not set on a particular career path. Vocational schools are just as good if not better. You will pay a fraction of the cost and you could come out making more than some college degrees. We have a shortage of people in the trades and so going to vocational school will help guarantee a good paying job. 

Jason Segura (10th) - It can be too expensive and sometimes the job you get won't be able to pay off the debt of college. College can also be too stressful and it's not necessarily needed to make good money in life. 

Elliot Greenberg (12th) - Students should not attend college if they're not likely to graduate, since they could easily just be throwing money away; if they're just going for the experience; if they're only going to be more desirable for jobs, but they have plenty of good jobs available; if they're not interested at ALL in what they'll be studying.

Michele Dooley (Staff) - College is not for everyone; that is a given. Financially, it is a risk and burden, but planning, research, scholarships, and perhaps starting at a community college may help with that burden. You are not guaranteed anything in this life, much less a high paying career out of college. Working hard and making good decisions will lead to success, whether in college or not.

Ariadne Sibrian (9th) - School isnt for everyone. People can still get great jobs even if they dont go to college. College is probably very stressful as well, and not going to college would avoid that stress.

Op-Ed PRO

Op-Ed CON

A college degree is extremely beneficial in today’s society. Most jobs require a college degree to even be considered, and plenty don’t care what type of degree it is, meaning you can learn something you’re interested in and then go into a field that isn’t necessarily related. Even if you don’t graduate, college opens doors for you by exposing you to people in your field, from professors to fellow students to guest speakers and more. Your professors and other administrators at your college are there to help you succeed in life—not just in college. Graduates are generally more successful in life than non-graduates. On average, any degree will lead to higher income, higher likelihood of having healthcare or insurance of any kind, and lower chance of being unemployed.

Many people would say that college is not worth your time nor your money. But there are many reasons you should consider attending college. One of the many benefits is that many jobs require a certain degree which would broaden your options of jobs. According to an article posted by Truthout, 75% of new jobs require a degree, and more than 40% of applicants do not have one. 
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There are many reasons why going to college is worth it. First and foremost, it gives you the opportunity to become an expert in your chosen field. Second, it helps you develop your critical thinking skills and problem solving abilities. Also, it opens up opportunities for you to make more money in many different fields. College provides you with the networking skills you need to succeed in your career. It even allows you to develop your personal growth and interests. Finally, it provides you with the skills and experiences you need to have a fulfilling and successful career. 

Sure, all of your friends might be going to college, all of your teachers tell you to go to college, and you might even think that you SHOULD go to college. However, college might not be the best choice for everyone. Nowadays, there are various ways that you can be successful in life without a traditional four-year college degree. College can also be very expensive and time-consuming, and not everyone can afford it. Additionally, not all people learn the way colleges offer their classes, and they need more hand-ons experience instead of lectures. It is very important to follow what you really want to do in life and do the things that will lead you to a happier and more successful future.

College can have some drawbacks, like the cost of tuition, textbooks, and living expenses. It can also be a challenge to balance academics, work, and social life. Additionally, some people may find that the specific courses or majors they choose don't align with their interests or career goals. However, it's important to remember that these cons can vary depending on individual circumstances and that college also offers many benefits, such as personal growth, networking opportunities, and access to resources. It's all about finding the right balance and making the most of the college experience! 

College isn’t for everyone, most people go to college for the wrong reasons simply because their parents really think that they should, college isn’t free it’s extremely expensive most people are in debt for the rest of their lives, time consuming figuring out how to plan hanging out with friends and family, and not liking the major that you chose once you finish college.

Consider all of your options before making a decision that will have a tremendous impact on your life and also your pocketbook.