The typical four-year college degree is often regarded as the only path to success, putting an immense amount of pressure upon students to stick to the traditional route for post-secondary education. This norm stems from the fact that attending a four-year college is associated with career success. However, these ideas obscure alternate paths tailored to individual needs and goals. While college is considered a streamlined route for individuals, it is not the best path to success for everyone.
Many don’t realize that there are alternate routes that students can consider, such as taking a gap year, getting a full-time job, or going to trade school—all of which offer certain perks other than college life. Additionally, there are jobs that do not require the typical college degree and instead focus on specialized skills.
According to a 2022 study conducted by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2020 and 2030, an estimated 60% of new jobs in the economy will be in occupations that don’t require a degree. While not all jobs are available to those without a degree, there remains a significant number of opportunities in fields that value skills attained outside of a college education.
College is intended to be an opportunity for students to learn and grow academically and personally. However, a significant barrier is tuition. According to a 2024 study conducted by college system research company EducationData, the average total in-state public college tuition is around $108,584, and the average total tuition for private universities is closer to $234,512. These costs burden students and families who are not financially equipped to spend a high amount of money on education, causing them to accumulate debt. In a 2023 U.S. News survey, 59% of graduates had taken on student loans, leading to financial burdens that take a toll on mental health.
According to a study conducted in 2022 by the National Library of Medicine, student debt is associated with increased stress, and for those experiencing greater socioeconomic status instability, it was strongly linked to problematic drinking, anxiety, and stress. Financial instabilities combined with the academic component of college can exacerbate mental health issues, leading to unnecessary difficulties.
Another reason that individuals could benefit from considering alternative post-secondary plans is that many don’t feel welcome on a college campus. According to education media organization District Administration, 49% of students don’t feel a sense of belonging at college. While these schools are meant to be structured environments that provide students with the opportunity to meet new people, many individuals are disconnected from those surrounding them, contributing to a worsened college experience.
Some may argue that college is the best option for success because it leads to better access to resources. Through connections in their community, students may come by more opportunities. However, even without these connections, there are options that often deliver the same experiences and lead to similar results, like attending trade school and participating in internships.
Societal norms often push the idea that college is the only path to success, which heavily dwarfs the potential in other possibilities. Other routes offer comparable opportunities without the financial burden, impact on mental health, and the potential risk of feeling a lack of belonging. These alternative paths are not only legitimate routes to success for individuals, but they may also be more suitable for different lifestyles.
