I would agree that in the 21st Century, going to college is definitely not necessary. But at the same time that is not to say there is no value to getting a college degree. It really depends on the goals, the personality and the amount of money the individual has to spend on their education.
Personally I worked really hard in high school so that I could get into one of America's top universities. Fortunately the school I attended was generously endowed enabling me to finish four years of college, despite financial paucity, with only 15k in federal loans.
As everything in life is an investment, the question of whether or not it is worth it to go to school depends on one's investment objectives and outlook. For example, if I had to pay full price to attend my university, something like $200,000 over four years, I would have declined to matriculate. For $200,000 I could go to a much cheaper school and invest the rest of the money and, with luck and sound investing principles, could probably make a nice return off it.
But that's just looking at a college education as a monetary investment. It is more over, an investment in one's social, spiritual, and mental well being. As most of my peers would agree, college is all about the people. There are few times in one's life where you get to sit and debate ethics or study medieval literature; when else in your life would you have the opportunity to speak with thousands of people your age who are, like yourself, exploring ideas and ways of living. For me college was rewarding in that it helped me develop into a more well rounded individual with four years of diverse life experiences from which I can draw.
Now that is not to say one couldn't have those experiences outside of college, but I believe the chances of having such a diverse and enriching experience with your peers is much higher as a college student.
If you have the dedication, ambition and intelligence on par with Steve, then you probably don't need college to be financially successful. But there is much more to life than monetary success. College can also be a lot of fun and why shouldn't you allow yourself four years of a potentially engaging, fun and rewarding experience that may also benefit you financially.
Plus, if the only factor in deciding whether or not to go to college is money and you think you have the discipline and hard work to get a good education without going to college, you might as well apply for a scholarship and go.
If you hate it or think it is a waste of your time, you can always drop out! But in my honest opinion I think there are so many things that you can't learn through the library or the internet. With college you are putting yourself in an environment where you can build up a number of skills all at the same time.
Hope this was helpful!  |