Is Higher Education Worth The Price ?

    

    Lately the topic of higher education and its cost has been debated in today's society as it continues to increase, leaving many young adults questioning if investment is worth it or not. In the documentary, "The Ivory Tower '' this dilemma is highlighted even further and discusses the impact of student debt and the harsh reality of the job market. As a viewer, this made me think and reflect on how important it is for an individual to map out a specific plan before entering college and weigh out all the pro's and con's. I don't believe the message of the documentary is to be completely pessimistic over the idea of college but more to further explain the risks of investing in a degree that might not instantly help with debt right after graduation. Careers are vast and there are a wide range of opportunities but it all narrows down to what is completely necessary in the end. The impact of the job market and the economy is even heightened now given the recent pandemic and inflation causing prices of essential needs to rise, leaving many struggling from paycheck to paycheck. This perspective challenges the notion that college is not for everyone. 

    Therefore, Ungar's article "The New Liberal Arts" argues for the pursuit of a liberal arts education and the benefits it can bring. He explains how it helps with critical thinking, communication, and problem solving skills. I personally understand his point here and agree with the idea that education doesn't always go to waste. However the main dilemma still remains in how important money is when it comes to one's life. I could argue that knowledge can come from workshops, online seminars, etc. Many directors have never been to film school but studied on their own. I'm sure it was mainly due to financial reasons on their end. Not everyone is privileged enough to afford a college education even with things available such as financial aid, scholarships,etc. So if the career that someone is striving for doesn't necessarily require a degree then why spend thousands of dollars for it ? 

    Lastly, Hacker's article "Are Colleges Worth The Price of Admission?" is repeating the argument of if the investment is fully worth it. He even goes as far to question the quality of education at certain institutions and later on proves my personal point which is emphasizing the idea that there are other ways besides college in attaining success in one's career. Overall, this debate over whether higher education is worth it is valid but really depends on the career itself. It's extremely important for young individuals to gain experience in their ideal career field and ask questions before fully investing in a degree. The beautiful thing about college is there is always time to change your mind and explore different majors. I personally recommend a community college for those who don't have the funds right out of high school. Many people do this before attaining a bachelors and it is a great alternative for those still figuring out what they want to do while also being cautious financially.