If you’re wondering whether or not you have to go to college, the answer is no. College is not mandatory, it’s an individual choice. College is not for everyone, but it should be. While college is an experience that is expensive, lengthy and full of bureaucratic paperwork, it’s also one of the most useful experiences that you can have in life. College isn’t obligatory, but in this day and age, a college education should be viewed as essential.

If you feel like you can’t deal with college, then by all means don’t go. College is an investment that shouldn’t be made lightly, especially if you doubt your desire to succeed. You can find plenty of jobs out there that don’t require you to learn about science, history or philosophy. If you want to take the fast track to becoming a skilled professional, college might not be the quickest path to get there, but it is the most complete.

Employers in the 21st century want well-rounded individuals who bring more than just a single specialty to the table. In today’s working world, you have to be a sharp multi-tasker easily capable of switching gears. You have to have some sort of general understanding about how the world operates. You need computer and communication skills, and you need to prove that you can dedicate yourself to your job.

More and more it seems like an undergraduate degree is now the equivalent of what a high school diploma was fifty years ago. It’s the starting point for professional development. It’s the new prerequisite for entering the job world. If you think you can have a rewarding career without a college degree, you can. It’s becoming increasingly more difficult for that to happen though.

Not all college paths are the same. If you are not ready to hurl yourself into a four-year university, then start smaller. Attend your local community college, and rack up credits at a fraction of the cost. After filling out all the necessary grants and fee waivers, you can pretty much attend community college for free. If you want to test the academic waters before you jump in the college pool, then a community college is perfect for you.

What if you are a working professional who doesn’t have time to attend classes during the day? There are numerous online degree programs, and many colleges are now offering remote education options where you never have to attend a single classroom session. Take classes at night through your internet connection. Work on your homework during the weekend. No matter who you are, or what your time (and financial) restraints are, you can find a degree program that’ll suit your specific educational needs.

If you’re debating whether or not to attend college, you have to make a personal choice based on your own educational and career goals. Nobody is more qualified to make the decision than you are. College is an intensely individual experience, so in order to make the most of it, you need to choose a college and major that’s right for you (regardless of what’s wanted by your friends and family).

Not everyone requires a typical four-year university experience. If you’re unsure whether or not college is right for you, experiment a little bit first before you commit multiple years of your life. Once you’ve made a decision, stick to it and follow through. Getting the most from your college experience is entirely up to you.

Chris Stout
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