OPINION -- Weighing the options when enough is enough
Jacob McWhorter
Issue date: 3/10/09 Section: Opinion
Even with all these negative statistics and obvious burdens, this doesn't mean that college isn't worth the effort. The truth is that a college degree still yields far more opportunities for employment and success than a simple high school diploma. Simply not attempting to acquire a college degree is foolhardy, yet the current trends that college students seem to be obligated to are just as foolish.
Going to a four-year institution straight out of high school, while in all aspects should be considered the highest standard to shoot for, is not necessarily the best option for many students. Some fortunate students who receive large amounts of financial aid through scholarships and can safely afford the expenses should, without hesitation, seek to attend these schools.
The truth, however, is that there are far more students out there than there is money to go around. Many hopeful college students simply can't afford to rise to these standards due to their financial situation. There is no need to fear though, for these students the best option would be to let go of such high and outrageous expectations and expand their horizons.
One does not have to go to a four-year institution to be successful. There are many local and respectable community colleges and two-year institutions across the state that happily accept students. ABAC is an excellent example of such a college, offering two-year degrees for a large number of fields and even four-year degrees for certain areas of study. On average it is far cheaper to attend a public two-year institution than to jump straight into one of the larger institutions.
According to the College Board, students who opt for this route are likely to look at a $2,402 payout per semester, a goal that is much more within reach in these financial times.
The idea of taking college courses online has also becoming a highly favored option. Students can live and work at home, or on their own, and work at a pace which more easily suits their needs. The ease and convenience of this option allows students to support themselves and their families by working and still allowing them to achieve their basic educational needs before taking the big leap into the world.
Going to a four-year institution straight out of high school, while in all aspects should be considered the highest standard to shoot for, is not necessarily the best option for many students. Some fortunate students who receive large amounts of financial aid through scholarships and can safely afford the expenses should, without hesitation, seek to attend these schools.
The truth, however, is that there are far more students out there than there is money to go around. Many hopeful college students simply can't afford to rise to these standards due to their financial situation. There is no need to fear though, for these students the best option would be to let go of such high and outrageous expectations and expand their horizons.
One does not have to go to a four-year institution to be successful. There are many local and respectable community colleges and two-year institutions across the state that happily accept students. ABAC is an excellent example of such a college, offering two-year degrees for a large number of fields and even four-year degrees for certain areas of study. On average it is far cheaper to attend a public two-year institution than to jump straight into one of the larger institutions.
According to the College Board, students who opt for this route are likely to look at a $2,402 payout per semester, a goal that is much more within reach in these financial times.
The idea of taking college courses online has also becoming a highly favored option. Students can live and work at home, or on their own, and work at a pace which more easily suits their needs. The ease and convenience of this option allows students to support themselves and their families by working and still allowing them to achieve their basic educational needs before taking the big leap into the world.
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