Comments on: Is College Worth the Cost?

By: Barbara Frank

Barbara Frank — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 23:05:39 +0000

Thanks for stopping by, Dr. Aranoff. I agree with you that the goal for the professor and student is for the student to develop understanding. The problem is that, at least in this country, college is marketed to parents and society at large as the path to success in the form of a good income. Maybe the economic changes we’re going through will bring college back to the place where people go there to learn, not to insure future earnings.

By: Dr. Sanford Aranoff

Dr. Sanford Aranoff — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 21:56:38 +0000

Is college worth the money? Well, what is the purpose? My idea,as a math professor, is this: The purpose is to help students understand things. Understanding starts with knowing the basic principles of the subject, the logical consequences, ways to change or differ the principles,and empirical verifications. Professors who have goals other than understanding, such as looking for the ability to succeed in various tasks, are not fulfilling the objective as I see it. See “Teaching and Helping Students Think and Do Better”. See also the new book, “Rational Thinking, Government Policies, Science, and Living”. Bottom line: If the professor does not stress understanding, the student may not buy what the professor is selling, and drop out. Again, the goal is not the need for college in order to succeed with a job, but understanding the world.

By: Barbara Frank

Barbara Frank — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 22:02:59 +0000

Joan, you’re preaching to the choir except for your statement that “The need for a college education continues to rise….” Not sure that goes with what you’re saying; maybe a typo?

Anyway, check out my other blog and you’ll see evidence backing up what you say in your comment:

http://www.thrivinginthe21stcentury.com

Thanks for stopping by!

By: Joan Gibbons

Joan Gibbons — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 19:27:05 +0000

Is college worth the cost? A loaded question. First you must specify the cost.
A four year college education ranges up to 110 thousand dollars a year depending on the institution and who you talk to. Is it worth it if you can’t find work to pay off the tuition loans? Do you want debt for the rest of your life? The US is now in possession of the best educated population of hamburger flippers in the world. The need for a college education continues to rise while, the need for real intellectual thought and salary continue to decline. This a direct result of foreign and domestic economic policy such as outsourcing. Obtaining a decent job in today’s job market is not a function of education. As many experienced and highly educated people, who have lost their jobs, will tell you. Many have had to down train from good jobs to functions like retail. Join the reality of the US Job shortage.

By: Barbara Frank

Barbara Frank — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:40:25 +0000

Karen, I wonder if we’ll be forced to do so……

By: Karen

Karen — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:59:30 +0000

Thought provoking. I agree that our ideology of education needs to be reexamined.

By: Barbara Frank

Barbara Frank — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:38:56 +0000

Tiffany, I’m sorry to hear that your husband is having trouble finding a decent job. My sister inquired into a franchise party business and was told she could advertise for workers with college degrees (for a min. wage job watching kids on inflatable amusements) just because there are so many college grads out there willing to take any kind of work. It’s a side effect of this crummy economy. Hope your dh finds something better soon!

CW, thanks for the link. Seasonally adjusted, the numbers aren’t quite so far apart. Of course, these unemployment rates are for bachelor degrees and up, so they’re comparing people with advanced degrees, not just a BS or BA, to high school grads. Also, many employed college grads are actually underemployed (see response to Tiffany) and also carrying enormous college loan debt, so being an employed college grad isn’t necessarily an advantage in this economy. Finally, there are big geographic differences in the unemployment rate of college grads these days…..

Laura @PH, you make a great point. The converse is also true, for me anyway; while I have a degree, I can’t credit it with any added happiness in my life. Going to college was a good experience for me, but my happiness comes from other things…..and people

Thanks, everyone, for stopping by!

By: Practical Homeschooling

Practical Homeschooling — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:31:17 +0000

[...] Is College Worth the Cost? [...]

By: Laura @ Practical Homeschooling

Laura @ Practical Homeschooling — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:22:57 +0000

One point of view that is often overlooked is that there are MANY college drop outs that are quite happy and successful in life. I might not be a millionaire, but I’m certainly happy in life as it currently is.

By: Carnival of Homeschooling – What Matters Most

Carnival of Homeschooling – What Matters Most — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:47:54 +0000

[...] Frank invites us to reconsider – Is College Worth the Cost? at Barbara Frank [...]