Should I Go to College?

Take this quiz to find out!

College can be an amazing experience, and it can open a lot of doors, but it isn’t necessarily the right path for everyone.

Tell us about your goals and interests, and we’ll tell you if you should go to college (and if not, what you could do instead). Hit that “Start Quiz” button to get started!

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Questions Overview

1. Did you enjoy learning in high school?
  1. Yes! I’m a very good student. I love to learn.
  2. Kind of. I enjoyed some classes, some I didn’t.
  3. Not really. I did love the electives I took though (example: art, music, woodworking, shop).
  4. No not at all! I’m not someone who enjoys learning in that kind of setting.
2. What’s your ideal job?
  1. I want to be a doctor, nurse, therapist, or psychologist.
  2. I want to be a scientist or engineer.
  3. I want to be a lawyer, judge, or politician.
  4. I want to be a teacher, professor, or librarian.
  5. I want to work in business or finance.
  6. I want to be an entrepreneur and start my own business.
  7. I want to be an author, poet, or work in publishing.
  8. I want to be an artist, musician, actor, or dancer.
  9. I want to be a social media influencer or model.
  10. I want to work in customer service or hospitality.
  11. My ideal job isn’t listed here.
3. What part of college life excites you the most?
  1. The classes! I can’t wait to learn from amazing professors.
  2. Sororities, fraternities, clubs, and extracurriculars!
  3. Meeting new people and experiencing independence.
  4. Ummm…do parties count?
4. If you did go to college and had to pick a major right now, what would it be?
  1. Math or Science.
  2. English, History, or Political Science.
  3. Business or Economics.
  4. Fine Arts or Performing Arts.
  5. Something else.
5. What’s most important to you when it comes to your future job?
  1. A super high salary. I want to be very comfortable financially.
  2. Independence! I want to start a business and be my own boss.
  3. Passion and/or creativity. I want to care about my work deeply!
  4. Work-life balance. I want time to do the things I enjoy!
6. What’s one reason you DON’T want to go to college?
  1. I’d rather start working and earning money right away.
  2. I’m nervous about how hard the classes will be.
  3. I love living in my hometown, and I don’t want to move.
  4. I don’t think it’s necessary for my dream career.
7. Are you concerned about the cost of college?
  1. Yes. It’s expensive, and I don’t want a ton of student debt.
  2. Kinda. I’m nervous about it, but I think it’s worth it.
  3. Not really. I think I’ll have financial aid and/or scholarships.
  4. No. Thankfully, cost isn’t an issue for me.
8. Are you excited about the idea of going to college?
  1. Absolutely! I’ve been dreaming about it forever.
  2. Kinda! I’m a little nervous, but it sounds fun.
  3. Not really. I’ve never been that interested in college!
  4. To be honest, I’m kind of dreading it.

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Should You Go to College?

Whether or not you should go to college depends on several factors, like your personal interests, professional goals, and financial situation. Although college can be a rewarding experience that leads to certain career opportunities, there are also a few drawbacks. Below, we’ll go over some of the pros and cons to consider when deciding whether you should go.

Pros

  • It opens doors for your career. A bachelor’s degree is necessary for certain jobs, and even when a degree isn’t required for a position, it can help set you apart from other candidates. As a result, having a degree can open you up to a wider array of professional opportunities.
  • It may lead to a higher income. A college degree can qualify you for certain higher-paying jobs.[1] According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, full-time workers with a college degree had median weekly earnings of $1,499, while full-time workers with high school diplomas had median weekly earnings of $905.[2]
  • It leads to lots of networking opportunities. In college, you’ll meet professors, academic advisors, and other students, and these people could end up being important connections for you in your career. There are also alumni networks you could join after graduating, which may help open doors for you.[3]
  • It’s a chance to explore your interests and passions. In college, you’ll be able to learn about the topics that interest you from experts in these fields. Whether you’re passionate about literature, music, biology, physics, art history, political science, or something else, you’ll get a chance to dig in and explore.
  • It can lead to personal growth and transformation. For many people, college is a chance to live away from home and experience independence for the first time. It also allows you to experience new things and learn about different worldviews, so you can grow and expand your perspective.[4]
  • It’s an opportunity to form meaningful relationships. Many people form lifelong friendships in college, and it’s an amazing opportunity to expand your horizons socially.[5]

Cons

  • It’s expensive and can leave you with student debt. College can cost tens of thousands of dollars per year, which is a pretty steep price, especially if you don’t end up qualifying for financial aid or receiving any scholarships. You may need to take out student loans, and that debt may be hard to pay off in the future.
  • It doesn’t guarantee you a job in your chosen field. Although college can open doors, it isn’t a surefire road to your dream job. Even after getting your degree, you’ll need to go through the normal interviewing process for jobs, and it isn’t guaranteed that you’ll end up with the position you were planning on.
  • It’s not always necessary for your career goals. Some careers don’t require college degrees, and in these cases, the cost of college may outweigh the benefits. If you’re interested in one of these career paths, it may be more beneficial to start getting real experience in these fields right off the bat.
  • You may end up getting a degree you don’t use. After getting their bachelor’s degrees, some people end up realizing that they actually want to pursue a different career path. If this happens to you, you may end up paying for a degree that isn’t actually necessary for the job you’ve chosen.[6]

The bottom line? College can be an amazing, transformative experience, but it isn’t necessarily the right call for everyone. If you’re unsure about whether or not you should go, consider making a list of your personal pros and cons, asking trusted friends and family members for their opinion, or talking to your college counselor (if you’re still in high school).[7]

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References

  1. ↑ Terry Jones. Career and Executive Coach. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2023/median-weekly-earnings-721-for-workers-without-high-school-diploma-1864-for-advanced-degree.htm
  3. ↑ https://bachelors-completion.northeastern.edu/knowledge-hub/is-a-bachelors-degree-worth-it/
  4. ↑ Terry Jones. Career and Executive Coach. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://cairn.edu/7-reasons-you-should-go-to-college/
  6. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/procon/college-education-debate/Pro-Quotes#ref391164
  7. ↑ Terry Jones. Career and Executive Coach. Expert Interview