An Argument Against Claims Why Some People Shouldn’t Go to College

In America's high school education system, it is taught that all students should go on to continue their education. In Staphani Owen and Isabel Sawhill's essay "Should Everyone Go to College" they make compelling arguments why some people should not attend college, for example they high prices and the return rate. I disagree with Owen and Sawhill's essay. I believe college is a great way to better educate yourself and gain life long skills.

Owen and Sawhill's meantion different factors that go into a person's choice whether or not to go to college. They claim, you can tell how the writers feel about the college system, they claim "By telling all young people that they should go to college no matter what, we are actually doing some of them a disservice"... In their opinion counselors and high schools should tell students to continue their education but also to help them think about other option.

One of the reasons to not go to college that is pointed out in this essay is the rate of return on a college degree is about 15,000 dollars more in salary or 12%; but they also state that most of the time an opportunity cost of about 54,000 dollars is lost for someone to attend college for their bachelor's degree. It is also pointed out that people with STEM degrees and those who attend selective college may be better set for more well paying jobs. To conclude the essay, they reinstate that 17 and 18 years olds should think about whether they should go to school or just go straight into the workforce, especially since college is so expensive.

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Many people feel the same way Sawhill and Owens do because of the major cost affect college has on a family. Colleges can cost ten of thousands a semester and some people just can not afford to go to universities. People sometimes do not realize there are many more options than just a four year university that people can afford to attend.

Community colleges and trade school offer options in continuing education at an affordable rate. There is also the major cost difference between public and private schools and whether or not you go to school instate. There is a chance that someone who originally thought they couldn't afford to continue their education will find out that they can afford to go to a in state, public university. The government will also help out students that come from low income homes in ways like grants and loans, so people can continue education in some sort of way.

While those concerns about cost and debt are valid, I, however, still disagree with Owen and Sawhill because I believe it is more beneficial to go to college than to not. In the essay they contridicted themselves by saying "additional education improves overall wellbeing by affecting things like job satisfaction, health, marriage, parenting, trust, and social interaction"... which is actually promoting going to college. The way someone's life is positively affected is one of the main reasons everyone should go to college.

This essay was largely focused on the cost factor of college, but in my opinion even if you just went to get your associate's degree at a community college, then you would be making 10% more than a high school graduate. Also if you decide to go on a different career path, then you would always have that degree to fall back on.

I understand where the essay is coming at because of my personal experiences but I think that college is an important part in people's life. I attended a private 4-year university and have a large amount of debt from it, which is why I decided to take a break and go to community college. Community college from my perspective gives the same effect as a 4-year university. People can take general education courses and improve their social skills and they can earn an associates to provide more money.

College is not only about making money, but the experiences and skills you gain. College helps students become more independent, and help act as a transition stage where you can be away but still have resources, such as tutoring and advisement to help. Exploring your options is also something that college helps you do, not only by offering different classes; but with options such as newspaper and student radio can, if not change a student's life, will expand their horizons. College can also improve social skills, gain knowledge, and build character.

I respect the points that Owen and Sawhill's "Should Everyone Go to College" essays provides but I feel everyone should try to go to college. Even though college is expensive and takes up time, the increase wage and social benefits will make it worthwhile.

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