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. 

 

[marylander1940]

Student-loan borrowers face major changes that start today. Your repayment plan may be phased out. - MarketWatch

[+ Charlie]

My first job interview after college back in the 1960s was for a job as "electronic data processing co-ordinator" for a large hospital. At that point in my life,  I had never even seen a computer. When I confessed that to the interviewer, his response was, "Don't worry: you graduated from a good school with high honors, so you are obviously smart enough to learn all about them quickly." My best friend had a similar experiences--although he majored in Russian literature, he was hired right out of college by the New York Stock Exchange as a computer programmer. I don't think any new college graduate today would have that particular experience; however, I suspect that new college graduates looking for a job in A.I. today might  hear the same kind of response from a job interviewer. So my advice to a student today would be to major in something you love and get high grades, because the interviewers for jobs in A.I. will probably have the same mindset.

[nomad]

It is if only so you are exposed to different people and points of view.  There is a lot from college that is learned while not in class.  I think that is an incredibly valuable part of the college experience.  The tools you learn socially are in some way more important for your career than what you study.  I remember in biz school how everyone joked about the BS in org. behavior classes.  Looking back, the stuff discussed in those classes had a lot of value to understanding how companies large and small work.  Understanding that helps you climb the ladder faster.  

[+ PhileasFogg]

On 7/1/2026 at 1:10 PM, Charlie said:

My first job interview after college back in the 1960s was for a job as "electronic data processing co-ordinator" for a large hospital. At that point in my life,  I had never even seen a computer. When I confessed that to the interviewer, his response was, "Don't worry: you graduated from a good school with high honors, so you are obviously smart enough to learn all about them quickly." My best friend had a similar experiences--although he majored in Russian literature, he was hired right out of college by the New York Stock Exchange as a computer programmer. I don't think any new college graduate today would have that particular experience; however, I suspect that new college graduates looking for a job in A.I. today might  hear the same kind of response from a job interviewer. So my advice to a student today would be to major in something you love and get high grades, because the interviewers for jobs in A.I. will probably have the same mindset.

That was back when higher education taught you what you needed to know to think and not to just get a job.

Having met you, I’d surmise that your school taught you well

[mtaabq]

The question -

Is going to college still worth it?

— the answer is YES. 

Anymore you’re gonna need that degree to get a job. ANY job. Even a job that might not necessarily need a degree? If you’ve got your degree it gives you an edge. But it’s more than that. You go to college, not to learn a trade but to be an educated person. Then there are the social and networking aspects. Socially? You’re supposed to be having fun! Networking? Someone said this earlier but you’d be amazed how the contacts you make at college can help you later. 

My greatest regret is that I did not allow myself the college experience. Other gay men I went to high school with left NM for their university studies; they’d return for holidays and regale me with tales of all the dick they were getting. “Mike, you have NO IDEA how much cock there is out there!” In addition to an education, I missed out on that. My friends all got degrees that helped put them on the path to their success.

(I have hardly been unsuccessful, but I wish I had followed the advice of many a man and woman and gone to college right outta high school. And further gone to school in another state.)