Does My Kid Need To Go To College?

Does my kid need to go to college?

In my work with families and young adults on their career plans, the question often comes up: “Do I really need to go to college?” As someone who holds four university degrees and one technical college degree, my honest response is an unequivocal, “Maybe!” The smart answer should be based on careful thought, thorough research, and an overall plan that leads towards a desired career.

Does Everyone Need College?

Take note that my next statement is considered quite controversial in the educational world. It is not necessary for every young adult to go to college in order to be happy and fulfilled in life. While this may not be what is commonly taught in public high schools, the reality is that many people achieve satisfaction and excellence without the expense of a college degree.  

That said, I believe it is necessary for the average young person to complete some sort of training after high school, depending on their chosen career path.

What Are the Alternatives?

Let’s talk about some various career training options. Technical college is a key alternative, offering specific training toward a particular set of skills applicable to different careers, such as nursing, engineering, or business. A major advantage of technical school is the cost. You can acquire the necessary skills at a much lower tuition rate than typically found at the college level. In fact, many colleges and technical schools are partnering to help students gain the technical skills that they may need and then transfer those credits toward a college degree. Engineering is a great example of this partnership between the technical school and the university. These programs are typically structured so you can take initial engineering courses that will then successfully transfer to the college setting.

Since the cost of the technical college courses is significantly cheaper than that of university courses, choosing a technical college plan offers substantial tuition savings.

Can My Kid Do Both?

Many technical colleges also provide core classes that are easily transferable to the college level, contributing to an overall reduction in educational expenses.

If technical school is your chosen path, it is critical to ensure the courses you take are truly transferable to the college level. While many technical courses will transfer to the college level, some will not. To ensure transferability, discuss the classes you plan to take with the staff at the technical college. While many courses, such as psychology, business, music, and others can transfer to the college level, it’s essential to verify with your school that the courses you are taking will be accepted. 

It is also a good idea to submit your transcript, listing all completed courses, to the school you intend to attend. This step provides written documentation confirming which courses will be accepted at the college level.

My personal story illustrates using technical education as a strategic funding mechanism. Immediately after high school, I attended technical school for nursing. Obtaining my LPN certification allowed me, when I later attended a traditional college, to secure a position at the university hospital, providing a significantly higher income than a typical college job. This financial advantage enabled me to work my way through school and dedicate those earnings towards my bachelor’s degree.

What About No School?

Internships, both paid and unpaid, serve as valuable opportunities for young adults to acquire practical work experience as they refine what their career objectives are. While unpaid positions are more common, some businesses offer paid internships, allowing individuals to gain valuable experience while earning a wage. Crucially, these experiences can often transition into a formal offer of employment. 

I have worked with some young adults who chose to take a gap year, a subject I generally approach with a degree of trepidation. While this path can be a highly beneficial decision, it also carries the risk of completely derailing an individual’s overall career trajectory.

Fundamentally, a gap year requires a defined purpose. If the objective is to work to gain experience or save money, the gap year can be a great component of the overall career plan. Conversely, if the young adult is merely exhausted, they may face significant difficulty re-engaging with the educational or professional process later on in life.

You also should not just let them hang around the house during a gap year.  They need to be grappling with adult problems, such as paying most of their bills and/or contributing to the family expenses.  Consider, for example, letting them take charge of the cable bill.  The experience will help them understand how budgets work, how to negotiate with creditors, and what the consequences can be of not paying their bills.  You don't want to overwhelm them, but you do want to be sure that they are making progress in some sort of life skills.

It All Depends

Fundamentally, you need to work with your child to figure out what he or she wants to do.  If they don't know, don't worry.  They are in good (and common) company.  Encourage them to take a gap year or find an internship or low-cost technical degree that allows them to explore their interests.  College is a big investment, and all of you need to be sure that your child will get a return that makes it worthwhile.