What Are 3 Disadvantages of Going to College?
Welcome to this deep dive. And we're gonna be tackling a pretty big question today. One that I know a lot of you are thinking about right now. Yeah. Especially if you're in the middle of, like, the whole college prep thing.
Speaker 1:Is college? Like, is college really the only path to success? I mean, you can feel like that sometimes. Right? Yeah.
Speaker 1:Yeah. When you're surrounded by all the talk about applications and test scores and acceptances.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's so easy to just get swept up in all of that. But it is super valuable to, like, step back
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And question these assumptions, you know, when it comes to something as important as, like, your education and career path.
Speaker 1:Exactly. And that's what really got me thinking about this blog post. What are 3 disadvantages of going to college?
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:It's not like anti college or anything. It's just trying to be honest about the downsides. You know?
Speaker 2:Right. Because these downsides definitely exist, and I think it's so important for families to be aware of them as they're going through this process.
Speaker 1:Especially the financial stuff. I mean, that's gotta be on everyone's mind. Right? Mhmm. So this blog post, it just dives right into it, talking about the financial burden of college, like tuition costs rising every year, the hidden costs, and then, of course, student loans.
Speaker 2:Oh, and it uses this, like, really eye opening statistic. Over the last 20 years, tuition at public 4 year colleges has increased by, get this, 70%.
Speaker 1:Woah. That's insane.
Speaker 2:Right. Way faster than inflation. So you're looking at potentially a much bigger financial burden than you might have imagined, like, even a few years ago.
Speaker 1:And then you've got all the other costs on top of tuition. Like, the blog post mentions that textbooks and supplies alone can be over $1200 a year.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:It makes you think twice about whether it's really the best investment.
Speaker 2:For sure. And that's where this whole idea of ROI comes in, return on investment. You know? Is the cost of a college degree really worth it in terms of future earnings and career prospects?
Speaker 1:That's a $1,000,000 question. Right?
Speaker 2:It is. Yeah. And the source even cites a statistic that only 22% of Americans feel that a 4 year degree is actually worth the cost.
Speaker 1:Wow. Okay. That's a pretty sobering thought.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It definitely is. And it highlights the need to really do your research and think carefully about this decision.
Speaker 1:And speaking of things to consider, this blog post also talks about, like, the disconnect between what's taught in college and what employers are actually looking for, like, the skills.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:So I'd argue in that in a lot of fields. Practical experience might be even more valuable Yeah. Like, through internships or apprenticeships.
Speaker 2:Yeah. That hands on experience can be so crucial.
Speaker 1:And even the source mentions that internships are, like, super valuable for building your network and making connections.
Speaker 2:Which, let's be real, is super important in today's job market.
Speaker 1:Totally. So, yeah, a college degree, it's important some fields for sure.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:But it's not like an automatic guarantee of a high paying job or even job security anymore.
Speaker 2:Nope. And that's why it's so important to think about your child's aspirations, their strengths, and, like, what kind of education is going to equip them best for this job market that's always changing?
Speaker 1:That's such a good point. Like, it's really about finding that fit Yep. Between their education and their goals.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:You know, making sure it all aligns.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:And not just going to college for the sake of going to college.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Because let's face it. That's not gonna help anyone in the long run.
Speaker 2:No. It's not. And that's something that a lot of parents are grappling with right now. I see it all the time.
Speaker 1:Yeah. For sure. Yeah. It's like this blog post was written for all the parents out there who are
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:You know, stressing about this whole college thing.
Speaker 2:Like, they want their kids to succeed, but they're also worried about the cost, the pressure, and whether college is even the right path.
Speaker 1:Exactly. And I think the blog post does a good job of acknowledging that. Like, it talks about the emotional toll that this whole process can take.
Speaker 2:Yeah. On everyone involved.
Speaker 1:Totally. Like, it mentions how all the focus on grades and test scores and admissions, it creates this crazy environment of pressure and anxiety. It's like everything hinges on getting into the right college.
Speaker 2:Right. And that's a lot for anyone to handle.
Speaker 1:For sure. Especially teenagers.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And it's not just, like, anecdotal either. I mean, there's research that shows that rates of anxiety and depression among high school students, they've been rising steadily for years. Really? Yeah.
Speaker 2:And the pressure to succeed academically is a huge factor.
Speaker 1:Wow. It's kinda scary to think about.
Speaker 2:It is. It really is.
Speaker 1:So I guess it's a good reminder that we need to be thinking about well-being too.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:Not just, like, pushing kids to get the best grades and scores.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And that actually leads to another point that the blog post brings up, the whole delete entry into the workforce thing.
Speaker 1:Oh, yeah. Like, spending 4 years in college pushes back the start of a career Mhmm. Which I guess has financial implications too.
Speaker 2:Right. Because those are years of potential income that you're missing out on, especially when you consider how expensive college is.
Speaker 1:Right. So I guess it's like weighing the value of a degree against the benefits of maybe starting work earlier.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And, you know, maybe gaining experience in a field Mhmm. Through an apprenticeship or something.
Speaker 1:Right. And, again, it goes back to that idea of fit. Like, if your kid knows what they wanna do and a degree isn't absolutely necessary, maybe those alternative options make more sense.
Speaker 2:I think so.
Speaker 1:It's interesting, though, because
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:The blog post even challenges the idea that college is the only way to grow personally and intellectually.
Speaker 2:Yeah. I was surprised by that part too. But when you think about it, there are so many ways to learn outside of a classroom.
Speaker 1:Totally. Like travel Yeah. Volunteering, even online courses.
Speaker 2:Right. And for some people, those might be a much better fit.
Speaker 1:For sure. Like, it really broadens our definition of education.
Speaker 2:It does.
Speaker 1:Like, it's not just about that one path anymore. Yeah. High school then college then career.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's much more fluid now. More options to explore.
Speaker 1:Which is exciting, but also, I bet, kinda overwhelming for parents.
Speaker 2:Oh, absolutely. That's a whole new world out there.
Speaker 1:Well, I think this blog post gives parents a lot to think about.
Speaker 2:Definitely. It's a good starting point for those conversations with your kids about their future.
Speaker 1:For sure. Like, it really encourages you to question those assumptions.
Speaker 2:And be open to different possibilities.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:And to remember that success doesn't have to look the same for everyone.
Speaker 1:I think this blog post has been really helpful, you know, just in terms of getting us to think about all the different factors involved in this college decision.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Like, it's not a decision to be made lightly.
Speaker 1:Right. It's about more than just, like, getting into the best school or whatever.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's about finding the right fit for your child.
Speaker 1:And that brings us to, like, a really big takeaway from all of this. Success isn't one size fits all. It can look different for everyone.
Speaker 2:I love that you said that because it's so true.
Speaker 1:And the blog post actually talks about this too. Like, it encourages you to have these conversations with your kid about what success means to them.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Like, what does it actually look like for them?
Speaker 1:Right. Is it about money or pursuing a passion or making a difference?
Speaker 2:All of the above, maybe.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:And once you have a better sense of, like, what their vision of success is, then you can start looking at the different paths that might lead to that.
Speaker 1:And those paths. They might include college, but they might not.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It could be trade school or taking a gap year, starting a business.
Speaker 1:I mean, the possibilities are endless these days.
Speaker 2:They really are.
Speaker 1:Which is kinda cool.
Speaker 2:It is. It's definitely a shift from how things used to be.
Speaker 1:Totally. So I think what this blog post is really doing is encouraging us to broaden our perspective.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And to realize that college might be a great option, but it's not the only option.
Speaker 1:And it might not be the best option for everyone.
Speaker 2:You got it.
Speaker 1:So what can parents actually do with all this information as they're going through this process with their kids?
Speaker 2:Well, I think the first step is just to really absorb what we've talked about today. You know, challenge those assumptions, have those open conversations, and be open to exploring different possibilities.
Speaker 1:Like, don't be afraid to think outside the box.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And remember, you're not in this alone. There are resources out there to help you.
Speaker 1:Oh, yeah. That's a good point. There are people and organizations that can provide guidance and help you navigate all of this. Well, this has been a really insightful deep dive. I think we've covered a lot of ground and hopefully given you some food for thought.
Speaker 2:I hope so.
Speaker 1:The big takeaway for me is that there's no one right answer when it comes to college.
Speaker 2:Definitely not.
Speaker 1:It's about what's best for your child and their unique goals and dreams.
Speaker 2:Couldn't agree more.
Speaker 1:So keep those conversations going. Be open to different possibilities. And remember there's support out there if you need it.
Speaker 2:That's great advice.
Speaker 1:Thanks for joining me for this deep dive.
Speaker 2:It was my pleasure.
Speaker 1:And all of you listening. We'll see you next time.
