In the past couple of years there has seen a sharp increase in the amount of students who enroll into colleges and universities around the US.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, “In Fall 2017, some 20.4 million students are expected to attend American colleges and universities, constituting and increase of about 5.1 million since Fall 2000.” That is an increase of 25 percent over 17 years. It’s up even higher from previous years.
In Florida alone 63.4 percent of high school graduates went directly on to college in 2014 as opposed to only 45.4 percent in 1992, according to the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems. This statistic does not account for those people took a year or more off before going on to college.
From the outside this phenomena seems positive, more students are getting a higher education and are more qualified for their jobs and along with these degrees come the lifetime potential to earn more money. But the reality is that there are some students in that statistic that are going to college due to parental pressures and social norms.
Many are told that if they do not go to college they will not be able to find a job that pays well and that they need to attend college and get a degree. Even though there are many statistics supporting the fact that individuals with a degree can on average earn more in their lifetime as opposed to those who do not possess a degree, many people seem to think that this means in order to get a “good job,” they absolutely have to go to college. Just because a degree may earn more money does not mean that without a degree can’t make a decent amount of money following the career of one’s choice. This often leads people to choose a career that pays more over a career they enjoy.
It is clear that a larger percentage of high school graduates are enrolling into colleges in order to earn a degree for their intended career. According to the Georgetown Center on Education by 2020, 65 percent of all jobs will require a degree.
According to the Department of Labor, the average starting salary of an apprentice is 15 dollars an hour. Employers tend to take a closer look at apprenticeships rather than the time spent in the classroom because on the job training offers more experience or education than any classroom ever could. Many trade and technical schools offer this kind of training for many respectable careers that many don’t always pay enough attention to. These types of jobs may include personal care aide, MRI technologist, dental hygienist, plumbers, and electricians.
It is difficult to discern if the rise in college attendance is due to evolving societal needs for higher education in jobs or if it is just a result of pressures to conform to the idea and trend that college is necessary.
During the earlier generation it was common for many to not go on to college. Degrees were not as prevalent as they are today though some careers did require them.
There are several critical factors that must be considered to understand the recent rise in degrees sought and earned. Recently new and complex technologies have come into play and those jobs required the need for more specialized and trained people to fill the position. Another potential factor is the natural competitiveness of modern society. Citizens are competitive in almost aspect of life: in a financial manner, political manner, and innately that quality may be applied to education as well. Many people, as well, have the notion that universities just want money which for the most part is true and may be another key factor in understanding this rise. In addition, another element may also be the fact that society as a whole believes that a degree is required to have the respect of people and have a good social standing which can lead to people conforming and going to college just for the sake of it.
It is important to remember that college is not for everyone. Not every job requires a degree and those jobs must be filled as well as the ones that require a degree. Some students may opt for other options such as trade or technical schools, apprenticeships, or a more creative path that constitutes no schooling at all.
There are many benefits to attending a university for a degree but sometimes too much emphasis can be placed on going to college whether or not it is right for the student. As a society it is important to teach young people to choose the path that suits them best and success is a relative term that applies differently to each and every person. A degree is not the only option out there for students.
Lauren Johnston // Backpage Editor and Business Manager
