A Case Against College

In the case against college Linda Lee makes a valid argument that its not necessary to acquire a college degree to have a successful career. However< it can also be argued that you need a college degree in order to have a successful career. Both arguments can be true based on different factors such as socio-economic, career goals and desire. If you want a professional career, like a lawyer, Psychologist, or doctor, then you will definitely need a degree to be taken seriously in those professions. More and more jobs are now requiring a college degree to work effectively in a desired field. Even jobs that were once considered low-skilled labor now requires a degree from a university or college in order to even apply. A college degree also means better earning potential. Education is not just important for you but also for the future of your family. A child will be more likely to strive for a college degree if his or her parents have one. According to statistics college graduates make more money than none –degree students. If you don’t have rich parents then the biggest obstacle between you and a good job that pays a living wage with full benefits is a college education. If you don’t have a college degree then no matter how smart, qualified or responsible you are, there will always be an obstacle preventing you from moving above entry-level work that rarely pay a living wage or provides full benefits such as medical care. College education in the form that it exists today in America doesn’t serve the purpose of elevating the most deserving. It has become a fool of systematic economic oppression. Therefore, for this very reason a college degree could be seen as a means to an end. The argument is also true that going to college is not for everyone as some students are better off in a technical field or trade school. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, 8 of the 10 fastest growing jobs don’t require college degrees. Linda Lee in her article also supported the argument that college isn’t for everyone as she stated that her hair colorist makes $300,000 a year without a degree and that famous people such as Bill Gates, who dropped out of college and Walter Cronkite who left the University of Texas and went on to make millions. The world is changing and evolving and the rules govern success with it. While there was a time when a college degree seemed quite necessary in order to work in a professional capacity, those days are long gone. With the widespread availability of the internet easily accessible, learning resources and on the job experience and training programs becoming common, people who are seeking education have plenty of options that don’t always include a typical college or University. Depending on ones career goal and ability, a college degree might not be necessary. As the saying goes “Different Strokes for different folks.”