Is A College Degree Necessary To Success Essay Example

In the past, college was the path that most individuals took to have a successful future. Not only was college encouraged, but for some, it had previously been considered one of the only ways of living successfully. As the job market changed, individuals found themselves pursuing other paths that better fit their interests. The rise of technology and social media are two examples that provided other opportunities to succeed without a college degree which raises potential questions: Is a college degree no longer necessary for success, especially after the Covid-19 Pandemic, and is the payoff or result worth it?  

In the New York Times, Shannon Doyne, a professional writer, exclaims, “Because of levitating costs, college these days is a luxury item. What’s more, it’s a luxury item with newly uncertain returns.” Doyne’s conclusion brings money into the perspective of this issue, as most students cannot afford the demanding costs of college for a possible successful job in the future. The unemployment rate associated with individuals with college degrees is astonishing. However, the rise in technology and social media can possibly allow young adults to make a living for themselves, giving them different opportunities for success compared to earlier eras.  

During the Covid-19 Pandemic, many started their businesses from their homes to make up for unemployment and lost wages. The pandemic changed the necessities for many individuals. Kairos played a significant role in this issue. The timing of the pandemic contributed to the issue by adding more questions to whether college at this time is explicitly worth it. It limited many students to online education, while including the same grueling costs of in-person learning. The change in the job market left some who had college degrees struggling to find jobs.  

The problem of college being a tough choice for some is primarily because of the grueling cost. The rise of tuition is a significant problem for many, especially those who pay for their education. The pandemic has made finances tough on many, especially on students. Although college is a choice, some do not have the privilege to go to college due to financial needs. The financial need could stop a brilliant student from attending school due to the simple fact that it is too expensive or the unknown payoff is questionable. This underlying issue can be seen without a resolution because college has a different meaning to each student. Each student must make their own decision and decide whether college is worth the time, money, and effort spent in obtaining a degree.   

On the contrary, in the New York Times, Susan Dynarski, an economist states, “The lifetime payoff to earning a college degree is so very large, in health and wealth, that it dwarfs even high tuition costs. College is an especially smart choice during a terrible job market.” Dynarski makes an excellent observation stating that although some may have been able to find jobs well enough to support themselves before the pandemic, most of those jobs have been deemed unnecessary. Restaurants, entertainment, and bars are just a few examples of places that many without a college degree had relied for employment. These have since been seen as privileges since the pandemic shut down these options. Dynarski continues to explain how many with a college degree have much better opportunities in these trying times. For example, compared to a high school degree, individuals with college degrees stand out in the job market, essentially creating a better opportunity of obtaining employment. 

Furthermore, the past and present stakeholders are students who recently earned their degrees and students who graduated high school and decided whether college is the right path. Students who completed their college degrees are now in the job market, competing for jobs. The competition for well-paying jobs is fierce, with companies only having limited positions open. Students who have decided to enroll and obtain a college education must adjust to the new learning environment the pandemic has set for them. The central conflict of interest is student’s futures. The idea of college may not be for some, but most believe that college is still necessary for the present day. Although media and family can influence students, ideally, the end decision is their own. Students need to figure out whether pursuing a college degree is the right choice for their circumstances and interests.