My son was graduated from homeschool earlier this year and has been working toward passing a CLEP for English and math. He has only a vague idea of what he might want to study. So, instead of spending $30,000 toward a random four-year degree, I think he's going to pursue an applied associates degree in either IT or Accounting, two areas where he had some general interest. This way he can gain employment with a decent salary in two years for less than $8000 tuition. He can CLEP some classes the first year, so this reduces the cost.
Upon graduation, if he decides he likes his chosen field and wants to advance, he can always return to school. If he finds it's not a good fit, he hasn't wasted his time. He'll have a decent salary, no student debt, some savings, and the ability to return to school for another degree/training in the evenings.
Both two-year degrees are practical with medium to high demand and a decent entry level salary.
Times have changed. Getting any four-year degree was a door opener and tuition was affordable when I was in college, so one could afford to get a degree in just about anything. I remember large corporations were recruiting English and political science majors when I was close to graduation. Employment in the corporate world was relatively easy to obtain as long as you had your degree. Now there is less of a guarantee that a job will be available after graduation. I figure it is better to let him figure out where his interests lie before we spend $30,000 on a four-year degree.
At this point, he will be happy to find almost anything where he can excel. He's taking an accounting course
free online, and so far likes it. He'll try some free IT classes as well.
Update: Rethinking the applied degrees as they are non-transferable. I knew this, but was thinking they lead to more immediate prospects. For instance, the applied accounting degree prepares the student for the Certified Bookkeeping exam, but what they neglect to mention is you need two years of training in the field before you can sit for the exam. So, transferable associates degrees are the way to go for him. The other route wastes too much time and money.
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Both two-year degrees are practical with medium to high demand and a decent entry level salary.
Times have changed. Getting any four-year degree was a door opener and tuition was affordable when I was in college, so one could afford to get a degree in just about anything. I remember large corporations were recruiting English and political science majors when I was close to graduation. Employment in the corporate world was relatively easy to obtain as long as you had your degree. Now there is less of a guarantee that a job will be available after graduation. I figure it is better to let him figure out where his interests lie before we spend $30,000 on a four-year degree.
At this point, he will be happy to find almost anything where he can excel. He's taking an accounting course
free online, and so far likes it. He'll try some free IT classes as well.
Update: Rethinking the applied degrees as they are non-transferable. I knew this, but was thinking they lead to more immediate prospects. For instance, the applied accounting degree prepares the student for the Certified Bookkeeping exam, but what they neglect to mention is you need two years of training in the field before you can sit for the exam. So, transferable associates degrees are the way to go for him. The other route wastes too much time and money.
Image source.
6 comments:
This is so true. These days, a B.A. or B.S. does not guarantee you a job anymore. I really like the German system so much more. We have so many vocational training programs that do not require going to a university, but are very rigorous. College is too expensive here. It is so hard to decide what to do these days. I think you are doing the right thing with your son, especially since he does not have any real strong interest in any subject so far. I am sure he will find his way in life. You are a very wise mom.
Thanks so much, Eva. That's exactly the issue. He has no strong interests, so I'm encouraging something practical. If he had a strong interest that required an advanced degree, I'd do whatever was needed to make sure he reached that goal. Yes, I like the German system as well. I think we are headed in that direction in the U.S., but the programs are limited.
Merry Christmas to you and I hope you are all doing well. We are in the middle of college applications. Not easy!
Merry Christmas! I can imagine! Best of luck with the applications! Jeremy has passed two CLEPs so far, so we are continuing as this seems to be a good method for him.
Wonderful for Jeremy! The common college application is LOTS of answering questions, but we are almost done.
Best of luck!
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