Do you guys think college is always worth it?

[KatieNK]

Originally Posted by Goldy1

I might also get the grant. I have a bacholer's degree in elem educatation since 2000. It was a total waste of 5 years of my life, and the ONLY regret I basicaly ever had. I went to school full time for 5 years, graduated with a 3.5, excellent reviews for internship, and NEVER even got a teaching interview b/c it is rare to get a job in MI in teaching.

I am a teacher and I feel the same way sometimes. People would be shocked if they knew how many education grads regret their degree choice!!!!!!

[Inkstain82]

Originally Posted by KatieNK

I am a teacher and I feel the same way sometimes. People would be shocked if they knew how many education grads regret their degree choice!!!!!!

Pssh, talk to journalism grads.

Dying industry, awful job market, and pay lower than fast-food shift managers.

I don't regret going to college, but I definitely regret my major. This degree wasn't worth a fraction of what I paid for it.

(My fault, though).

[Goldy1]

Yes, I am very practical. I wanted a job that would translate into skills for employment. I didn't want soemthing vaque like communications or sociology, and I don't think my parents would have paid for that.

I get "womens studies majors" etc generally aren't going to be hot on the job market, but in my case, I thought teaching was a respectable solid choice. Also, I thought I was immune to teacher burnout and as much as I love kids, I am not. lol

My husband found out he got the training account for up to 2 years of school so he will be going back for more cad cam. He is required to go full time unless he gets a job in which case they allow part time.

[indycobra]

Wow this thread sounds like it could easily be about me! I have an associate’s degree from a local university and have been a cad/cam designer for 15 years for a machine builder here in Indiana. I work with Autodesk Inventor (Solidworks direct competition). I definitely feel your pain in the manufacturing sector. Our company has laid off a half a dozen people and cut the work week for the shop down to 4 days a week. If it wasn’t for the Japanese manufacturers here in Indiana we would probably have already gone out of business.
My wife was also working in the purchasing dept for a company that supplies parts to Cummins right before our baby was born 4 months ago. She is now starting a nursing program at a local college instead of returning to work. I am not confident in manufacturing anymore. I would second others advice on taking classes that have a promising future for employment.

[nmboone]

I hope you figure what you'd really like to do. I'm graduating in May with an Anthropology degree, because I think it's really interesting (most the time.) A lot of people don't know what that is, or ask me what I'm going to do with it. I don't know exactly yet, but I will find out. I will beat on every door to find a decent paying job until I find one. I am seriously going to send out resume's to every freaking body till I find a job.
BTW, there is a teaching shortage here in Baton Rouge. Some of the school's are terrible, but they'd snap you up so fast! I thought of getting certified myself in teaching as a last resort. I know that's not helpful to you in your position, sorry. Plus being pregnant complicates getting a job. If you have the opportunity to go to school for free or cheaply, do it. Especially if you aren't happy with the way things are!

[Goldy1]

I can't use my teaching degree in MI to teach, but ti's not a terrible thing to have. I worked as a paraprofessional in a school for a couple years before(basically that is a classroom aide doing things such as working with small groups, assisting) The pay was low hourly with no benefits, and no pay in summers etc, but it's an option for extra cash and getting out of the house down the line working similar hours as my son while he goes to school in the future. I never really liked subbing and the pay is also low, but you can literally work 2 days a month or way more if you want to.
I know there are many places I would get snapped up, and that is nice to know.

I am going to take notes on local programs and decide when/if I can use this education opportunity.

[spicy14lingo]

I completely understand what you mean when you wonder if college is/was worth it. I graduated in 2007 with a business degree from OU. During the five years that I attended college, I racked up about $50,000 in student loan debt. Upon graduation, I found out what millions have before me... Employers want you to have experience. To make a long story short, I had to start at the bottom, making about $10/hour. I have friends (that didn't go to college) making almost twice that because they immediately went to work and have spent the last five years moving up in the company. Turns out that $10/hour is not enough to service $50K in debt. Sorry for my little rant.

My advice would be to move towards a degree that has a specific job at the end of it. Also, if they are offering to pay for an education, take it.

[Well Spent]

Financially it's not always worth it. However, personally I found it very rewarding.

Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, utility workers, firefighters and cops are some of the jobs that can be lucrative and don't general require a bachelor's. Although in my town cops and firefighters now need BAs and cops get bonuses for Master's.

[ClearClouds]

I think that the profession and "who you know" falls into play more often than we are taught. College is always the best advice to give you own children it seems, but when you get older and see people getting great jobs because they know someone, or a athlete signing a billion dollar contract straight out of high school, opens your eyes.

[red92s]

Just to add to the discussion, below is my final tally for 5.5 years of in-state engineering school, including one BS, one minor, one semester abroad, and one year living in the dorms with a meal plan.

Total: $32,582.00
Tuition: $18,341.00
Scholarships (credit): $12,252.00
Book Scholarship (credit): $1,050.00

Other "big ticket items" included in the above total:
Parking Permits: $589.00
Parking Citations: $465.00
Dorm (freshman year): $3,236.00

Remainder of total not covered by scholarships (~$20k) was paid from a fund established by my grandparents, and some was covered by my parents. I graduated with $0 in student loans, thanks to the support of my family.

Immediately after graduation my first job paid in the $53k range. I think even if I had done it all with loans (no scholarships or family support), that is still a reasonable return on investment.

[sweeps]

Originally Posted by ClearClouds

see people getting great jobs because they know someone, or a athlete signing a billion dollar contract straight out of high school, opens your eyes.

Only in a bad way. It misleads kids into thinking that there's an easy ride to a successful career. College isn't for everyone, but I'd say it's for most people.