College alternatives: Less expensive career paths | Morning in America

NewsNation

15 Sept 202205:04

Summary

TLDRThe News Nation special series 'America's College Crisis' addresses the unaffordability of higher education, leading many to seek alternative career paths without college degrees. The segment features Andrew Ball, who found success as an electrician after leaving college, highlighting the rise of vocational schools as cost-effective alternatives. It discusses the shift in societal views on education and the importance of aligning passions with careers, as well as the impact of the pandemic on young people's career choices and the growing number of graduates living with their parents due to economic challenges.

Takeaways

📈 The cost of higher education is increasingly unaffordable, leading many to reconsider college as a necessary step towards a good job.
🔄 There's a shift in perception where traditional college degrees are no longer the only path to a well-paying career, as vocational and trade schools offer alternative routes.
👷‍♂️ Andrew Ball's story exemplifies how switching from college to trade school can lead to a fulfilling and well-paying career as an electrician.
💼 A Georgetown study reveals that an increasing number of non-degree holders are out-earning college graduates, challenging the conventional wisdom that a degree is essential for high earnings.
📉 College enrollment rates have been declining, dropping from over 70% to less than 62% in recent years, indicating a change in educational priorities among high school graduates.
💡 The script suggests that it's crucial for individuals to assess whether the high cost of college is worth the potential lifetime earnings.
💻 There's a growing trend towards learning specific skills, such as coding, which can lead to lucrative careers without the need for a traditional college degree.
🌐 Remote work opportunities are expanding, allowing skilled individuals, even those without college degrees, to work from anywhere and earn a good living.
🧠 Psychotherapist Stacy Kaiser points out that societal stigmas around not having a college degree still exist, but the pandemic has complicated career paths and choices for young people.
🎓 The narrative emphasizes the importance of happiness and passion in one's career choice, suggesting that doing what one loves and being well-compensated for it is a key to long-term satisfaction.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the 'America's College Crisis' series?
-The main issue discussed is the high cost of higher education, making it unaffordable for many, and the resulting debt crisis for those who do attend college.
What alternative career paths are mentioned in the script for those who cannot afford college?
-The script mentions trade schools and vocational training as alternative career paths that do not require a college degree but can still lead to a good living.
How does Andrew Ball's story illustrate a shift in perspective on college education?
-Andrew Ball's story shows a personal realization that success and satisfaction can be achieved through trade school and practical skills, rather than a traditional college degree.
What is the significance of the Georgetown study mentioned in the script?
-The Georgetown study is significant as it indicates a growing trend where people without college degrees are beginning to out-earn college graduates.
What is the current trend in college enrollment according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics cited in the script?
-The trend shows a decline in college enrollment rates, with a drop from over 70% to less than 62% in recent years.
Why might some high school graduates be choosing not to attend college as per the script?
-Some high school graduates might be choosing not to attend college due to the high costs and the slim chance of recouping that investment through increased lifetime earnings.
What is the role of coding schools in the context of the script?
-Coding schools are presented as an alternative to traditional college education, offering short-term, intensive training that can lead to well-paying jobs in the tech industry.
How does the script suggest society's perception of college education needs to change?
-The script suggests that societal stigmas around non-college careers need to be recalibrated to recognize the value of vocational and trade skills in achieving financial success.
What challenges do young people face regarding college and career choices according to the script?
-Young people face challenges such as feeling lost, not knowing what major to choose, and uncertainty about their career paths, which can be exacerbated by the pandemic.
What advice is given in the script regarding pursuing one's passion and career?
-The script advises to pursue one's passion and find a way to get paid well for it, as happiness and fulfillment are key factors in long-term success.
What is the focus of the next segment in the 'America's College Crisis' series as hinted in the script?
-The next segment will focus on the record numbers of graduates living with their parents and strategies for parents to support their children during this challenging time.

Outlines

00:00

🎓 College Affordability Crisis and Alternative Career Paths

The script discusses the escalating costs of higher education in the United States, making college unaffordable for many. It highlights a shift in societal norms as people are opting for alternative career paths that do not require a college degree. The narrative features Andrew Ball, who after attempting college twice, found success and satisfaction as an electrician, emphasizing the value of trade schools over traditional college education. The segment also mentions a Georgetown study indicating that an increasing number of non-degree holders are out-earning college graduates, suggesting a reevaluation of the necessity of a college degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics data is cited to show a decline in college enrollment rates, and the script concludes with the idea that society needs to recalibrate its views on education and success, with a focus on passion and skill over formal degrees.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡College Crisis

The term 'College Crisis' refers to the challenges faced by individuals and society due to the high cost of higher education in America. The video discusses how this crisis is leading to unaffordability and deterring many from pursuing college degrees. It is a central theme as it sets the context for exploring alternative career paths and the changing value of a college education.

💡Unaffordable

In the context of the video, 'unaffordable' describes the prohibitive cost of higher education that is making it difficult for many to attend college. This term is crucial as it highlights a major issue contributing to the 'College Crisis,' where the financial burden is so heavy that it prevents access to education for a significant portion of the population.

💡Debt

The term 'debt' in the video refers to the financial obligations that students incur to finance their college education, often leading to long-term financial strain. It is a key concept as it underscores the negative consequences of pursuing higher education, where the burden of student loans can persist for decades after graduation.

💡Enrollment

Enrollment in this script denotes the number of students who are registering or signing up for college. The video mentions a decline in enrollment as an indicator of the College Crisis, suggesting that fewer students are opting for traditional college paths due to the high costs and perceived lack of return on investment.

💡Career Paths

The term 'career paths' is used in the video to describe the various professional routes one can take after high school. It is highlighted that many are choosing less expensive career paths over college, indicating a shift in how individuals are planning their futures in response to the high costs of higher education.

💡Trade School

A 'trade school' is an educational institution that focuses on teaching practical skills for specific occupations. The video presents trade schools as an alternative to traditional colleges, where students can learn a trade and enter the workforce with less debt and potentially higher immediate earnings.

💡Vocational School

Vocational schools, as mentioned in the video, are institutions that provide vocational education, preparing students for specific trades or careers. The script suggests a boom in vocational schools as students seek more affordable and practical alternatives to traditional college degrees.

💡College Enrollment Rate

The 'college enrollment rate' is the percentage of high school graduates who choose to attend college. The video notes a decline in this rate, indicating a trend away from college education among recent high school graduates, which is a direct consequence of the perceived drawbacks of traditional higher education.

💡Coding School

A 'coding school' is a type of educational institution that focuses on teaching computer programming skills. The video mentions coding schools as an example of alternative educational paths that can lead to well-paying jobs without the need for a traditional college degree.

💡Remote Work

The term 'remote work' refers to the ability to work from locations other than a central office, often from home. The video uses the example of a person who taught himself to code and now works remotely, highlighting how certain skills and jobs can be pursued and are valued in today's digital economy, independent of a college degree.

💡Recalibration

In the video, 'recalibration' is used to suggest the need for a societal shift in how we value and approach education and career choices. It implies that the traditional emphasis on college degrees may need to be reevaluated in light of changing economic realities and the success of individuals who have taken non-traditional paths.

Highlights

The cost of higher education is making it unaffordable for many, leading to alternative career paths.

Enrollment in colleges is down as more students opt for less expensive career paths.

Andrew Ball's switch from college to trade school led to a thriving career as an electrician.

Vocational schools are seeing a boom as students bypass the high costs of college.

A Georgetown study finds people without degrees are starting to out-earn college grads.

Some argue that college is not worth the debt for those who won't earn enough to cover its cost.

Coding schools offer an alternative to college for those interested in technology careers.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a drop in college enrollment rates over the years.

Advisors recommend doing the math to determine if the cost of college is worth it.

Some successful individuals in tech have no college degrees and are in high demand.

Societal stigmas around not having a college degree are still a factor despite the changing job market.

The pandemic has added to the challenges faced by young people considering their education and career paths.

Some students feel lost and unsure about their major or career even if they go to college.

The importance of happiness and finding a fulfilling career is emphasized over strictly following the traditional college path.

The saying 'do what you love and find someone who will pay you handsomely to do it' is highlighted as great advice.

The series 'America's College Crisis' continues with a focus on graduates living with their parents in record numbers.