A student questions whether tuition is worth the credit
Dear Editor:
I’m currently a first year student attending Meramec. While doing research for one of my classes, the issue of the importance of college surfaced, which caused me to face the ever important question: “Is college worth it?”
Every year millions of students rush off to college in hopes of obtaining their degrees and using that piece of paper to land a well-paying job. However, the reality is that the price of education is steadily rising and the job outlook for graduating students is modest to put it bluntly. For instance, the average tuition that in-state students attending the University of Missouri can expect to pay is $8,989 and $21,784 for those that attend fm out of state. And at private universities, such as Washington University in Saint Louis, students can expect to shell out $41,992 for their education. This is why I have come to the conclusion that more emphasis should be placed on the alternative options available to students, meaning foregoing the traditional route most take in pursuing their post-secondary educations.
These methods include taking up a trade, such as plumbing and construction. Then taking part in an apprenticeship, which may lead to a decent job. Another option for students include traveling the world in hopes of broadening their cultural understanding of others. One of the grandest options for the go-getter is to start a business, since the entrepreneur opportunities in today’s internet age are limitless.
I think it is important that every student try their best and take advantage of all available opportunities to better their lives. I personally love the challenges and rigor of college and would never consider walking away from it. However this is most likely not the case for every student, and it is why I believe that more emphasis should be actively made by institutes of higher learning to the different approaches students can take instead of college and still end with a respectable job.
I’m looking forward to reading opinions on my viewpoint in next month’s issue.
– Henry Lelend
STLCC Student
