AGovernment Releases 'College Scorecard' Ranking Schools on Loan Debt

#3 • Feb 20, 2013

I'm all for following your dreams, but college students need to understand what degree they are getting and how realistic it will be when they enter the workforce. The scorecard could potentially do good. Trying to tell a college student they can't get a degree in something they are passionate about, is a battle not won easily.

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#13 • Feb '13

Tralee

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Not easily won, but at least they would be taking on massive debt with information. Too many designer degrees out there, cost a bundle, but basically worthless toward a career. They spend all that money, take out all those loans and basically know no more than they did when they left HS. But, they probably had a very nice time. We paid for our kids school, no problem since we did the insurance thing when they were born, but we definitely had a say in just what major and minor they took. No basket weaving, no Female Studies, etc.
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#17 • Feb '13

LGRepublican

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@Tralee I just had this very conversation not to long ago. The best thing that can come out of this is that parents and their children will sit down and have a SERIOUS discussion about where to go and what to study before enrolling. The days of getting that Art degree and going about life are over. If a kid is that passionate about art, tell them to get a degree in one of the health, science, or business fields and after they have a job, they can pursue their love of art as a side job or hobby.
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#18 • Feb '13

JoinCCA

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@Tralee I agree! I think many college kids just don't want to put in the work to learn "boring" subjects. When I was in college I hated my accounting class and loved my elective history of rock n roll class. I always had the, when am I ever going to use this mentality. I was/am an artist, but knew my chances were small to make it with an arts degree. Changed my major to business and now I have a great job and able to support my family. Not everyone has realistic way of thinking. Laying the information out and letting them choose is great. But they will complain after graduation saying they can't find a job because they have no skills and a worthless degree. Blaming everyone but themselves.
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#19 • Feb '13

LGRepublican

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I think some of those kids need to be reminded that passion and a buck will get you a cup of coffee......
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#20 • Feb '13

martydotcom

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You can handle you passion and dreams as a minor or independent study. There are no jobs for Art History, Philosophy, English Lit, etc. majors. These courses of study are a luxury, a finishing school, a way to loll away 4 years for the trust fund kids only.
Want to land a job: If you like languages lean Mandarin with a math or comp sci minor, Like arts:? take computer sci. with an emphasis on graphic design.
not those anticipating the need to earn an income. Like metal work scupture etc, take Metallurgy, Materials Sci., but learn how to weld.
College must be viewed these days as a training school for the workforce and anyone not studying the demands of the workforce is just indulging their fantasy and can anticipate nothing but debt upon graduation with little chance of obtaining employ
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#21 • Feb '13

JoinCCA

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@martydotcom well said...
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#33 • Feb '13

methinks

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@martydotcom I totally agree. Heath care and sciences/engineering are the way to go.

My niece graduated from "art" school with a fine arts degree. She was working for $10 at the Philly Art Museum and now she "freelances" and cuts hair. Her cousin, dual majored in genetics and computer science and landed a $40k job the day before he graduated!

Trade schools are the best bang for your buck in that they cost very little compared to a 4 year college degree and these kinds of jobs can't be outsourced, plus they pay well for skilled trades.
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#35 • Feb '13

drpeeper

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@martydotcom I agree. Manufactured degrees, for the college's gain (tuition) really needs to stop. Sure you can have a degree in Manchurian Folk Dancing- but where can you work?

Today, people who actually work with their hands- can write their own ticket for the next few decades and name their price.
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AGovernment Releases 'College Scorecard' Ranking Schools on Loan Debt