We recently ran across an article in Careercast.com that listed the top 20 jobs that don't require a college degree. We have to say, this article got me thinking whether a four year degree is the same commodity it once was, or is the future technical certifications?
You can certainly make an argument for these non-degreed positions where the “opportunity cost” comes into play, meaning individuals in non-degreed positions are earning immediately, while their four-year degree counterparts are still studying. We also need to remind ourselves that not everyone can afford to earn a four-year degree (the average yearly cost of college is around $25,000). Plus, the U.S. Department of Labor projects 80% of the jobs created in the next decade will require education beyond high school, but only 20% of these jobs will require a four-year degree.
On the other hand, the benefits of a four-year degree are compelling when you look at earning potential over a lifetime. According to figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with college and graduate degrees generally earn more than those without them, and face lower risks of unemployment. Even the article I referenced earlier found that the average worker with a four-year degree will earn over one million dollars more than their non-degreed counterparts during their career. The median salary alone for jobs that require a four-year degree is $37,750 compared to just $32,000 for jobs that don’t require one.
We guess that ultimately the answer to my question is not cut and dried. When it comes to a four -year degree versus technical certifications, there really are no answers that stand out. Depending on the circumstances and the field of study, there are positive reasons for both routes. Sometimes you have to look beyond the math and take into account the whole picture, meaning the student’s circumstances, passion and desire to pursue a certain career path.
What do you think?
