Money On A College Degree example essay topic

June 21, 1999 Learning is for everyone The institution called a university, or many times a community college, is an institution that should welcome anyone who is willing to make the effort to face the challenges that it brings. As William A. Henry writes, 'In the real world, though, mostly people go to college to make money'; (The Museum of Clear Ideals, 146). I point out that there are a variety of different reasons for which people choose to enter into college. Some of these reasons do include the ability to make a higher income. But many also do so to learn a particular function or get a better understanding of a specific field, or to have an overall deeper knowledge of the world around us.

Despite the reasoning behind it, the university experience is one that should be experienced by all. The types of university courses are changing to reflect today's society. It does vary from college to college, but quite often today a student can just about customize his or her own degree program. This allows someone to study a particular subject or learn more about the area of study that he or she prefers, rather than choosing from a limited amount of concentrations.

This evolution within the college curriculum is excellent especially for those who prefer a career that does not require a degree, but would like to study nonetheless. One should be free to learn what one chooses. Many colleges also allow people to take courses without necessarily being matriculated in a degree program. This is helpful for those taking courses such as foreign languages, basic business, or even arts and crafts-related courses.

The idea of the community college is superb, allowing those who don't have a lot of money to spend on such an investment the opportunity to study at a lower cost. These colleges are also less severe about whom they let in. For example, if someone who did not do well in high school and therefore did not foresee nor have the desire to go to college following graduation, he or she may still be accepted at a community college even years after high school is over. These institutions also tend to accept students who obtained only average grades and therefore did not qualify for more prestige universities. 'For American society, the big lie underlying higher education is akin to... that everyone can be above average'; (The Museum of Clear Ideas, 147).

Not all students are above average, but that does not mean that those who are not should not be entitled to continue their studies. In addition to this, courses today in the United States are set up in such a way and during such flexible time frames that they allow those who work full time to still follow a degree program during non-working hours. Many colleges, for example, are now offering weekend seminars and workshops on particular subjects that can be followed by anyone interested in joining. Choices such as these also allow one to keep an open mind about a career. The author continues stating that 'For many adolescents who finish high school without a clear sense of direction, college is simply a holding pattern until they get on with their lives'; (The Museum of Clear Ideas, 153). However, these types of available programs help do in fact help people to find a path.

One may not be happy with what he or she is doing, and the ability to experience other subjects in a classroom or workshop may allow a person to just get a taste of what might interest them long term. A great number of students have dedicated time and spent money on a college degree, only to learn four or five years later that they are not happy with the field of study that they had chosen when entering college. I disagree with the fact that the author is against everyone having the opportunity to learn. When he states, 'we insist on stating that pretty much everyone can learn, that it's only a matter of tapping untouched potential'; (The Museum of Clear Ideas, 155). I do believe that everyone can and should learn. We as a society should at least provide opportunities for everyone to do so, once again getting back to the need to allow for different levels of learning depending on one's capacity.

'This will mean closing a lot of institutions. Most of them, in my view, should be community colleges... and the like'; (The Museum of Clear Ideas, 153). It is not fair to penalize those institutions of which the majority of the students are less qualified than those of more prestigious schools just because the level is not the same. It is the effort and the will to learn that counts. The university / college experience today allows students, regardless of income, future goals, or availability, the opportunity to increase their knowledge and to become more aware of the world around them.

It is no longer a 'luxury'; that can only be enjoyed by those of a specific social class or income level. Everyone should have the chance to be more educated and to increase his or her possibilities of a better future.

Bibliography

S patt, Brenda Writing from Sources. Massachusetts. 5th Edition Scientific American / St. Martin's College Publishing Book 1999.