How important is a college education to you? Do you think a high school diploma is all you need these days?
604869
I got out of high school thinking I knew a lot.  I went into college expecting it to be easy.  It wasn't.  Fortunately I pursued an engineering degree in computer science.  It took a while longer than I would have liked, but I'm very glad that I completed the degree.  Many of my friends left college before they finished.  I'm glad I stayed, today I can easily ask for twice what they make.  And those of my friends who continued through graduate school are making even more money, and have nicer jobs with nicer offices, and are allowed to come and go as they please, they get bonuses, respect, and they are working on things they find interesting.  I've been working on finishing my own graduate degree, again in computer science, and I hope to be done before December.\n\nGo to college, and work hard.  It will be hard, and often depressing, especially as you see yourself struggling while your friends out of college appear to be doing well.  But in the end it pays, big time.
737607
No. Only you can make yourself successful in your career. A college education will, however, give you more opportunities when seeking employment. There are many jobs that require some type of degree before they will even talk to you.
1101359
Why Get a College Degree?\n\nKnowledge, Skills, and More Opportunities\nIf you go to college, you'll gain information and skills that you'll use for the rest of your life, no matter what career you chose. College will enable you to:\n\n    * Expand your knowledge and skills\n    * Express your thoughts clearly in speech and in writing\n    * Grasp abstract concepts and theories\n    * Increase your understanding of the world and your community\n\nWhat This Means for You\nThe benefits above may sound great on their own, but college also has some very practical benefits:\nMore Job Opportunities\n\nThe world is changing rapidly. More and more jobs require education beyond high school. College graduates have more jobs to choose from than those who don't pursue education beyond high school.\n\nEarn More Money\nA person who goes to college usually earns more than a person who doesn't. According to the US Census Bureau, on average, someone with a Bachelor's Degree earns $51,206—almost double the $27,915 earned annually by someone with only a high school diploma.\n\nWhy Not Go to College?\nMany students are unsure about going to college, for many reasons. Below are five we've heard before, and why they don't hold water.\n\n1. "I Can't Afford It."\nMost students get financial aid to help pay for college, and most aid is based on need. This means that the less money you have, the more aid you might get.\n\n2. "Nobody in My Family Has Ever Gone."\nBeing first can be hard. For instance, you may have to explain to the family why college is important to you. On the other hand, being first is likely to be a source of pride, for you and for your family.\n\n3. " I Don't Know What I Want to Do with My Life."\nJoin the crowd. Thousands of college freshmen haven't decided on a major or on a career. College gives you the opportunity to learn more about what's out there. You'll be exposed to a variety of academic subjects, people, and new perspectives.\n\n4. "College Is Too Hard for Me."\nMost students think college will be too hard for them. Keep in mind, all colleges offer tutoring and student support. As confident as some students seem, no one goes to college knowing everything—if they did, why would they go?\n\n5. "I Just Won't Fit In."\nMost colleges have students from many backgrounds. To get an idea of what to expect, explore colleges with College Search, or better yet, visit in person. Be sure to ask about the make-up of the student body, and if they have clubs and activities that you're interested in joining.\n\nIt Doesn't Have to Be a Four-Year College\nIf you're not sure about college, or which college, consider attending a community college. Community colleges are public, two-year schools that provide an excellent education, whether you're considering an associate degree, a certificate program, technical training, or plan to continue your studies at a four-year college.
940488
It varies among people.  Some folks are ready to roll right out of high school; others have had enough of the academic life and want to see something of how the real world works before diving back into academia.  One is likely to find that the real world is rather cruel to people without college degrees, and that may help motivate one to head back to school.
1182606
I'm sorry to dissappoint you, but that aspect of history at least, is not going to repeat itself. Job requirements are getting higher everyday. Before u didn't need school, then all u needed was a high school diploma, now it's at least an Associate's Degree. The bar is being set higher, everyone needs to keep up.\nAlso, Henry Ford might have become successful, but back then he didn't have the Germans (Mercedes), and Japanese (Toyota, Hyundai etc) breathing down his neck. Today you don't have to compete with just Americans, the whole world is competing for the job and money you want. And most of those people are educated and will have better chances.\nIf you don't think school is important thats great. But don't complain if some more educated person takes a job you want, gets paid more, and ends up more successful.
116932
No. I think that the education system in the US is terrible. The schools here don't get students ready for college. When I made the transition from high school to college it was very difficult. I was not ready and I think that the schools need to do more to get high school grads ready for life outside of school.
460486
Obtain a college degree!
29992
While it may be a "piece of paper" you need to realize that the education that you receive will give you that edge when you want to apply for a job.\n\nThe norm is that you need at least a Bachelor's degree to get most good paying jobs, a high school diploma or an Associate's don't cut it anymore.\n\nYour goal to getting a degree should not just be to learn and get it, it should also teach you essential life lessons to better prepare you for the future.  I have taken classes that has shaped and developed my life and I give much credit to the Professors that take the time and effort to make me a better person.
1091013
Just a high school diploma should do it.
309168
When you say adult school, do you mean to get your GED? cause there is a big difference between a GED and High school diploma. Finishing highschool would definitely be a plus, but not for everyone. My brother just got so far behind cause of my sister, that he doesn't feel comfortable in school anymore. Now he's going for his GED and I think he's doing the right thing.
645030
Being educated and having a diploma are two different things. I have known three or four people in my life who did not have a college education or in one case even a high school education but they are the best educated people I know. \n\nThey have common sense, a great love of reading and learning and the desire to get ahead.
372406
Your career opportunities are vast compared to those without a college diploma.  Consider yourself fortunate if you have a college diploma, because you will be able to select from different careers regardless of the major you've graduated from.\n\nIn addition, college teaches you the discipline for the problems you will encounter in the real world.
564385
good for you you made it through high school \nnow you will begin a new education \nits called life and you have a lot to learn because now your in the real world now . and on the road to becoming an adult .. the safety net of school is no longer there . welcome to the real world with all its responsibly and lesions \ntry to learn something new every day on your new journey in to the real world ..\n congrats and good luck
144660
I have a GED, I did not complete high school for reasons that are not important.  My GED has allowed me to attain employment as well as a person wh graduated high school......my life would be much worse without it.
632729
I took a year off after HS to see what life would be like for me without a college degree.\n\nNeedless to say, not as many doors were open for me...so I went and got a degree in Education...then continued on to get a Master's in Education and an Associates in Computer Networking.\n\nSo, for me at least, the year off paid off in the end.
169556
Nope. You only get a "high school" diploma from a high school. You can get a GED on your own.
864906
A lot of jobs these days require that you have a high school diploma. Some do, some don't. But if you want a high paying job, get your grade 12.....plus any college (if you can afford it). So if you want to have a succesfull career, finish your school.