Colorado Technical University

What is the point of college if college degrees are declining in value?

I just read this article about college degrees declining in value. I think this is happening because almost everyone is going to college nowadays thus making the bachelor's degree less valuable. So really what is the point of going to college if it doesn't guarantee a good job? http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121623686919059307.html?mod=yhoofront

Public Comments

1. They may be declining in value, but do you think just a high school diploma is increasing in value? I seriously doubt it. It may not "guarantee" a good job, but it's sure increases your chances of getting one.
2. it's not that the degree is declining in value, per se, the article is saying that the degree isn't the golden ticket that it once was due to globalization. there is still a huge difference in the lifetime earnings of a person with a college degree compared to someone without one. however, the annual increase in salary for those with a college degree isn't outpacing inflation as it once did. so, basically you should still get one because it is a prerequisite for most jobs (even the administrative professionals need to have college degrees at the company i work for). however, because the degree is becoming more of a commodity than a differentiator, you still need to work hard and won't be able to rely on the degree to open doors like prior generations have been able to.
3. To differentiate yourself from all those getting college degrees, you need more education, not less. A grad degree is the new undergrad degree.
4. The point is that you should go to graduate schools and get more education. If you read the article and concluded that you shouldn't go to college, then you missed the point. If you don't believe me, then try not going to college and see where that will take you in the long run.