Wouldn't you say, degrees are over rated?

[GoBlue34]

No, not overrated at all. You learn a ton of life experiences while in college (on top of that it's a great time).

There are many studies out there but on average a person with a college degree makes almost twice as much as someone who doesn't. Of course there are exceptions to that rule.

Paying $100,000 for an arts degree so you can make $20,000 a year? Yes, stupid. But to say all degrees are stupid, well is stupid.

 

[MattyMatt]

Absolutely.

The Education is under going a major change... It has become too much of a business and less about education. Truthfully too many of these kids in college probably are dedicated or smart enough... too many bullshit degrees... even business management, something that sounds official, you can graduate and not really have a single tangible skill.

I think we will see a major change in education over the next 10 years...

Going to college was the biggest financial mistake I've ever made....

Totally agree. I learned nothing that I didn't practically already need to know. Now if I could just get those 6 figures back, I may have a chance at the Murican Dream like the foreigners.

 

[MattyMatt]

There comes a point where I think experience outweighs education. Unfortunately, Fortune whatever companies want Degrees in almost every instance, so the 22 year old fresh out of College kid who has never had a job in his entire life gets a great job because of the small private college or Ivy League school he attended. And the guy who has been working since 18 through the ranks doesn't stand a chance, but will work said college kid under the table with both skill and knowledge suited for the real working World. Murica.

 

[Betallsports]

Yes I do believe they can be overrated

 

[JustinCruise]

What everyone is saying here is basically correct.


If you get a specific degree that teaches you a skill for a certain job (engineer, accountant etc) it is not a waste.

If you go to college just to get a degree like business, history, psychology with no specific plan it is a waste of time and money.

 

[MattyMatt]

I would recommend them going to a junior college while they sort things out. Much cheaper.

not a bad suggestion.....

I think 75% of kids that go off to College should probably choose the local Tech or JC to start. Cheaper by far, easier to see if it's "right for you", and honestly, the first 2 years of classes is the same just about anywhere if you're in a transfer program.

 

[Defying]

I think 75% of kids that go off to College should probably choose the local Tech or JC to start. Cheaper by far, easier to see if it's "right for you", and honestly, the first 2 years of classes is the same just about anywhere if you're in a transfer program.

Yep, the major difference is 1. the college experience. 2. is the perception that youre not "beneath" kids going to 4 year universitys. I think that's why most go to more traditional 4 year schools. College(particularly 1st 2 years) is more of an experience than an education

 

[moocow]

There comes a point where I think experience outweighs education. Unfortunately, Fortune whatever companies want Degrees in almost every instance, so the 22 year old fresh out of College kid who has never had a job in his entire life gets a great job because of the small private college or Ivy League school he attended. And the guy who has been working since 18 through the ranks doesn't stand a chance, but will work said college kid under the table with both skill and knowledge suited for the real working World. Murica.

Sad part is many employers also put a ceiling on those without degrees. The person with no degree and yrs of exp knowing the job like the back o their hand will never get a promotion past a certain point. Instead favoring the untrained college grad. Almost like the company get kickbacks for reinforcing that everyone needs a degree.

 

[FairWarning]

Yep, the major difference is 1. the college experience. 2. is the perception that youre not "beneath" kids going to 4 year universitys. I think that's why most go to more traditional 4 year schools. College(particularly 1st 2 years) is more of an experience than an education

At the end of the day, its the name on the diploma that matters, whether you go all 4 years or just the last 2. I remember my 1st class at Western Mich. There were about 500 students in it, my HS had 300 total students. Quite the culture shock.

 

[MattyMatt]

Sad part is many employers also put a ceiling on those without degrees. The person with no degree and yrs of exp knowing the job like the back o their hand will never get a promotion past a certain point. Instead favoring the untrained college grad. Almost like the company get kickbacks for reinforcing that everyone needs a degree.

This is true.

 

[MattyMatt]

Yep, the major difference is 1. the college experience. 2. is the perception that youre not "beneath" kids going to 4 year universitys. I think that's why most go to more traditional 4 year schools. College(particularly 1st 2 years) is more of an experience than an education

I agree with you, but I honestly wish I would've never gotten that "college experience".

If I ever have a child that goes to College, I think I will stick by my good friend's parents rule, and that is, you can go to ANY college you want, but it won't be in the state we live in. My parents were the opposite saying "out-of-state cost aren't worth it" etc. I would've graduated in 4 years like the smart boy I was if allowed to attend my choice, which was only 2.5 hrs away, yet out of state. Instead, I went from Honors Student 3.5 to flunk out, and stuck with the bills on out. Fuck you Dad! That is my rant or the day.

 

[MattyMatt]

At the end of the day, its the name on the diploma that matters, whether you go all 4 years or just the last 2. I remember my 1st class at Western Mich. There were about 500 students in it, my HS had 300 total students. Quite the culture shock.

I disagree in a way. Sure, some colleges names are going to get you attention from Alumni and the working world, but for a 4 yr undergrad degree, anywhere practically works.

Now for Grad School, you best damn believe the name counts. It's not worth the money if you can't get accepted to the higher ones in the study of your choice.

 

[CHOPTALK]

Its all about talent.

You can enhance talent.
But you can't teach talent.

 

[seldomseen]

I don't feel that degrees are overrated. I'm a really big proponent of education. Most people associate the topic with pay which is one point, but my opinion potential earnings is maybe third on my list of reasons to obtain that degree. A college diploma may not be a sign of intelligence but one of the big things I took away from my 4 years is learning how to think differently. Maybe it comes from age and experience but imo graduating from college is the biggest accomplish of many young peoples lives.

 

[festeringZit]

I agree with you, but I honestly wish I would've never gotten that "college experience".

If I ever have a child that goes to College, I think I will stick by my good friend's parents rule, and that is, you can go to ANY college you want, but it won't be in the state we live in. My parents were the opposite saying "out-of-state cost aren't worth it" etc. I would've graduated in 4 years like the smart boy I was if allowed to attend my choice, which was only 2.5 hrs away, yet out of state. Instead, I went from Honors Student 3.5 to flunk out, and stuck with the bills on out. Fuck you Dad! That is my rant or the day.

You're blaming your dad for the fact that you flunked out of school? Do you honestly think that's fair? Put yourself in his shoes. I'm sure he just wanted the best for you.

Now that I'm the dad for three teenagers, I see some things in a different light. You do the best you can, and sometimes you make mistakes, but most dads just want the best for their kids.

 

[festeringZit]

I don't feel that degrees are overrated. I'm a really big proponent of education. Most people associate the topic with pay which is one point, but my opinion potential earnings is maybe third on my list of reasons to obtain that degree. A college diploma may not be a sign of intelligence but one of the big things I took away from my 4 years is learning how to think differently. Maybe it comes from age and experience but imo graduating from college is the biggest accomplish of many young peoples lives.

Might as well change the thread title to: "Do you think learning is over-rated?"

Sure, you can pick the wrong things to learn - or you can overpay for learning.

 

[MattyMatt]

You're blaming your dad for the fact that you flunked out of school? Do you honestly think that's fair? Put yourself in his shoes. I'm sure he just wanted the best for you.

Now that I'm the dad for three teenagers, I see some things in a different light. You do the best you can, and sometimes you make mistakes, but most dads just want the best for their kids.

There's way more to the story, including faking like he was paying for my College and sticking me with the Bill. If I had known I was paying, don't you think it is fair I go where I want?!?

And I didn't flunk out forever, I made the best of it an finished at a better school anyways.

Fuck you Dad still stands though. I wil want the best for my kids also, and that includes not playing games with their heads like mine (worst thing you can do to a kid).

 

[Jstack34]

Everyone working at my firm in a role above admin assistant or any other assistant has a degree. Think it is like that at most big businesses such as accounting firms. Not going to get hired without a degree. Like the stats show - people with degrees get paid more. I agree - having a college degree doesn't necessarily make you smarter, but it works out for the majority of people even though everyone has a story about a friend they know who makes more than a doctor.

And to people saying business degrees aren't smart - most business schools have great programs and recruiting events set up to ensure you have a job. Almost everyone in all my classes senior year had a job lined up a semester before graduation. Pretty much the opposite of most other majors

 

[JustinCruise]

Everyone working at my firm in a role above admin assistant or any other assistant has a degree. Think it is like that at most big businesses such as accounting firms. Not going to get hired without a degree. Like the stats show - people with degrees get paid more. I agree - having a college degree doesn't necessarily make you smarter, but it works out for the majority of people even though everyone has a story about a friend they know who makes more than a doctor.

And to people saying business degrees aren't smart - most business schools have great programs and recruiting events set up to ensure you have a job. Almost everyone in all my classes senior year had a job lined up a semester before graduation. Pretty much the opposite of most other majors

I graduated 2009 and this def wasn't the case. Probably bad example though considering the economy at the time

 

[ZJP6050]

my bachelor's got me into a doctorate program, to which i anticipate becoming successful. guess it wasn't all for not, after all. some degrees are wastes though.