By Marianne Mauti
Is College Worth It?
For those of you who are going to enter this life altering financial commitment I have put practical advice for you! I also recently came across a great article written from the viewpoint of 'Return on Investment' or ROI. What the article highlighted were the 8 best and 8 worst college degrees for your financial consideration. Because the majority of graduates have no idea of what they really want to when they want to when they first get out of high school, I thought this article could would really be beneficial. While a college degree should not be based solely on its monetary benefit it should definitely be a major consideration.
Some of you (or your children) may know from the time they are small that they want to be a Doctor, and that definitely requires a medical education. Others genuinely have a deep passion for pursuing a career that pays little to nothing monetarily but it will give them a great sense of purpose and fulfillment. Of course you should always follow your God given passion, but those type of careers often don't require an Ivy League college degree and the astronomical expenses associated with it. Finally, with the advent of the internet, many new business opportunities are now available on the internet that were never possible in the past (such as a retail). These careers require no college degree only a computer and a cell phone! However, for those of you who are about ready to take that big financial plunge and commit anywhere from 50 to 150 thousand dollars per child, I would like to start with some personal advice born from personal experience:
1. Wait a year or two after High School to go to College....
Spend a few years out in the working world, volunteer, travel , allow God to help you navigate your future before heading to college! Find your passion and you will find your God created purpose! Some of you have known your whole life what you want to do , but most really don't have clear direction right out of high school . The majority of students spend the first few years of college changing majors, which extends their college experience and ends up costing a lot more money than was necessary. A few years off can bring the time and maturity that you really need to discover what you want to do next. Remember the debt you incur going to College stays with you for life! Many people learn the hard way that it does not get excused in bankruptcy and if let go long enough will at some point be attached to your wages! This is serious debt!
Spend a few years out in the working world, volunteer, travel , allow God to help you navigate your future before heading to college! Find your passion and you will find your God created purpose! Some of you have known your whole life what you want to do , but most really don't have clear direction right out of high school . The majority of students spend the first few years of college changing majors, which extends their college experience and ends up costing a lot more money than was necessary. A few years off can bring the time and maturity that you really need to discover what you want to do next. Remember the debt you incur going to College stays with you for life! Many people learn the hard way that it does not get excused in bankruptcy and if let go long enough will at some point be attached to your wages! This is serious debt!
2. Find a school that lines up with your families Spiritual Beliefs....
Most of the subjects my two college graduates were required to take the first couple years of college had very little to do if anything with their major! Most of those courses were subjects that centered on social re-education and were in direct contradiction to the Biblical truth and the Christian values they were raised with. Its important to understand there are institutions of higher learning that are just as intent on imposing their ethics and morals on your children as they are giving them what they need for their chosen career! If you don't think it is happening to your kids, all you have to do is look at the sharp decline of church attendance especially in the college age group. The Barna Group survey revealed that 73% of students that grew up in a spiritual home where christian ethic and values were enforced left the church after attending college. The survey goes on to say that less than fifty percent of those ever return! I can also tell you as a Pastor I know this to be true because I have personally talked to many and have witnessed the transformation!
Most of the subjects my two college graduates were required to take the first couple years of college had very little to do if anything with their major! Most of those courses were subjects that centered on social re-education and were in direct contradiction to the Biblical truth and the Christian values they were raised with. Its important to understand there are institutions of higher learning that are just as intent on imposing their ethics and morals on your children as they are giving them what they need for their chosen career! If you don't think it is happening to your kids, all you have to do is look at the sharp decline of church attendance especially in the college age group. The Barna Group survey revealed that 73% of students that grew up in a spiritual home where christian ethic and values were enforced left the church after attending college. The survey goes on to say that less than fifty percent of those ever return! I can also tell you as a Pastor I know this to be true because I have personally talked to many and have witnessed the transformation!
3. Don't feel pressured to go to College, it isn't for Everyone....
Don't allow peer pressure steer you into wasting time and money by going to college when you hated school and couldn't wait to get out! Many graduates go to school because they feel a responsibility to live up to others expectations. There was a time when a college degree was a guarantee for a good job and a higher income potential. That just simply isn't true anymore. There are many high skilled technical and labor intensive jobs that are more rewarding and satisfying to some individuals! By the time you factor the cost of your education into your Return On Investment, it may be more practical to go to a vocational-technical school and do something you really enjoy! There is nothing worse than spending 4 years of your life getting a degree so you can find a job to simply earn a paycheck! Believe it or not, you should get up everyday finding satisfaction in what you do! I am grateful to the plumbers, electricians and carpenters out there who make my life easier and better because of their skill and training! Who doesn't appreciate their Hair Stylist or the wonderful men and women who miraculously can make you feel like a new woman after a day at the Spa! Who do we love more than terrific cooks who work diligently perfecting their skill and strive for culinary expertise! Try to build a house with only a college degree! I think you get my point! You are the one who has to do the job, so why not do something you really want to!
If college is the way you want to go, it's a good idea to know what you are looking at financially.
In the recent article "College, Is It Worth It?" by Dawn Dugan (Salary.com), she asks this simple question , "What is more expensive than going to College?". She goes on to add, " It used to be that any college degree was a guarantee at a good life. Not any more. Because of all the new variables there are in the working world, the article goes on to give you a longterm look at the financial potential of degree choice.
In order to calculate the return on investment (ROI) for a specific degrees, she first determines the overall cost of the 4 year degree." Using data from a recent College Board Study, she assigned a figure of $37,343 as an average cost of a four year public liberal arts degree, and a figure of $121,930 for degrees earned at a four year private college. The total cost included tuition, room and board, and books, and did not factor in scholarships or grants. She then determined the median cash compensation over the course of 30 years of typical jobs requiring that degree using salary.com data, but added 4.3 % per year to account for inflation and cost of living increases. To determine ROI, she subtracted the cost of the degree from the gains over 30 years, then divided that figure by cost. Here are the results of the study; the 8 best and worst degrees for your money:
Don't allow peer pressure steer you into wasting time and money by going to college when you hated school and couldn't wait to get out! Many graduates go to school because they feel a responsibility to live up to others expectations. There was a time when a college degree was a guarantee for a good job and a higher income potential. That just simply isn't true anymore. There are many high skilled technical and labor intensive jobs that are more rewarding and satisfying to some individuals! By the time you factor the cost of your education into your Return On Investment, it may be more practical to go to a vocational-technical school and do something you really enjoy! There is nothing worse than spending 4 years of your life getting a degree so you can find a job to simply earn a paycheck! Believe it or not, you should get up everyday finding satisfaction in what you do! I am grateful to the plumbers, electricians and carpenters out there who make my life easier and better because of their skill and training! Who doesn't appreciate their Hair Stylist or the wonderful men and women who miraculously can make you feel like a new woman after a day at the Spa! Who do we love more than terrific cooks who work diligently perfecting their skill and strive for culinary expertise! Try to build a house with only a college degree! I think you get my point! You are the one who has to do the job, so why not do something you really want to!
If college is the way you want to go, it's a good idea to know what you are looking at financially.
In the recent article "College, Is It Worth It?" by Dawn Dugan (Salary.com), she asks this simple question , "What is more expensive than going to College?". She goes on to add, " It used to be that any college degree was a guarantee at a good life. Not any more. Because of all the new variables there are in the working world, the article goes on to give you a longterm look at the financial potential of degree choice.
In order to calculate the return on investment (ROI) for a specific degrees, she first determines the overall cost of the 4 year degree." Using data from a recent College Board Study, she assigned a figure of $37,343 as an average cost of a four year public liberal arts degree, and a figure of $121,930 for degrees earned at a four year private college. The total cost included tuition, room and board, and books, and did not factor in scholarships or grants. She then determined the median cash compensation over the course of 30 years of typical jobs requiring that degree using salary.com data, but added 4.3 % per year to account for inflation and cost of living increases. To determine ROI, she subtracted the cost of the degree from the gains over 30 years, then divided that figure by cost. Here are the results of the study; the 8 best and worst degrees for your money:
8 Worst Degrees For Return on Investment:
8. Sociology
People who enter the field of sociology are generally interested in helping the fellow man. Unfortunately, that kind of benevolence does not translate to wealth. Here are three jobs commonly held by sociology majors:
People who enter the field of sociology are generally interested in helping the fellow man. Unfortunately, that kind of benevolence does not translate to wealth. Here are three jobs commonly held by sociology majors:
Social Worker
Corrections Officer
Chemical Dependency Counselor
7. Fine Arts:
Artists are respected,revered and celebrated. The trick is achieving that status while you are still alive. After all the term, "starvng artist" didn't come from nowhere. Here are three jobs commonly held by those who have a fine arts degree:
Artists are respected,revered and celebrated. The trick is achieving that status while you are still alive. After all the term, "starvng artist" didn't come from nowhere. Here are three jobs commonly held by those who have a fine arts degree:
Museum Research Worker
Graphic Designer
Painter / Illustrator
6. Education:
Ah teaching! One of the noblest professions. And while it stands to reason should pay great sums to the chosen few who shape the minds of future generations, it doesn't quite work out that way. Here are three commonly held jobs in education:
Day Care Center Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
High School Teacher
5. Religious Studies:
While devoting your life to a Ministry calling and dedicating your life to the service of others is laudable, it is not one of the best degrees to choose (apart from a calling) if you want to see a good ROI. There are a lot more eternal ROI's however(wink)?
Religious Educator
Chaplain-Health Care
Pastoral/ Associate Pastoral
4. Hospitality/Tourism:
You are the one who is working like a dog to make it all happen, while everyone else is enjoying the fruits of your labor! Unfortunately there isn't always a lot of financial benefit after earning your degree. Here are three commonly held positions:
Meeting/Event Planner
Hotel Resident Manager
Catering Manager
3. Nutrition:
It's not east to make sure everyone else eats right,preparing nutritious meals and/or checking to make sure the nations food supply is good.But all the hard work and education necessary to land this job might not turn a huge profit. Here are three job fields this degree take you into:
Dietician
Food Service Manager
Food Scientist
6. Education:
Ah teaching! One of the noblest professions. And while it stands to reason should pay great sums to the chosen few who shape the minds of future generations, it doesn't quite work out that way. Here are three commonly held jobs in education:
Day Care Center Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
High School Teacher
5. Religious Studies:
While devoting your life to a Ministry calling and dedicating your life to the service of others is laudable, it is not one of the best degrees to choose (apart from a calling) if you want to see a good ROI. There are a lot more eternal ROI's however(wink)?
Religious Educator
Chaplain-Health Care
Pastoral/ Associate Pastoral
4. Hospitality/Tourism:
You are the one who is working like a dog to make it all happen, while everyone else is enjoying the fruits of your labor! Unfortunately there isn't always a lot of financial benefit after earning your degree. Here are three commonly held positions:
Meeting/Event Planner
Hotel Resident Manager
Catering Manager
3. Nutrition:
It's not east to make sure everyone else eats right,preparing nutritious meals and/or checking to make sure the nations food supply is good.But all the hard work and education necessary to land this job might not turn a huge profit. Here are three job fields this degree take you into:
Dietician
Food Service Manager
Food Scientist
2. Psychology:
Psychology is a noble profession with a great many branching careers, however, we're starting to notice an unfortunate trend regarding doing work for others with minimum pay. Here are three of them:
Human Services Worker
Career Counselor/Higher Education
Bereavement Coordinator
1. Communications:
You would think the ink-stained newsrooms and TV studios are full of wealthy and famous journalists. Not quite. Although these skills require lots of education and training, they buried the lead regarding the lack of payoff. Check out these communications jobs:
Copywriter
News Reporter
Marketing Coordinator
8 College Degrees With the Highest Return
8. Math:
If you love crunching numbers and solving complex problems, there are lots of career options for math majors with a great ROI. But of course you don't need me to do the math! Here are three jobs commonly held by math majors:
Actuary
Operations Research Analysis Manager
Accounts Payable/Receivable Manager
7. Information Technology:
While the rest of us are happy when we find the computer's "on" switch, IT majors actually know what's going on inside. Here are three jobs commonly held:
Web Developer
Business Intelligence Specialist
Information Technology Manager
6. Human Resources:
Human resource managers serve as the gatekeepers to organizations,reviewing resumes, managing the hiring and firing processes and developing policies that ensure employees are happy, healthy, and productive. Here are three jobs commonly held by human resources majors:
Compensation and Benefits Manager
Recruiting Manager
Human Resources Manager
5. Economics:
If you are interested in how things are produced, distributed, and consumed, consider a major in economics. Three jobs held by economics majors include:
Economist
Financial Associate
Investment Operations Manager
4. Biology:
If you're fascinated with the natural world, you can use that passion to make a good living by choosing to study biology.Three jobs held by biology majors include:
Laboratory Manager
Clinical Research Associate
3. Engineering:
Were you the kid who drove your parents crazy taking the toasters apart and putting them back together? Engineering majors have excellent problem solving skills and a knack for developing products, devices, and systems. Three jobs held by engineering majors include:
Chemical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Electrical Engineering Supervisor
2. Marketing:
If you are interested in why people make the decisions they do, have excellent leadership qualities and the ability to persuade, and could sell ice to Eskimos, then consider majoring in marketing. Three jobs held by marketing majors include:
Marketing Manager
Product/Brand Manager
Public Relations Manager
1. English:
What could be better? For four years you do lots of writing and reading,you talk about writing and reading and then follow up with more writing and reading. Then, the sky's the limit. Common jobs held by English majors include:
Speech Writer
Communications Manager
Content Manager-Web
When all is said and done, the best way to get the the biggest bang for your education buck is to truly love what you do. Few things contribute to your ultimate earning power like passion and excelling at what you do. It doesn't hurt to know you'll be able to pay off those collage loans a little sooner!
Please Note: ("Forging Your Faith", does not promote any publication we are not a part of . While finding this particular article interesting and informative, we are not now or ever have been associated with Dawn Dugan (writer for Salary.com) This posting should not be perceived as an endorsement . )
IN CONCLUSION...
I come from a long family history of entrepreneurs and self-made men and women. So I want to conclude todays blog by re-emphsizing the need to really be sure college is the way you should go! Our culture continues to place a huge premium on a degree. Parents and teachers can seldom imagine other possibilities. I would like to point out that many of the most successful men and women in the world did so without an expensive college education. If you don't believe me here are a few people you might have heard of :
Mark Zuckerberg: Dropped out of Harvard shortly after starting, as a result of some little Social Network site he started for his classmates. You may have heard about it, "Facebook." Oh by the way his net value is now listed at over 1 billion dollars.
Ralph Lauren: He studied business for two years before dropping out. He founded Polo Ralph Lauren.He is why you have a pony on your shirt!
Steve Jobs: Attended College for only one semester. He was the founder and CEO of Apple and one of the most successful businessmen of his era,transforming the way we all do business!
Micheal Dell: He started a computer company while attending the University of Texas. He left school to operate it. Last year dell reported revenues of over 64 billion!
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FORGING YOUR FAITH
To 'Forge' something, is to mold and shape something for suitable use. We believe that our lives are constantly being shaped and molded by the hand of God for His divine purpose! This publication strives to encourage believers who are beginning this process and those who are well into it! We also believe a truly successful life is a Christ-Centered Life! We hope you will join us and become a regular reader!
Thank You and God Bless,
Marianne Mauti
Founder and CAO
'Forging Your Faith' is the online Christian publication of 'Christ the King Church' in Bellevue, Pa.
About Marianne Mauti: Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com
About Marianne Mauti: Marianne is a writer and blogger as well as a Pastor at "Christ the King Church" in Bellevue, Pa. She is currently the Dean and Chief Operating Officer of "Christ the King Seminary" a full time Bible Institute. For more information about us please contact us at: crowncntr@aol.com ***********************************************************
ARTICLE RESOURCES
ARTICLE RESOURCES
* The Bible
*Dr. George R. Beninate: Is Bishop of "Christ the King Church" in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A Doctor of Theology, Biblical Apologist, conference speaker, lecturer and my spiritual father.He is also the Author of several books including,"The Age of Glory", Thank you for your relentless pursuit of truth!
* Salary.com: Article by Dawn Dugan
