Should Your Kids Go to College?

Attending college holds a high priority to many parents. Mine included.

That's why a headline in a recent USA Today caught my eye: Value of College Tuition Is Called Into Question . A new study claims despite rising college tuitions, there's great concern whether the investment in higher education translates into better results.

This Department of Education report states the U.S. spends more per student than any other nation, yet we rank at the bottom in degree completion (54%).

According to The Princeton Review, the sticker price for four years of tuition, room, board and other educational expenses averages $60,000!  Get this . . . the average student does not complete his education in four years anymore, but after a whopping 5.2 years.

Regardless of this serious situation, like my parents, I have several reasons why you should still send your kids to college.

•To help them assess their definition of success.  How do we measure success? By our degrees, our six figure income or the car we drive?  None of the above.  Success is finding your passions and purpose and living them out the best way you can. College can be an opportune time to decide what kind of contribution your kid wants to make in life .   

When we're exposed to different disciplines of study and learn about other people during our college years, the experience forces us think about how we want to leave our mark in the world.

•To create more job opportunities. The world is changing rapidly and the work force is calling for more specialized jobs especially in the technological world.  A four year college or a two year community college can help your student gain marketable skills and a vast knowledge base.  If your child does not want to attend a university, they can also enroll in a certificate program, earn an associate's degree or get technical training to increase their skill level and become more marketable.

•To create a greater earning power in the work force.  College Board cites the U.S. Census Bureau to support the fact someone with a B.A. degree earns on the average $50,000 - that's 62% more than the $31,500 earned annually by someone with only a high school diploma.

The Princeton Review argues that college grads earn more, but not because they're educated. Rather, the pool of the college-bound may be brighter, more motivated and have more family connections than perhaps someone not dead set on attending college.  Still success depends not on the institution you graduate from but on the kind of person you are. This is why so many people who do not attend college can be equally successful.

In my own business, I am more concerned that a potential job candidate has demonstrated his or her ability to finish school than their grades or where they attended. I want to know the kind of person they are.

•To hone their communication skills. Individuals who have some education are better at communicating in their speech and composing of written materials.  Of course, there are exceptions and many non-college educated people are excellent writers and communicators while plenty of college grads have finished four years of school with not much to show for it. 

So is it worth it for your kids to go to college for four years?  Well, if your child can keep the partying down, not become a political extremist and maintain good grades, he can make the best of this great academic opportunity.

One more tip . . . if paying for college worries you, check out Scholarship Coach or FastWeb to find out about the myriad of available scholarships.

John
Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

In my book, Intelligence For Your Life:  Powerful Lessons For Personal Growth, I have more tips for successful parenting. You can purchase the book at your local bookstores or order it online from Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

Here's what another radio listener had to say about Intelligence For Your Life:

John:  I have your book and identify with so many things in it, that I just wanted you to know that I am so thankful to God for my talent and use it to enrich the lives of others.

Al

 

Comments

[Jenifer Price, LMSW-IPR, MCDP]

Hello John,

As a private college and career counselor, I thoroughly enjoyed your blog entry on why kids should go to college.

Another thing I believe students and parents forget about is to weave career exploration into their child’s life over the years. It’s always been my philosophy that it’s cheaper for the kid to explore careers while they’re still living at home. It costs more to wait until college and change majors 3 or more times. Honestly, this is one reason why I think the average amount of time to reach a bachelor's degree is creeping up there.

A summer program here or there that allows them to explore a field is also helpful. I don't recommend every summer, as kids still need to enjoy their childhood.

A talk with a professional (AKA information interview) in a vocation of interest to them would be another way to explore. Give the student a chance to observe (AKA shadow). For example, a volunteer position or part-time job in a law office could assist a teen in deciding if law is right for them.

Finally, I must suggest that parents and students look into taking career assessments. One that looks at a student’s interests, values, and measures their aptitudes is ideal. Although they’re hard to come by, I finally found one that I am pleased with it. It’s also helpful for the tool they use to norm by gender and age. (One doesn’t want girls overlooked in the field of technology or guys overlooked in more artsy areas.)

Note: Career testing with my firm College and Career Planning Services (CCPS) is available nationwide.

Plus, I’m planning to make my Preparing Your Teen for College workshop available on DVD soon. (Up until now, it’s been a workshop for families to attend in Austin, Texas.)

Thanks again for all your wisdom and intelligence for life! My husband and I both enjoy the information you share.

Regards,

Jenifer L. Price, LMSW-IPR, MCDP
College and Career Planning Services (CCPS)
http://www.ccpserv.com
Email: info@ccpserv.com
Phone: 512-699-8645

[Sylvia]

John,
Thank you.
This blog topic is EXACTLY what my husband and I were looking for to show/explain to our 19 year old son WHY he should continue with his college education. He's finishing his first year and has been adamant about not continuing. His reasons: it's going to take too long to complete, a long process, "i can get a job, now and have money", etc...
We've told him what you wrote in your blog. Before, you posted it. Now, we have 'evidence' that what we said is true and factual. Other people besides us know what we are talking about!
I've forward this blog topic to my husband's and son's email addresses.

Warmest Regards,
Sylvia

[Dennis R]

This is a great motivation for my 2 daughters. Even though I have a bachelor's degree, I still feel the need to get more knowledge and skills as I grow old, a reason I always read your blog. I'll be the first in line enrolling at John Tesh University! (Bachelor of Arts in Intelligence and Personal Growth)