According to the Bureau of Labor, nearly 63% of high school graduates enroll in college right after finishing school.
Recent national data show that more students than ever are questioning whether that choice still benefits in the long run.
As other career pathways grow, the decision to attend college has become a serious debate due to the rising cost of tuition and the cost of living.
One major reason students question college is the cost. Tuition has increased year after year. Now, many colleges charge thousands of dollars per semester.
University of Connecticut’s Office of Student Financial Aid’s current tuition for an in-state resident is $159,000 for four years, and private universities can cost nearly double, up to $224,000 on average.
Many college students graduate with large amounts of debt that can’t be paid off for many years.
For careers like nursing, teaching, engineering, and medicine, a college degree isn’t optional; it’s a necessity.
College still has many benefits. Studies show that people with bachelor’s degrees usually earn more money over their lifetime than people with only a high school diploma, depending on career path.
School counselor Mr. Jakob Rosengrant states, “Going to college isn’t just about earning a degree, it’s also about discovering yourself, discovering your passion, meeting new people, and experiencing opportunities that you didn’t think were possible, all before the responsibilities of adulthood settle in. Is it for everyone? No. Everyone’s path and plan should look different because no two students are exactly alike. The important thing is that everyone has a plan!”
Trade schools, certificate programs, and apprenticeships are on the rise. These programs train students for specific jobs like electricians, plumbers, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians, welders, or mechanics. Many of these careers pay well without needing four years of college and the cost.
Although schooling is still required for these trades, the apprentice receives on-the-job training from a foreman or someone who’s qualified. Apprentices also get paid during their apprenticeship, and once completed, receive increased pay and are allowed to tackle jobs on their own. The average apprentice can be anywhere from one to six years, depending on the field someone is going into.
Zip recruiter statistics show non-union apprentices’ pay can start from $15-$22 an hour, equalling about $30,000-$45,000 annually. This will increase as your knowledge and skills increase, and it can also increase depending on location and company size.
They also stated that union workers generally earn more than non-union workers, earning about 10-20% more than non-union workers. Union workers also get better benefits and more stable work environments. An apprentice in the union earns $20-$25 an hour.
There are more options than college for students. When making a decision, it’s important to factor in things like cost, career choice, and pay before choosing whether to go to college or not.
