Is college worth it anymore?

[Kody Karls]

Think about this for a second. First glance, yeah, duh! But we're not talking a decade ago when the job market was better and you could get a decent job out of college. I know family members, friends, and close ones with degrees and still can't find a job. Now they have all these loans to payoff with three part-time jobs to get by. Plus, all of the jobs I signed up for look for experience. I'm so torn. Is there hope?
I need to decide what college I want to go to in a couple months.
I also don't have much money. Lower middle class.

[CAB]

People who think that a college education is only for future employment prospects should really look into apprenticeships and vocational training.

[Midzy]

Personally, I think paying for college is not worth it. But if you're lucky enough to get a scholarship, then its worth it.

[bennie]

Yes, a college degree is still worth the time and effort. Is a college degree a golden ticket that will guarantee all its holders a wonderful job? No! You are still better off with a degree than without one. Many people believe their degree should be the sole deciding factor to whether they get a job or not. It is not the degree that will land you a just, but it is the person carrying the degree who will be the final determinate.

There are a large volume number of people with college degrees who are applying for a small number jobs. Just think, you wouldn’t even be in the pool of considerable applicants without your degrees. So now you are completing with thousands of people who are in the same boat as you. You have to differentiate yourself from this crowd. How? By working harder and networking! Networking is key to finding a job. You need to know people on the inside. Start attending networking fair s.
You need experience? Get experience! Find a part-time job and start applying for post graduate internship.

Personally, I went to community college in order to save money before transferring to an affordable state school. I also work part time and I have no one to support, but myself. I will be graduating without any debt. Be smart about your education. Go into a field that has high career prospects. There is still hope!

[Educated Silence]

What degrees do your family and friends have? Psychology is a very over saturated field (I tend to hear this degree the most when people make the claim that college isn't worth it) and one needs a pH.D and a clear plan (plus maybe a minor in something else) to really excel. Liberal arts and social sciences aren't really in. If you major in something in the STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), you're more likely to have a job. Note however, that Biology is one of those STEM fields that requires a little more work (you probably should get at least a masters). To ensure college is worth the money, do research on thriving fields and what their average income is. For example, I'm hoping to become a Reproductive Biologist and they make (on average) about $89,000 a year.
With that said, it's not impossible to get a job that pays well. I have a friend whose mother makes 6 figures without a college degree. Granted, she got the job way before the market crashed and employers required a college degree, but it's not to say those jobs aren't out there.
There are many ways to go to college for nearly free. The first would be apply to schools in state and if you do want to leave, apply to schools where they tend to give out a lot of financial aid. Also make sure you fill out the FAFSA, which is a form to get money from the government (that you don't have to pay back) to go to school based on income. There are also numerous scholarships out there for grades, financial income, activities, etc. You have to scope them out. Save money from working also (and finding a job on campus can offset tuition costs also.
To me, I think college is worth it IF you have a degree in something marketable. Hope this helps.

[Phillip Morgan]

You must conduct a thorough research on the prospects of the field of study you want to opt for. Talk to people who have already passed that degree. a degree is quite helpful in helping you get a job as well as decide your pay. many without degrees do not get paid as well as ones with degrees. However there can always be exceptions. what also matters id the scope of the subject you are getting a degree in and the marks you are scoring.

You also have an option of opting for online education which will be flexible enough to let you take up a proper job. this way you will be able to gather experience as well as complete your education. However, if you do plan to take up this option always check the accreditation of the institution well to avoid diploma mills.

All the Best

[Leona]

In these present job market it is better to have some work experience beside acquiring a degree. So, if you don't manage to get work experience as an employee then achieve it through internship programme. That would help you to some extent.