Is it worth getting a university degree anymore?

dipsetgeneral · Oct 17, 2014

DipsetGeneral said:
Getting your degree and then your masters will have you making no less than $75,000K annually. it is definitely worth it, OP. If your a rapper or athlete, then forego the degree and pursue those things..

Brolic Scholar said:
I know people with a Master's making less. Not a guarantee.

I do too but with a couple years in the field, most professions should have you making more than a decent income.

tay1 said:
A masters isn't needed for everything though. A masters can give you whuh? Like a 10,000 difference. If you good at what you do, rise up the levels and all that you can probably make what you would make with a masters, and save some money.

Good advice. For sure. A masters can make all the bit of difference. Funny thing is, you don't need a degree to create. Degrees are more for working under and for someone.

Fontaine said:
this is so wrong its funny

Funny or nah?

tay1 · Oct 17, 2014

WhatCanISay said:
Depends on what you want to do.

I personally don't need a Master's degree to make six figures in my field. However, I do need it to pursue other academic goals that I have in mind.

I know a girl who took an engineering class with me, who is majoring in biomedical engineering, just to become a dentist.
Any engineering degree is not easy, and she could have taken a much easier route. She has no interest in getting a job as a biomedical engineer.

She wants to be a dentist.
Different strokes for different folks.
Once it's all said and done, she will be an Engineer and a Dentist, and nobody can take that away from her.

I love what I learn in school, and if it landed me a well paying job, then so be it.
However, jobs come and go, and your interests in your company may change and you will find yourself in different positions/companies.
Nobody can take away what I've learned in school, and I love to have intellectually rich discussions with people in my field who can relate and regurgitate knowledge that they have gained.

Again, people that have gone there to learn rather than to simply find a job and go with the flow of school.
I love school, and I love learning. I am seriously intrigued by how much there is to learn, and how respected a TRULY educated individual is ( not just someone with a piece of paper who was there to simply get that piece of paper.)

My BS degree will be nothing to me. That's just the beginning. The beginning of a very interesting journey.

No shade thrown to those who just go to school for a job. A 9-5 will never make you a wealthy man. You can live very very well, but it will never make you a fortune.

So, to those who go to school for the money, it may not be the best way to look at it. Do something that you are passionate about, all while being realistic as to how the job market currently is. Major in something challenging and rewarding, and don't stop with simply one degree. Strive for more than the bare minimum, in school, life, and in everything and anything you pursue.

Don't be good, be great.

At the end of the day, degrees are for validation. If I didn't need a degree to do what I want to do, I'd be at home perfecting my craft, until I land the job I want. But the reality is, my chances of getting the job I want are significantly higher if I have a degree. Most wouldn't even make it to the interview process if they didn't have a degree for certain field. It's cool that you love school. I'll never knock a person who does. But I don't have that same passion. For me, it sucks that a large portion of my life will be dedicated to going to school, and paying that **** off. For now, it's cool because going to school while young is a great experience, easiest way to make friends and meet people, but I can't wait until I'm out.

rocky437 · Oct 17, 2014

Yes it's still worth it, but you really have to know what you're doing these days. If you're paying for it yourself then seriously think about how you're gonna get a return on your investment after your done.

tay1 · Oct 17, 2014

WhatCanISay said:
Of course, as I stated, I am not throwing any shade to people who go to school to land a job.
By all means, you do what you have to do to provide for yourself, your family, and future family.
I respect that 100%.

I was just referring to the fact that not everybody is in school to only get a job.
So it makes sense when some people mention that "school shouldn't be about getting a job"

However, the correct way to word it would be "school shouldn't be ALL about getting a job."

Agreed.

urbetterthenme · Oct 17, 2014

Yeah said:
This is a question that is hard to answer with a simple yes or no. The important thing to remember is that you should not go to school for a job, you should go to school to learn. Whether or not the thing(s) you learn about will lead to gainful employment is another question entirely. However, learning in college is not the determining factor in getting a job and beginning a career; your network is. It is (and has always been) not what you know, but who you know. The time you spend volunteering, networking, and participating in groups/clubs is the second most important thing you can do in college other than studying.

If you just want a job, college might not be necessary. Trade schools are a great option, and blue collar work is and always will be in demand. Welding, plumbing, eletricial work, etc have high demands and frequently start at a higher wage than most entry level jobs that require a degree. If I had the chance to go back, I'd probably go to a trade school start at 50K with no debt.

What you need to do is decide on how you want to spend the next few decades of your life. From there, determine the best path forward.

Yeah

al audi · Oct 17, 2014

KILL MOVES said:
you dont need college to rap bro

you joke

tay1 said:
I don't agree. College is for everyone. Whether it's a two year, four year, or trade school. College is for everyone. Many make it without a degree, but I just disagree with that statement so much.

Thats cool. Your opinion. I learned own my own in the real world. You don't gotta be smart to go to a university. I was going to school for Crim Justice. Woulda been a waste if I finished anyways......again not for everyone to drop out....the struggle sucked. That student loan struggle sucks too. It's all up to the individual.

youngdoc · Oct 17, 2014

School definitely matters.

I would have struggled getting into med school if it wasn't for my UG being a big name. GPA was subpar

al audi · Oct 17, 2014

Formal education makes you a living, self education makes you a fortune.

Example.....ppl on here bash MLM.

I just think ppl have closed minds. Everything isn't BS. Internet Marketing is real.

Thing with me is I'll listen to anyone with open ears....benefit of the doubt an research myself. Ppl always quick go call ducktales.......

sogood · Oct 17, 2014

Yeah said:
This is a question that is hard to answer with a simple yes or no. The important thing to remember is that you should not go to school for a job, you should go to school to learn. Whether or not the thing(s) you learn about will lead to gainful employment is another question entirely. However, learning in college is not the determining factor in getting a job and beginning a career; your network is. It is (and has always been) not what you know, but who you know. The time you spend volunteering, networking, and participating in groups/clubs is the second most important thing you can do in college other than studying.

If you just want a job, college might not be necessary. Trade schools are a great option, and blue collar work is and always will be in demand. Welding, plumbing, eletricial work, etc have high demands and frequently start at a higher wage than most entry level jobs that require a degree. If I had the chance to go back, I'd probably go to a trade school start at 50K with no debt.

What you need to do is decide on how you want to spend the next few decades of your life. From there, determine the best path forward.

No it's not, the answer is simply yes.

urbetterthenme · Oct 17, 2014

get a trade. Thats better

zapatohead408 · Oct 17, 2014

Paulwest1985 said:
Me personally , I have a degree in International Business and am in about $60,000 worth of debt. Was it worth it? I would say yes. I'm currently at a decent paying job that I wouldn't have gotten without that degree. So it depends on what your intentions are.

How in the world is being $60,000 in debt worth it?

Al Audi said:
Yeah said:

This is a question that is hard to answer with a simple yes or no. The important thing to remember is that you should not go to school for a job, you should go to school to learn. Whether or not the thing(s) you learn about will lead to gainful employment is another question entirely. However, learning in college is not the determining factor in getting a job and beginning a career; your network is. It is (and has always been) not what you know, but who you know. The time you spend volunteering, networking, and participating in groups/clubs is the second most important thing you can do in college other than studying.

If you just want a job, college might not be necessary. Trade schools are a great option, and blue collar work is and always will be in demand. Welding, plumbing, eletricial work, etc have high demands and frequently start at a higher wage than most entry level jobs that require a degree. If I had the chance to go back, I'd probably go to a trade school start at 50K with no debt.

What you need to do is decide on how you want to spend the next few decades of your life. From there, determine the best path forward.

Click to expand...

i know some young guys who have gone that trade route an even they are having a hard time

network is key these days

i guess they need to be under an apprentice etc for a while its really tough

Where you located? Around my way there's so much work in the trades. We're bringing people from all over because we have so much work and often times not enough people.

zapatohead408 · Oct 17, 2014

UrBetterthenME said:
get a trade. Thats better

Seriously, if you like working with your hands, there's no better way to go.

usabasketball08 · Oct 17, 2014

At my school at least, based on the data from 2008-2013, the grads that have had the most success getting jobs or job offers were:

Engineering (across all fields, comp science included)
Nursing
Accounting
Finance
Economics

jaysrcrak · Oct 17, 2014

Degrees are worth it but IMO we should be learning how to start our owns businesses and making a living off our passions in life.
Giving people jobs > Getting a job from someone

We have been taught to put our livelihood in the hands of people who ultimately dont give a **** about you.
They are too worried about securing their 500K bonuses and keeping their families laced to worry about you putting food on the table.

And in this economical climate sometimes a degree can be used against you.
For example, my girl has her Ph.D and is constantly told that she is OVER-qualified, because these companies would rather pay someone with their masters, less than what they would be required to pay someone with their doctorate.

Degrees are good for the knowledge you learn, and in a good economy can give you a leg up on competition. But so can knowing somebody.

Find your passion and find a way to make money from it and you'll never work again.

tay1 · Oct 17, 2014

USABasketball08 said:
At my school at least, based on the data from 2008-2013, the grads that have had the most success getting jobs or job offers were:

Engineering (across all fields, comp science included)
Nursing
Accounting
Finance
Economics

Can't speak for the rest, but engineering is always going to be a field in demand. That's why we need a bigger push of these stem fields, restructure how we teach math and science.

tay1 · Oct 17, 2014

zapatohead408 said:
How in the world is being $60,000 in debt worth it?

He could be in a situation in which he'll be able to pay it off .

fontaine · Oct 17, 2014

WhatCanISay said:
Depends on what you want to do.

I personally don't need a Master's degree to make six figures in my field. However, I do need it to pursue other academic goals that I have in mind.

I know a girl who took an engineering class with me, who is majoring in biomedical engineering, just to become a dentist.
Any engineering degree is not easy, and she could have taken a much easier route. She has no interest in getting a job as a biomedical engineer.

She wants to be a dentist.
Different strokes for different folks.
Once it's all said and done, she will be an Engineer and a Dentist, and nobody can take that away from her.

I love what I learn in school, and if it landed me a well paying job, then so be it.
However, jobs come and go, and your interests in your company may change and you will find yourself in different positions/companies.
Nobody can take away what I've learned in school, and I love to have intellectually rich discussions with people in my field who can relate and regurgitate knowledge that they have gained.

Again, people that have gone there to learn rather than to simply find a job and go with the flow of school.
I love school, and I love learning. I am seriously intrigued by how much there is to learn, and how respected a TRULY educated individual is ( not just someone with a piece of paper who was there to simply get that piece of paper.)

My BS degree will be nothing to me. That's just the beginning. The beginning of a very interesting journey.

No shade thrown to those who just go to school for a job. A 9-5 will never make you a wealthy man. You can live very very well, but it will never make you a fortune.

So, to those who go to school for the money, it may not be the best way to look at it. Do something that you are passionate about, all while being realistic as to how the job market currently is. Major in something challenging and rewarding, and don't stop with simply one degree. Strive for more than the bare minimum, in school, life, and in everything and anything you pursue.

Don't be good, be great.

1. Not everyone is trying to be wealthy. There are tons o of people comfortable with the "perceived" safety of a corporate job making a consistent salary

2. Would your girl be a dentist without a degree? You listed one class.

1 class out of curiosity =\= 40 classes for a degree.

3. You don't need a masters,but in today's climate, you're not not making it with a high school degree in your perceived field.

Without your beginning (BS degree).. You wouldn't HAVE a beginning...

The days of working for a job for 50 years and making executive out of high school are done, save for a few outliers.

There aren't many jobs where you have a great standard of living without formal education

4. Doing what your passionate about will not have you living a comfortable life all the time...

And despite what EVERYONE seems to think...

You don't have to be passionately in love with your job to live a comfortable life.

people speak in absolutes. You either love your gig or cant stand it.

.what's wrong some middle ground...?

al audi · Oct 17, 2014

Fontaine said:
1. Not everyone is trying to be wealthy. There are tons o of people comfortable with the "perceived" safety of a corporate job making a consistent salary

what is considered comfortable?

that varies to individual

im healthy as hell and eat good daily, off that alone i can be considered comfortable

car, job, place, eat good, health insurance, yambs on the weekend

if that is all somebody needs that is not hard to attain

where is the drive? wth is the purpose of life if all you wanna be is comfortable?

an Fotaine im pretty sure you said you plan to branch off an start your own business soon, props to you bro

al audi · Oct 17, 2014

WhatCanISay said:
How did you get all of those points with what I wrote?

-When did I say you have to be wealthy to be happy?

-I clearly stated that she's getting her BS in Biomedical Engineering. She doesn't have to, in order to be a Dentist.
So, she's not in school getting that particular degree to land a job in that field.

-I never mentioned that you don't need a degree to get a secure job in that post. Again, what are you talking about?

-I clearly stated that you should do what you're passionate about, all while being realistic about today's job market. Again, what are you talking about?

The point I was making was to your statement about finding "school shouldn't be about getting a job" humorous.
I still don't know what the point of anything you wrote was, especially if it was in response to my post.

i dunno what is point was either bro

heliumclinton · Oct 17, 2014

I think it's better to have one than not to have one

CC then a 4 year is the best way to go IMO don't go into debt for core classes

nazdrowie · Oct 17, 2014

heLiumcLinton said:
CC then a 4 year is the best way to go IMO don't go into debt for core classes

what if you gotta take out loans for a CC though?

wr · Oct 17, 2014

zapatohead408 said:
Seriously, if you like working with your hands, there's no better way to go.

because sitting in an office shuffling paper around gets old regardless how you make.

fontaine · Oct 17, 2014

WhatCanISay said:
How did you get all of those points with what I wrote?

-When did I say you have to be wealthy to be happy?

-I clearly stated that she's getting her BS in Biomedical Engineering. She doesn't have to, in order to be a Dentist.
So, she's not in school getting that particular degree to land a job in that field.

-I never mentioned that you don't need a degree to get a secure job in that post. Again, what are you talking about?

-I clearly stated that you should do what you're passionate about, all while being realistic about today's job market. Again, what are you talking about?

The point I was making was to your statement about finding "school shouldn't be about getting a job" humorous.
I still don't know what the point of anything you wrote was, especially if it was in response to my post.

the excessive "what are you talking abouts" aineem necessary bruh.

and how would i be responding to the wrong post or in a wrong thread when you address what i said and juxtaposed it to what you said?

:stoneface:

1. Did i say that YOU said you need wealth to be happy? you said.

No shade thrown to those who just go to school for a job. A 9-5 will never make you a wealthy man. You can live very very well, but it will never make you a fortune.

and I responded with not a lot of people want that though. Most folks just want to have a basic job that pays good. It's neither agreeing or disagreeing. Just a comment about something you said.

2. you said

I know a girl who took an engineering class with me, who is majoring in biomedical engineering, just to become a dentist.
Any engineering degree is not easy, and she could have taken a much easier route. She has no interest in getting a job as a biomedical engineer.

and I may have worded it wrong, but I was saying that no matter if she takes one or 40 classes... she's still going to need A degree to get into her field... she knows that she aint getting there without it.

she knows she aint getting into dentistry school WITHOUT that bachelors. Plenty of people study something different in undergrad as opposed to what they want to do. Hell, the CMO of my company majored in history.

3. You said

My BS degree will be nothing to me. That's just the beginning. The beginning of a very interesting journey.

and I said you dont need a masters or whatever to do what you want to do.. but I'm telling you that in YOUR field of civil engineering, you wouldnt have gottent the job w/ out your bachelors.

4. You said

Do something that you are passionate about, all while being realistic as to how the job market currently is.

again, this is neither agree or disagree... I simply said the things people are passionate about sometimes wont get them the paper...

my OG post

Fontaine said:
O always laugh when people say "school shouldn't be about getting a job"

I can guarantee if school wasn't a pipeline into careers, college attendance would be halved in one semesters time

and i stick by that. outside of a few outliers and academia, people get that BS or BA or whatever b/c they know that will help them get a job, and they prolly wouldnt get it without it.

and i stick by the fact that college attendance would drop SEVERLY if jobs werent recruiting there or employers didnt put "BS/BA in _____ required, MBA a plus" on damb near every job description.

wr · Oct 17, 2014

NazDrowie said:
what if you gotta take out loans for a CC though?

Don't spend your refund on js

tay1 · Oct 17, 2014

NazDrowie said:
what if you gotta take out loans for a CC though?

Then you got ****** over

Search

Is it worth getting a university degree anymore?

dipsetgeneral

tay1

rocky437

tay1

urbetterthenme

al audi

youngdoc

al audi

sogood

urbetterthenme

zapatohead408

zapatohead408

usabasketball08

jaysrcrak

tay1

tay1

fontaine

al audi

al audi

heliumclinton

nazdrowie

wr

fontaine

wr

tay1

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