In modern society, pursuing a college education is seen as being the key to opening a world of opportunities for our futures. This stereotype has been alive throughout decades, passed down from generation to generation. But in today’s society, there are many more offered pathways for students that weren’t offered back then. As society continues to progress with new advancements, is college the only pathway to success? The answer is no.
The Benefits of College Education
Although there are many modern alternatives, college still stands as a heavily encouraged option for students. College offers roads to doors that open to students, providing benefits that range from careers to personal development.
“College can be very important for many students. It definitely opens more opportunities for success,” Biology teacher Mr. Matthew Ullmann said. “It will open more doors, and many employers now are looking for college degrees.”
Studies have shown that going to a traditional college has shown significantly happier lives, as 75% of American college graduates have claimed to be “very satisfied” with their lives because of their past. To live a happy, flourishing life is a dream that most dream of, and if college can provide that, it is truly a gift.
Advantages to college education have lasting benefits that can range from financial stability, development, and opportunities to explore interests outside of the classroom and their comfort zone.
The possibilities are endless of what traditional college can provide, but it all depends on a person’s character and determination to get these benefits. It is not handed on a silver platter for students to automatically get, but college can help pave the way for such.
Is a traditional four-year college for everyone?
College is definitely a beneficial choice when it comes to deciding your future, but it is not the best choice for everyone nor is it the only choice given. The 21st century is on the uprise with endless possibilities for all, including alternatives for college.
The traditional four-year college is a reliable path to a successful future, but it does not guarantee success. A 2022 study conducted that nearly 90 percent of more than 300 online job applications sent in by graduates at the time had no response from employers, the only responses back being that positions will already occupied. It should be noted that a degree does not officially confirm a thriving future, as tough competition, student loans, and changing societies are factors that could potentially affect a career.
Now, though those cons are unfortunate for traditional colleges, it only shines light on other alternative routes that deserve more recognition and respect.
“College isn’t for everyone,” English 9 Honors and AP Research teacher Mrs. Kimberly Barreras said. “I think that you can be successful, smart, and brilliant without college. You just honestly have to have that drive to want to be able to learn whatever it is you want to learn.”
Alternative College Pathways
As the years go by and everyday includes a new advancement unlocked in modern times, the alternatives for college are also being thought of more and more. Factors such as student debt are becoming more of a concern, which leads students and adults to indulge themselves in the idea of other types of paths.
Pathways such as trade schools, junior colleges, and community colleges are only a few examples of possible alternatives for such. These options are far from the astigmatism that is reflected upon them because of societal norms.
Taking community college as an example, there are stereotypes for people who go to community college due to peer pressure, norms, and the perception that community colleges will not take students as far. However, it is the complete opposite. Community colleges provide cheaper tuition, flexibility in scheduling, and a good start to touch on what higher education could feel like before diving into the world of such.
“The expectation now for students is much higher than it was for when I was in college,” Spanish 1 and 2 teacher Señora Harmon said. “There are some great programs here on campus that exemplify exactly an alternative route to college; there are all kinds of technical opportunities for students.”
While college is a strong option for students to open windows and doors for new opportunities and experiences in careers, it is definitely not the default option. Society needs to realize that it is not the only road to have a successful and thriving future, as the world is changing everyday. Recognizing that college is not only getting higher in their expectations for students, only emphasizes the value of alternative paths that could be taken.
In the end, a future should not be dependent on what path is taken, rather it should be the perspective, determination, and strong values that can lead them to the life that they want. The character that an individual possesses plays a stronger card, which is the true meaning of success.
