Why did you go to college?

Question

Why did you go to college? Was it worth it?

Cynicaldreamer · Accepted Answer

Because it seemed like the right thing to do after completing high school. Basically "go to school, get a degree, and get a good job." So I did.

I changed my major about 2-3 times- and I'm not going to lie, by my last few years of college, I was definitely experiencing depression, burnout, and just overall questioning why I went to college in the first place. But my last semester, I pushed through, and got my degree! Felt rewarding :)

But do I feel like my degree was worth it? Meh; I'm a bit indifferent on the matter.

Minus my first job out of college (because my resume was blank and I needed something to put on it), every job I've had correlated with my degree in some manner- at least the healthcare aspect. And sadly, most jobs the first thing they ask you is, "Do you have a college degree?" Even if it's for a supposedly entry level job.

However, the rest of the stuff I learned in college, I never used in the real world. Pre-requisite classes I should say (ie: algebra, chemistry, physics, etc). But a few core classes did help.

I will say this much: I recommend everyone take at least one computer class in your lifetime, even if it's at a community college. Specifically microsoft programs (excel, powerpoint, word). Most jobs insist you have some basic computer skills and it's a huge plus if you do. Every job I've had so far, they love the fact I'm knowledgeable with computers, or at least am willing to learn the skills on the fly.

Smoke-n-Growls · Accepted Answer

I went to university for a degree so I could have better job prospects. Also because my parents expected it (they both went to university, too - all my family has), and I had some scholarships.

My current career is actually not what I went to school for, but I still use a lot of the same skills (negotiation, writing, research, team leadership, etc).

To me, higher education was less about my subject matter and more about the transferable skills I gained and the experiences I had.

When I talk to my peers at my retail job who haven't done higher education, it becomes very clear there's a mental acuity gap. To me, learning and coming up with new ideas is old hat and second nature. To my peers with only high school or less education, it's as though it's a special skill.

That said, I know many people who are extremely successful and very sharp who didn't do higher education. So it isn't necessary - it just helps.

But for some professions like my original one, I needed the degree to enter the field. And typically salaries earned by higher education graduates is much more.

D_Bone_Steak · Accepted Answer

GI Bill turned into Post 9/11... money... and then $40,000 on top of that. At first, I went for Business, then switched to criminal justice, then went all in on Accounting. At the end of it I found that I did so much that I only had to pay for this degree or that one because the prerequisites were covered in what I have already done. Personal trainer, nutrition, computer science, and accounting (BS)... I stopped there because at $200 for each piece of paper it was like, fuck that.

Never worked in any of those jobs, except before when I was in the military (executive department) but not after college. I got lucky because of any P. E. class that was required was shot down because I was prior military... if I had to take a P. E. class though, I'd be in the back of a yoga class checking out all that nice yum yum action with a massive throbber giving me a major lube oil leak.

College was lame and pointless in my opinion. Turns out I'm still entitled to more so I'm looking for a trade currently. Looking for a trade school sucks. All of them heavily market nurse, criminal justice, computer bullshit and since I know better, I know those are bullshit dead-end jobs. Most of my friends that went through with one of them have quit and moved onto other things.

Anyways that's just me, and why I went.

ethanallen · Accepted Answer

For my undergrad, it was worth it. Engineering degree opened many doors and career paths. However, I would not recommend engineering today except maybe Civil Engineering. The reason is that most jobs that engineers do can be done overseas for 2 bowls of rice a day. Additionally, college today is overpriced and probably unnecessary. Unless you want to go to law school (a mistake) or medical school (a bigger mistake), going to four year college is stupid today. It is wiser to undertake a two year degree from local community college, learn a trade (preferably one where you are in control of your future). Some trades look great but your future is not in your hands. Example Nursing. High pay, great opportunities but a shift of any kind in the market and employers can stop employing. Contrast that with plumbing or electrician. You buy your own truck, put an ad online and you are in control of your future. No corporation dictates your pay, your work schedule or your job security. Only you do that. The future is in trades where you are in control and own your own business. College is so over.

Elon Musk said college is unnecessary because everything being taught in college is available on the internet for free.

NathanDavis · Answer

mostly and mainly because it was the next step... and I really didn't have another plan, also, I could not really afford to go another year without "doing something" as that would been a detriment in a few ways

I started college but I stopped it short because while I could have graduated without any sort of issue, it would have lead me into a career that I really didn't want and didn't feel passionate about, back at the time and in the region, these few careers were available to me and they could have been useful sure, but not rewarding to me and that's what made me decide not to go through with it

I still think it was very much worth though, that's because of the friends I made in college, and the people I met, the experiences I lived during the course of it... not only those friends are very VERY important in my life today, but I also met some people, acquaintances and contacts that later in life happened to be key, for the business I manage today, so the fact that "I quit college" has never really felt like a "waste" to me

rtj1211 · Answer

In my generation and my class (middle class professionals) it was an overtly spoken requirement to go to University. Some vague 'statistically, graduates earn more than non-graduates' argument.

It was all pretty stupid really: no work experience whatsoever to find out what you might want to actually do in the big bad world (there are no jobs sitting in classrooms absorbing facts like a sponge, doing a few sums and reading some Shakespeare), but spend another three years NOT finding out what you want to do because you have to spend far too much time studying at College.

Many of those who did best saw College as 3 years of glorified playing of sport, dating the opposite sex and drinking large amounts of alcohol.

I met a 27 year old in the Noughties who had left school at 16, done an Apprenticeship for 2 years to qualify as an electrician and had spent 10 years working on all the major construction projects in London: Heathrow Terminal 5; Wembley Stadium; Olympic Park; Emirates Stadium. He was earning $100k a year, taking 10 weeks holiday, had no debt.

Compare that to people whose parents ordered them to take on $50-100k of debt for college and were earning $60k or less aged 27.

You don't need to be Einstein to realise that a huge number of people don't get good outcomes from college debts.

DizzyDesii · Answer

Because i graduated top of the class and was given full tuition scholarships by several schools. I 100% did not want to go but was egged on since it was “free” 💀 My major wasn't worth a damn but i had lots of eyecandy and boo’s along the way so that was a plus at least... so yea I went to college for the boys cause the majors werent worth a shit

BCA6010 · Answer

I went in for international business, and then a lawyer, and then a federal agent. It turned out that I had unrealistic expectations of the experience and lost interest with each endeavor the further I went. I did finish my degree, but in hindsight I wouldn't do the same thing again, and either majored in some kind of engineering, or gone to a trade school.

My high school had something like a 95% rate of students going to college, so other options never really got serious consideration at the time because it was basically an unspoken expectation.

Aerissa_Jade · Answer

Because everyone else was and it seemed like a good idea at the time, but I had to drop out due to being unable to afford it and not wanting to be one those idiots that took on more debt than they could handle.

Of course Biden has now made people like me look like the idiot while those other losers get bailed out and get to take advantage of tax payers.

Of course now maybe I'll go take a big huge f'ing student loan then refuse to pay it and demand Biden bail me out too... I'll say send the bill to the White house... then go off grid so they can't ever find me, while spending student loan money on whatever the hell I want.

I'll be dead long before they track me down.

EmbraceThePain · Answer

Well, it was already set up or planned for me, so I didn't do much thinking on the matter. Also, at the time, I didn't exactly know why I wanted to do, so going to college to do at least the general courses while I thought of more of what to do seemed like the smart thing. My parents had already paid for my college since I was a kid, so I was thankful for that and did my best ultimately graduating with fairly high honors.

Was it worth it? Well, yeah, I think so.

But this depends on what you want to do and your finances

If you will nearly go bankrupt financing your schooling and what you want to do doesn't really require college AND you have other responsibilities in life then maybe college isn't the best option as of the moment

For me, I was great on money, had all the time in the world, and what I wanted to go into would be better served getting a degree

Cherry234 · Answer

I felt obligated to go and didn't really know what I wanted to do once I got there. I also went because I wanted a good paying job out of college. I'm glad I finally found full time employment (almost 8 months since I graduated) with a decent salary for a college grad.

bolverk · Answer

I didn't go to College/University like the US pattern, Instead I did a 4 year apprenticeship in Mechanical/Marine Engineering with academic qualifications along side, and as I've moved through my career I've gained extra skills and qualifications as needed, and travelled the world contract to contract.

If I'd have gone to College/University like the US pattern I'd have never been able to do that I's have been stuck in one company trying to pay of student loans and only got to travel the world much later in life when I would not have had the energy to enjoy it

420Rachel · Answer

I've wanted a career in healthcare for as long as I can remember. And almost the only way you're going to make money working in healthcare is by going to college! I'm in my last semester, I'm so ready to be done and start working! Well my college is supposed to be getting an echo program so once that's up and running I'll probably go back to study echosonography!

Ezra_lila · Answer

I wanted it, My family is not well off but since I'd like to pursue my studies I been a scholar from different institutions and work part-time.

I finished it, not with flying colors but I can say my professor knows I can if I really did it 100%.

I also believe that degree is paper that you can use everywhere its like a passport for real world and a key to locked doors.

AviatorTom · Answer

I knew, from a very young age, that I wanted to be an Engineer, so I went to college, majoring in Electrical Engineering, to learn the things that Engineers need to know to do their job. It was definitely worth it, and I've had a long Engineering career.

Harbringer26 · Answer

University in my case here in Sweden. Because for one, I wanted to make something of myself beyond just simple labor. When I say simple I do not mean it demeaningly, but you get what I mean. My interest lies beyond a singular task but to be able to influence society as a whole. Also because I have a passion for the subject, Political Science, the nature and formation of states, theories on state building, politics and ideologies and history etc. And because it builds a solid foundation for financial stability (A master gives you that extra cling on the bank) and work opportunities both domestically and internationally. Is it worth it? Studies are hard, at points you wanna quit, but it's worth it. Especially since we live in an increasing age of jobs demanding higher education, simple jobs are disappearing.

ZenJen444 · Answer

Initially it was a parents expectation. Then I chose a career path I was interested in such as nursing. I feel it was very much worth it. I work in a field I enjoy yet there are days where I'm annoyed (nothing is perfect), I can find a job anywhere, continuous growth in the medical field, I make great money. So no regrets. Well worth it

JamesDiaz11 · Answer

Initially, I just wanted to party and sleep with a lot of women. I was fresh out of the Marines and wanted to cut loose.

Then I did it because I thought it would get me a job, and I enjoyed being smarter than everyone else in class/ out in the world.

It wasn't worth it.

MCheetah · Answer

Yes. Got my Masters degree in 2019. Education wise, it wasn't worth it. I just had to do it to get to where I'm at now. So Option C, but I'd suggest others to avoid college as much as they can, unless they absolutely NEED to go, like for STEM, medical, or law.

Snsl153 · Answer

I went to university because I was talked into doing so by some well-meaning people who just shouldn't have tried to persuade me, because yes, I did regret it. Thankfully in Australia university (or "college", as you Yanks call it) is free, so I don't have a debt to pay off.

Chazmatazz269 · Answer

I didn’t go to a proper college or university. Some of the classes i took in high skool were AP, and all of my apprenticeship classes transfer to college credits. If i were disciplined, i could have a degree in like 12 credits. I could be an electrical engineer in a couple of years. That’s a tentative plan for when my body decides i can’t do the work anymore.

Sour-rose · Answer

To become a game designer, had to go to college. Soo i went in hopes to become said thing. Buut down the line, it got impossible to touch due to money and financial aid said they just ran out of money for me so they couldn't supply it. However... friend showed me a video of batman game that took 6 years to make I believe. 6 years of time to make such a game and it came out absolute shit. Aaand no need for college now. :)

Pinay_ako · Answer

Education is the most important gift parents can ever give their kids in the Philippines. So yes I had to even tho I didn’t want to. But I did it for my love of them

menina · Answer

I wanted to and it's a way of having the chance of living the country where I live.

It was absolutely worth it, even though I haven't moved yet. It changed me as person and it also changed the way I see myself and the world.

Apple1996 · Answer

I didn't since I became a stay at home mom instead. Crazy thing is that i can get free college through my husband's job but still have no reason to go just cuz its free doesn't make it worth it.

Moose304 · Answer

I hold two Engineering Degrees from Georgia Tech. I actually was planning to work in robotics but after speaking to a person at Georgia Power I decided to join their team. Today almost 40 years later I would not change a thing. Getting an education was one of the best decisions I ever made. Worked out great because my GI Bill paid for a lot of that.

Blueeyes81 · Answer

I went because I didn't know what else to do. My hugh school drilled it into our heads that college was the only way to be successful in life. I dropped out after my freshman year and went to trade school. I worked in that field for a few years but gave it up as well. Now I work a union job making more than most of my friends that finished college. There are other paths that kids should look into as well as the college route.

es20490446e · Answer

Because in my mind, at that time, not going to college was being a loser.

I had this notion that someone who didn't want to study did because they were lazy.

And many times that's true, but others it isn't. Many people, as me, don't want to study because studying is simply a slow inefficient process for learning.

Anonymous · Answer

I can genuinely say it's because I wanted to. I was a full on nerd who loved school from the beginning. College was always a goal in my life, and like the true nerd I am, I graduated with honors. It was worth it for the educational experience and for the life experience.

xyzfdg · Answer

Was too naive to understand what "college" was in modern society - thought it was to teach creative thinking, life skills, develop character, morality - nearly everything now seems to have been hijacked by corporations & college is simply a tool to train employees & people to work within the "system".

HaveNoName · Answer

Because where I come from, that is the path to a man's prosperous life.

No college --> no good jobs.

No job or ordinary low paying job --> no parents are going to give their daughter to you in marriage.

And I am proud and happy to be from that culture.

blondfrog · Answer

Because it was free for me at the time and I went to a community college. I was poor enough for Financial aid to fully cover me. I didn't have to pay a single cent back with school debt. But I am paying it back now with how my taxes are. So I got lucky. Just at the right place at the right time and it helped me land into a job market that is really high in supply and demand. That's capitalism for ya.

Pudsmucker · Answer

It helps with my career choice. I wouldn't be out doing much if I didn't go college. I've earned 2 degrees. Which helped me to get where I'm at today. I am managing $160 million construction project. My wage is comfortable. My degree and yours of experience got me to where I need be.

exitseven · Answer

I was in sales for many years and did not like it. I wanted to change my career into the IT field so I needed college to really do it the right way.

TrillXHippy · Answer

Child Development. Never could get into that freaking class so College is pointless to me and I don’t care. I have a coworker who is going to go to the same college that just graduated and surprise freaking surprise she has a child development class. I don’t appreciate that at all

SaoirseS · Answer

To further my education and prepare myself for employment. Yes it was totally worth it.

Anonymous · Answer

Try getting a job without having a degree. Sure you can probably get a good paying job but you will learn it is expected and even required as a minimum. You will find it hard to find a new job if you become jobless unless you have a good resume.

Anonymous · Answer

Where I've been most trades and occupations pay wages similar to McDonalds.

I majored computer science and work in IT so that I can spend my money however I please without compromises. Unfortunately I can't afford a Ferrari with it, so I am still looking for ways to turn rich including holding down 2 jobs.

I won't complain however. It was key to my financial and overall autonomy and got my career started. I escaped poverty and abusive family. I am not looking back.

OlderThanILook · Answer

I went because I wanted to and I knew I would make more money from it in the long-run. I'm making a good 20% more than what I would have made without a degree.

andreasderjuengere · Answer

Vocational college: I needed the certificate for ship building.

Why: so that my newly-rich customers now can ''teach'' me how to make better ships.

Worth it... for sure: I now know that Megapascal is NOT a cousin of Super Mario :)

Anonymous · Answer

Knowing that college is the place to have the absolute peak fun and meet, befriend, date, and hook up with hot women and I will never be able to have such fun experiences nor find an attractive woman ever again after college since I won't be rich, I just couldn't pass up a chance to go to college.

This_Is_My_Opinion8 · Answer

I WANTED TO!

Who the hell doesn't? Where else can you get a higher education?

And yes a high education level is very different. Just the people and knowledge that you are presented to make your world so much bigger.

Anonymous · Answer

Parents forced me to go then after graduation I go apply for a job in that career but didn't got hired for "not having experience with another company" gave it up and went to automotive industry I even told my parents I went to college for nothing just threw the school free money

Alwayreckles93 · Answer

Because I didn't want to work a minimum wage job. Honestly I always dream of becoming a pastor myself.

globetrotter22 · Answer

I got pushed it into more than anything. I’m actually a very good student and have a high IQ. But truth was I wasn’t ready at the time. Didn’t know what I wanted to be at 18.

worldscolide · Answer

I went because i thought it was the best way to get into my field... It was not. I, after 6 months, Abandoned it, and acquired 50+ certifications, and the rest is history.

Phoenix98 · Answer

I didn’t, college is in general a waste of time and money.  I went to a institution instead. It’s kinda like a trade school.

genericname85 · Answer

i went to college after i finished an apprenticeship as construction mechanic. found myself in a career dead end so i figured i'll try to increase my social capital and get a better education.

CindyRuns · Answer

I wanted to go into Engineering... a degree is pretty much a must for that !!!

Anonymous · Answer

it was either go to college or get a job. i decided to go to college. and i got a career right out of school. i was one of the lucky ones. i know most people aren't.

musicbrain5 · Answer

So that I could eventually become a teacher.

Guy13 · Answer

I went to University because that is what was expected since kindergarten...

Kerrim23 · Answer

I am interested in the field of neuropsychology

Darine123 · Answer

Cuz I’m bored at home so I want to get my degree for a job in the future

Sandeeppingping · Answer

So people don't call me a bum that's all it is honestly

Fromdusktilldawn · Answer

Felt like its necessary since a normal high school dipoma on its own really lost value and a university degree gets asked for almost every decent job

CountryWanderer · Answer

I went because I love academics. I would love to get paid to be a degree collector.

leighbee · Answer

I live in the UK so we were all forced to go as we have to stay in education until we are 18

TacosRAwesome · Answer

Thought it would get me a decent job. In all honesty, I should have taken a nail course or something like that.

Titanic1912 · Answer

I wanted to go to prove to my middle school teachers and principal that God makes all things possible.

nawtee_me · Answer

To show ny kids that you never stop learning and that you can always go back to school. I went to college at the age of 48 and have a degree now...

OddBeMe · Answer

Family expected. As they should. No child wants to go to school. But now aren't you glad you did?

FilmGuy93 · Answer

I went to college to escape the drug culture and violence in my home town.

Kabluie · Answer

full ride scholarship, one-way ticket to move out of the house permanently at 18,

Why did you go to college?

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