Is going to college still worth it?

[Maldor]

On 3/12/2026 at 12:19 AM, Nue2thegame said:

I followed a similar education plan as Vegas but in a different program. I do value my post high school education and would add that in addition to exposure to the humanities, critical thinking was encouraged which I think, ultimately, is the most essential skill. While a degree from a prominent university may help many land a first job, it’s no guarantee for success or predictor of how people will really perform. People who rely on AI for advancement I think will ultimately be found out when they’re confronted with a problem that AI can’t solve. That won’t matter when AI completely takes over, though. 

It’ll be interesting to see how the balance between human ingenuity and AI evolves as technology advances

[marylander1940]

Class of 2026: Young college graduates face a weaker labor market—but a more mixed picture than the headlines suggest | Economic Policy Institute

Yet, they still have an edge when it comes to getting a job because they're graduates. 

I hope is not this edge.

[rojjodc]

As distressing as the college costs and doubts of return are today, I don't think it would a good decision to turn down a competitive college attendance.  I mainly say that because it seems like the most highly successful and richest people seemed to have met other people who shares ideas and/or became business associates to starting companies that made them very successful and rich.  And this good fortune happened even if they did not finish college, like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg.   So probably networking has even bigger (huge) value especially since the cost of college is so high (and I think borders on exorbitant).  And getting the degree may not be the main benefit if you can go into business from ideas and friends you meet.  You can always go back later, or you may even be able to get an honorary degree later if you company (ies) become successful. 

[TonyDown]

4 hours ago, rojjodc said:

As distressing as the college costs and doubts of return are today, I don't think it would a good decision to turn down a competitive college attendance.  I mainly say that because it seems like the most highly successful and richest people seemed to have met other people who shares ideas and/or became business associates to starting companies that made them very successful and rich.  And this good fortune happened even if they did not finish college, like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg.   So probably networking has even bigger (huge) value especially since the cost of college is so high (and I think borders on exorbitant).  And getting the degree may not be the main benefit if you can go into business from ideas and friends you meet.  You can always go back later, or you may even be able to get an honorary degree later if you company (ies) become successful. 

 

I agree that networking happens.

My first job came from a professor's recommendation to a technical society colleague who was my hiring manager.   That was a pleasant surprise.

Yeah, tuition costs are crazy now.   Sounds like many graduate with sizeable debt.

 

[jonasfoleson]

Ys iut is worth it. 

The economy needs more skilled jobs.

The failing though is people aren't strategic with their choices. They go because "society" tells them too. 

One shoudl have a career path one intends to go into.