Despite college educations being more expensive than ever, and despite job prospects for college graduates being dimmer than ever, a college education still pays off in the long run. Like any investment, its true rewards can only be gleaned through wise choices and the passage of time.
Especially in today's troubled economy, there are certainly plenty of reasons to consider college a waste of money. Just a few years ago, college grads could console their indebted selves with well-paying jobs in their chosen field. To employers, a degree actually meant something; it made the applicant stand up and be counted.
However, as colleges began producing record numbers of graduates, and as the overall employment outlook has become downright dismal, there is an understandable lack of proportion between open jobs and eager employees. As a result, many college graduates can't find meaningful employment, and notice little difference between themselves and high school grads.
Moreover, the amount of money and sometimes time that students must now pour into college has grown tremendously in the past few years. Very few parents have an extra ten thousand dollars each year to fund their child's college career, so many students are forced to take out loans to cover costs.
After four years of hard work and a hardscrabble existence, college graduates should indeed expect a substantial return on their investment.
While not the blue-chip it once was, a college degree is nonetheless essential for getting ahead in modern life. Once the bastion of those who didn't desire college but did desire a big paycheck, entrepreneurship has failed many in the current recession. Starting a small business is tougher than ever, and has always been a high-risk venture. Even steady blue-collar professions now require some sort of two-year degree or certification, so higher education can't be avoided for those who want to experience life above the poverty line.
Most importantly, a four-year degree opens the door to an advanced degree, which is still the surest bet regarding a good job. In addition, the actual experience of college can help tremendously in making money over time. Campuses provide a place to network, gain internships, and make contacts that would otherwise never come to fruition. If students really make the most of it, college can provide a wealth of opportunity regarding work experience and career exploration.
College is definitely not the golden ticket it once was, but it is still one of the few ways young people can cultivate a solid start to success.