College is not for everybody...

College is not for everybody. Everybody wants to college. Everybody should go to college. But it’s not for everybody. If you are a student who is not going to succeed in college or achieve your dreams by graduating from college, then don’t go. You can still have a successful career and economic stability without going to college. Not everybody is built to study four or more years to then start working towards professional success.

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal told the story of a brilliant young woman who was giving her parents angst at her decision to attend a two-year technical community college because she loved working with her hands as a mechanic. This despite her very high grades in honors courses. However, she reasoned that her starting salary after a debt-free two years in college would be around $80 per hour. She was very satisfied with her decision- but her parents were still struggling.

If the student has a particular skill or has learned certain techniques from others, he may be better off pursuing a trade that does not necessarily require college. Electricians can make almost $60K in their first year of work (more than most preschool teachers make). If the student is truly interested in a particular trade, is good at, and doesn’t mind doing it for the rest of his life- then why not? Students may feel that there is a stigma to attending a vocational educational program as opposed to going to a “real college”- but consider the option. Going to school to study something that really isn’t your calling while spending thousands of dollars? It’s simply not a good investment for you as a student.

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Xavier Suarez started a pre-apprenticeship program for students in specific High Schools so that they could start training in key technical trades before graduating. Miami Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has partnered with the Miami Beacon Council to provide direct work experience for high school students through internships in a variety of trades so that they graduate both career-ready and college prepared too.

Educators are recognizing that college is not for everybody and therefore they are trying to provide students specific skills that make them employable and marketable with just a high school diploma. Granted, some careers require an Associate’s degree- but that is only a two-year degree and can be obtained at a state college where tuition is much lower. For example, according to U.S. News, the top job with just an Associate’s Degree is that of a Nuclear Medicine Technologist at a median salary of $74K. Second is Paralegal that pays a salary of around $49K. And there is a labor shortage in regards to skilled construction workers and general workers in the building profession.

This not to say that college is a bad deal. College graduates overall will make more money; have more possibility of advancing in their career, and are generally happier. The key here is to understand your student’s personality and interests and determine if making a college investment is the right path. For many people it is, but for those where it is not- it’s OK to recognize that and take alternative steps.

A student may not be suited for concentrated study over four years or more at a very high price tag. Perhaps the student doesn’t care for the typical lawyer, doctor, or engineer track. Sometimes, the student needs a little more time to mature before investing in college. That is when a year off or attending a local college for an Associates' degree might be wise. However, let us keep in mind that the world-changing Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg both dropped out of Harvard University. Not going to college doesn’t mean that you are not brilliant. It simply means you have to find your own path.