Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Alternatives to a
traditional college
education
Issue Guide
Overview
Though going to college can be one of the most valuable and transformative experiences in
ones life, it is evident that the rising costs has made college unaffordable or nonessential for
many. As Senator Bernie Sanders said during his recent presidential election campaign, The
cost of college education is so high that many young people are giving up their dream of going
to college, while many others are graduating deeply in debt. Over a period of several
decades, tuition rates have skyrocketed at a much faster pace than wages. According to
CNBC, tuition at Harvard University has jumped from $2,600 to $45,000 in 43 years. From
1971-2012, college tuition at public universities rose at a staggering rate of 259%, while a rise
in wages lagged far behind (ProCon.org). Millions of teenagers upon graduating from high
school make the transition to college each fall, often paying for a significant portion of their
education themselves. After graduation, many end up in mountains of debt that can be difficult
to recover from, especially in recent times of economic instability. The average college
graduate in 2016 finished school with approximately $37,000 in debt. Debt like this can be
crippling and stay with graduates for decades while incurring interest. College graduates may
run into trouble financing major purchases later in life, such as homes, cars, and it may even
restrict their ability to invest in retirement funds and more. The fear surrounding taking on
significant amounts has caused people around the country to reconsider going to college, and
explore other options.
With rising college costs and
the fear of debt, many have
turned to alternative forms of
education. These alternative
forms of education can still
supply students with valuable
skills and turn focus to more of Over the course of the
a career based education, next hour, we will explore the
rather than a holistic approach issue of rising college, and go
often seen at typical colleges. into depth about some of
College alternatives have been these college alternatives.
on the rise over the past The three alternatives we will
several years, as more and focus on today are technical
more people are rejecting the and trade schools, going to
idea of going to a traditional college abroad, and pursuing
four year school. The an education online. Each of
alternatives can allow young these options has been
adults to focus on fields they thoroughly researched to get
find interesting and enjoy, the best information possible.
without taking classes in We intend to lay out the pros
subjects that do not concern and cons of each alternative,
them, all while saving money. all while getting input from
In addition, areas of study attendees at the event. We
outside of university like thank you for attending this
plumbing or welding tend to deliberation on the rising
lead to jobs that are in costs of college and
demand, which can guarantee alternatives to a traditional
job security and financial college education, and hope
stability. you find the experience
informational.
Approach 1
Pros Cons
Financial Benefits-A degree from a Employement-Lower earning potential
technical school can cost up to a and greater risk of unemployment. A
hundred thousand dollars less than a bachelors degree holder earns nearly
degree from a traditional four-year $18,000 more per year and they face on
college. The problem with traditional four average roughly 4% less unemployment
year colleges is that they require extra compared to non degree holders, making
money and time for extraneous credits an argument for the value of a traditional
that are not related to ones major. college education.
College Abroad
As of 2012, the Institute of
International Education reported that
there were more than 46,500 U.S.
students pursuing a degrees abroad.
In recent years, this number has been
on the rise, as the tuition costs at
American institutes are increasing as
well. A majority of U.S. students
seeking international schools go to
English-speaking countries, like the
United Kingdom and Canada, but
many countries such as Germany and
France offer English-language degree
programs as well. This is becoming
an attractive option for Americans as
they are able to obtain their degrees
with a fraction of the price they would
pay at a U.S. school or even with no
tuition costs at all. According to
Viemont, there are at least 40 colleges
in Europe that offer bachelors
degrees taught in English at no tuition
cost. Germany, Iceland, Norway and
Finland are among the countries to
offer free tuition, even to international
students.
Pros Cons
Cost- Students who go to college Cost-High costs associated with
in different countries to pay half the traveling home for break, living
price down to no tuition at all, expenses in foreign countries,
without sacrificing the quality of the transaction costs, and currency
education. conversion rate are all factors to
consider.
Online College
Independence/Responsibility- For
Independence/Responsibility-
students who are not highly
Students learn to be independent
motivated, online courses can
and take responsibility for their
prove to be difficult. If students
own education with little to none
arent already responsible then
outside motivation.
they will need to develop an
increased responsibility.