In Defense of Higher Education 

In this age of frequent disruptions to the world of work because of rapidly evolving technologies, the whole enterprise of formal education can be put into question. The argument is sometimes made that going to university is a waste of time and money. You aren’t necessarily going to be guaranteed a job afterward. Since jobs are changing so quickly, and you could spend that time working, earning more capital, and becoming experienced in the workplace sooner rather than later, skipping college education seems to be a practical solution for many.

First of all, studies by the OECD (2010) and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES),(2022) show that higher educational attainment increases the likelihood of being employed. One must be careful with these statistics because they depend on the country, general employment rates, and the type of degree in question. Nonetheless, to claim that there is no positive corollary between employability and university degrees is quite simply not true. So, if it is for the simple reason of improving your employability, a university degree is a good investment. 

However, there is a second and, perhaps, deeper argument for going to university. Higher education refines your mind, improves your scholarship, improves your critical thinking, it makes you read and do research. These are good for you intellectually and socially since they teach all sorts of transferable skills such as analysis, precision, and substantiation. It is also a good test of character to pursue a degree. It sets up a challenge, puts you to the test and when you earn the degree, something that no one can take away from you after that, there is a sense of achievement. 

Gaining degrees is part of the objective, meritocratic system of academic assessment that may not feature in the workplace since in that sphere hard work and good work might not always be rewarded. University, because it leads to qualifications, is a chance to earn something whether people like you, choose to promote or demote you, or not. It’s a form of recognition that is parameterized objectively with criteria and not because of peoples’ opinions. 

So, if you can, or if you are on the fence about it, my advice is to earn a degree, even several. You won’t regret it, trust me! 

The wonderful thing about University of the People, and one of the reasons why I am so happy to be on its board, is that it offers high-quality and asynchronous online college education at an affordable fee, empowering learners globally.