Advising your child to get a degree just for the sake of going to college

[buckwheat]

With the current economy and the changing demands for certain degrees, would you advise your child to just go to college and get a degree? Or would you try to steer them into a field that will provide long-term growth? My wife and I had this discussion about being up front with our kids about choosing a major that will actually provide employment and various opportunities, like Engineering, Comp Sci, Mathematics, Biology, etc. I know everyone is not gifted in math, but you want the best for your kids. I know people with less marketable degrees that are not in demand or requires an advanced degree, so they have to take any job to make ends meet.

 

[jsupop33]

With the current economy and the changing demands for certain degrees, would you advise your child to just go to college and get a degree? Or would you try to steer them into a field that will provide long-term growth? My wife and I had this discussion about being up front with our kids about choosing a major that will actually provide employment and various opportunities, like Engineering, Comp Sci, Mathematics, Biology, etc. I know everyone is not gifted in math, but you want the best for your kids. I know people with less marketable degrees that are not in demand or requires an advanced degree, so they have to take any job to make ends meet.

Bruh, College is an investment and just like any investment, you have to measure ROI. The days of going to school, just to go to school are over. Prices are too high and that is partly why we are in the predicament that we are in with $870 billion in student loan debt.

The govt will begin releasing Debt to Income ratio's for every accredited college program in the country this year. That list will determine a lot about what I push my kid towards.

 

[buckwheat]

Bruh, College is an investment and just like any investment, you have to measure ROI. The days of going to school, just to go to school are over. Prices are too high and that is partly why we are in the predicament that we are in with $870 billion in student loan debt.

The govt will begin releasing Debt to Income ratio's for every accredited college program in the country this year. That list will determine a lot about what I push my kid towards.

I understand! That's actually a good thing I the governerment starts to show whether the other degrees are worth obtaining. The downside is that some schools may loose students in particular majors because the degree may not be worth anything in the long term.

 

[jsupop33]

I understand! That's actually a good thing I the governerment starts to show whether the other degrees are worth obtaining. The downside is that some schools may loose students in particular major because the degree may not be worth anything in the long term.

As they should and if they are producing a product that has value on the market, they should close.

 

[ATLJag]

I understand trying to steer your children to certain majors, but you have to be very careful with that. I've seen countless people start off in Chemistry, Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, and so on only to change to a bs major just to get out of school "on time". Some people are better served by holding off on going to college or skipping college altogether rather than having a degree in General Studies and a boatload of loan debt.

 

[jsupop33]

Or send them to a school that specializes in a weaker major. If your kid wants to major in Graphic Design, why not send them to SCAD or one of the other world renown graphic design school. Sending your kid to colorado tech to major in graphic design is a bad investment.

Just don't go sending them to one of these for-profit colleges...

 

[ATLJag]

. I know people with less marketable degrees that are not in demand or requires an advanced degree, so they have to take any job to make ends meet.

I've known people with "marketable" degrees that still had to take any job just to make ends meet. This job market is rough all the way around and nothing is guaranteed. You'll be surprised to find out what degrees some retail workers have these days.

 

[buckwheat]

I've known people with "marketable" degrees that still had to take any job just to make ends meet. This job market is rough all the way around and nothing is guaranteed. You'll be surprised to find out what degrees some retail workers have these days.

Oh I know, but that there are more people without marketable degrees that are jobless or in totally different field.

 

[bigmanofds]

I think it all depends on the child and the abilities of that child. Some kids are going to be successful regardless of what they choose as a major. Even if it means they major in one thing and end up doing something else. The drive to succeed is just in some people, and those types of people are not going to let anything or anybody stop them from reaching their goals. But there are some kids that may be lacking in the motivation department and will have problems be it Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry, or whatever. I rather have a kid with a degree in General Studies that’s motivated and works hard than one that is lazy and ends up dropping out of school majoring in Physics.

 

[J C]

What ever happen to the desire to learn. Liberal Arts? Community colleges can provide technical degrees and certifications.

 

[The Founder]

I've known people with "marketable" degrees that still had to take any job just to make ends meet. This job market is rough all the way around and nothing is guaranteed. You'll be surprised to find out what degrees some retail workers have these days.

I know a Lawyer who has passed the bar in Louisiana but works at Victoria Secret. So you are right on point with your statement.

 

[The Founder]

One of my frat brothers graduated from GSU in Social Science Education. He is certified to teach. Instead of teaching he went in the military as an officer. He has been in for 15 years. Since being in the military he has earned a Master's in Education and Education Specialty. He plans on retiring then going in to teaching.

I tell all kids...go in the military....I actually wish the United States required men to serve 2 years in the military before going to college. If these men have disabilities place them in non-combat positions.

 

[jsupop33]

I know a Lawyer who has passed the bar in Louisiana but works at Victoria Secret. So you are right on point with your statement.

Ummm. Law Degrees really aren't of much value these days... Lawyers come a dime a dozen in most big cities.

 

[jsupop33]

What ever happen to the desire to learn. Liberal Arts? Community colleges can provide technical degrees and certifications.

The CC tech degrees and certs are cool. Honestly, unless you are going to an elite private or upper echelon public school, a liberal arts degree just isn't hitting on much. Going to Colorado Tech and majoring in the Humanities isn't smart.

 

[Killer Bees]

I understand trying to steer your children to certain majors, but you have to be very careful with that. I've seen countless people start off in Chemistry, Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, and so on only to change to a bs major just to get out of school "on time". Some people are better served by holding off on going to college or skipping college altogether rather than having a degree in General Studies and a boatload of loan debt.

I agree 100%. Everyone is not meant to go to college. Some will be better off doing a trade. Also, many business owners don't have a college degree.

 

[Killer Bees]

Just don't go sending them to one of these for-profit colleges...

I hate these schools with a passion. I work in the same building where one of these diploma mills are located. Most of the students are black women. They are going to end up with huge student loan debt and a worthless degree. They would be better served going to a good community college.

 

[bigmanofds]

One of my frat brothers graduated from GSU in Social Science Education. He is certified to teach. Instead of teaching he went in the military as an officer. He has been in for 15 years. Since being in the military he has earned a Master's in Education and Education Specialty. He plans on retiring then going in to teaching.

I tell all kids...go in the military....I actually wish the United States required men to serve 2 years in the military before going to college. If these men have disabilities place them in non-combat positions.

Man I tried to hip my son to Uncle Sam. From age 18 to 23 was my lost years. I did not get my focus until I spent some time in the Army. The Naval Academy sent for my son to come to Annapolis to visit but he turned it down to go Grambling's football camp. These youngsters ain't trying hear nothing about the Military. I was enlisted during the first Gulf War and I spent most of my time watching it on TV like everybody else. But I was able to finish school with the G.I. Bill.

 

[Rated R Superstar]

I think a lot of kids get spooked by all the horror stories about having to go on multiple tours of duty for long periods of time, sustaining life-altering injuries or potential suffering from PTSD or coming home with limited ability to find a job.

 

[pv_symbiotic]

I know a Lawyer who has passed the bar in Louisiana but works at Victoria Secret. So you are right on point with your statement.

I had a buddy that stayed in college to get an MBA...nig didn't want to leave Chicago so he took a job at Foot Locket and he wasn't the manger. I was a genius but lacked guidance. He luv women and partying...getting in a frat at a PW college didn't help. Last time I checked he was at a bank but I think it was in a call center. What the crap.

 

[jsupop33]

Man I tried to hip my son to Uncle Sam. From age 18 to 23 was my lost years. I did not get my focus until I spent some time in the Army. The Naval Academy sent for my son to come to Annapolis to visit but he turned it down to go Grambling's football camp. These youngsters ain't trying hear nothing about the Military. I was enlisted during the first Gulf War and I spent most of my time watching it on TV like everybody else. But I was able to finish school with the G.I. Bill.

Everyone ain't lost from 18-23 though. I actually recommend someone going to the academy though. The kids I finish high school with that went straight into the military aren't doing much these days. They stuck at a low level or have gotten out and have not done isht with their lives.

I poised this question to JR last year when Bin Laden got killed and the picture of Obama's national security team was released. I think the military can be great but some people seem to go in and come out worse. I think the idea that the people need the military to teach them self-discipline is absurd.. All I needed was my civil rights era/angry black male father.

 

[jsupop33]

I hate these schools with a passion. I work in the same building where one of these diploma mills are located. Most of the students are black women. They are going to end up with huge student loan debt and a worthless degree. They would be better served going to a good community college.

They are pimping poor black kids like it is no tommorrow. Some of them make sense for Master's degrees but personally, I wouldn't want one on my resume. I have seen how people snicker at them too many times.

 

[pv_symbiotic]

They are pimping poor black kids like it is no tommorrow. Some of them make sense for Master's degrees but personally, I wouldn't want one on my resume. I have seen how people snicker at them too many times.

Are they really pimping poor black kids or are these kids looking for the easy way out? I think of it as getting money from a payday loan joint instead of sacrificing by saving a small piece of the pay check until your reach your financial goal.

 

[J C]

The CC tech degrees and certs are cool. Honestly, unless you are going to an elite private or upper echelon public school, a liberal arts degree just isn't hitting on much. Going to Colorado Tech and majoring in the Humanities isn't smart.

A Liberal Arts degree opens up more opportunities particularly for grad school and other professions. Those who worked and had the desire to learn something about all the other disciplines are usually successful. I believe Vandy only offers Liberal Arts degrees.

My advice to a perspective college student is to choose something that interest's you and are willing to work to master. Trying to match money making degrees leads to failure and unhappiness.

 

[jsupop33]

Are they really pimping poor black kids or are these kids looking for the easy way out? I think of it as getting money from a payday loan joint instead of sacrificing by saving a small piece of the pay check until your reach your financial goal.

Both, some of these schools got some shady recruiting tactics.

 

[jsupop33]

A Liberal Arts degree opens up more opportunities particularly for grad school and other professions. Those who worked and had the desire to learn something about all the other disciplines are usually successful. I believe Vandy only offers Liberal Arts degrees.

My advice to a perspective college student is to choose something that interest's you and are willing to work to master. Trying to match money making degrees leads to failure and unhappiness.

Vandy is a good public school. I was a liberal arts major in undergrad (mass comm) and I can tell you, until I enrolled in grad school, my resume was not getting much attention at all. One semester of grad school and I started getting interviews.

I will agree that if a student plans to go to grad school, getting a cheap liberal arts degree isn't a bad idea.