college degree doesn't guarantee success in business essay

College Reality Check

Why College isn’t Necessary to be Successful

As much as 94% of politicians, business leaders and stinking rich people in the US all went to college. But then there are also outstanding individuals without degrees.

Case in point: Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Michael Dell, and Mark Zuckerberg. Because of this, you might be wondering if college is really key to reaping success.

In general, succeeding without going to college is possible. After all, not all employers require degrees, and not all college graduates are employed. However, in some instances, the absence of a college degree can hinder benefits such as more career opportunities and higher lifetime earnings.

Want to be rich someday but torn between earning a degree and chasing success right away?

By the time you get to the end of this article, you will learn some of the reasons why attending college isn’t necessary to be successful.

But since there are two sides of the same coin, you will also come across some of the perks that come with earning a college degree — just to make sure that you know what options are available for you.

7 Reasons Why College Is Not Required to Succeed

Going to College Does Not Guarantee a Job

Many graduating high school students assume that spending four to six years in college to work on an undergraduate degree guarantees them a college diploma and a job.

Based on recent data , around 5.4% of recent college graduates had no jobs.

Other than a job, there is one more thing that finishing college can’t guarantee: a job in a field related to one’s degree. As a matter of fact, based on an online survey, 25.5% of college graduates say they were unable to find a job in their field.

Alaska governor dropped college degree requirements for most state jobs. College is not necessary for other states, e.g. Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Utah, because it’s getting harder to find qualified workers. THE HILL

On the other hand, 38.6% said they were not using their college degrees in their current job positions.

For most degree holders, it usually takes three to six months after college graduation before they get a job — it may be longer for those who are not persevering enough to get employed or whose majors are not that in demand.

Not All Careers Require a College Degree

As much as 36% of all available jobs do not require education beyond high school. So, in other words, a little more than one-third of job positions that need to be filled can be filled by those who have no college degrees.

But it doesn’t necessarily mean that degree holders will not attempt to get their hands on those available job positions — about 41% of recent college graduates are underemployed in that they are working in jobs that don’t require the titles they earned spending years in college after high school.

No worries, says US News!

According to the popular college ranking site, the following are some of the best jobs for high school graduates as well as the median annual salary for each one of them:

Keep in mind, however, that some of the jobs mentioned above (and some of those that were not included, too) may require candidates to undergo training to get a certification.

Some Employers Prefer Skills to Degrees

Did you know that, on average, employers take a look at resumes for six to seven seconds only?

However, the amount of time employers spend on checking out resumes can vary from one company to the other and depend on factors such as the number of applicants and the job title.

No matter the case, the point is that your resume should be able to impress the potential employer in front of you in no time. And it should also include all relevant skills. For most employers, college education and the skill set are of equal importance. But in the absence of a degree, having phenomenal skills may help you land that job.

Besides, many employers themselves agree that having a degree does not necessarily mean that an applicant will be any better at the job than someone who didn’t go to college.

There are Many Alternatives to Going to College

According to a survey , as many as 94% of participating parents said they expect their children to attend college right after graduating from high school.

Worry not if you are absolutely sure that college is not for you and don’t want to break the heart of your folks either. It’s for a fact that there are many other ways to acquire the knowledge and skills you will need to have a bright future other than spending the next four to six years of your life on a traditional campus.

The following are some of the most wonderful alternatives to college:

• Vocational school. Also sometimes referred to as a career school or trade school, a vocational school is a place where students learn skills specific to certain jobs.
• Technical school. Many believe that technical schools and community colleges are the same. However, a technical school is more on industry-specific courses, like business, engineering and construction.
• Online professional certificates. Some professional certificates available online are free, while others come with a price tag. Most of them can help make you eligible for entry-level jobs.
• Boot camps. In this digital age, coding boot camps are popular among job seekers who wish to work as computer programmers in no time — there are also boot camps available for various fields.
• Job training program. There are jobs that require candidates to undergo a short training program that can be completed in just a few weeks or a couple of months before they could start working.
• Fellowship or apprenticeship. Some careers available for people with a high school diploma require learning under the hands of an expert, such as electrical work or construction.
• Military. Joining the military is a great way to learn real-life skills and travel, too. While enriching your skill set and life experience, it also gives you the opportunity to be noble and serve your country.
• Volunteer. Like being in the military, volunteering also makes it possible for you to gain an assortment of skills. It also enables you to discover the things you are passionate about.

College Degree isn’t Mandatory to Start Business

There is one thing the majority of college graduates are busy with right after earning their degrees. And it’s none other than finding a boss who will employ and pay them.

But why look for a boss who will, well, boss you around when you can be the boss instead?

When starting a business, there are many different steps you will have to take before you are able to sell a product or offer a service.

Some of them include registering your money-making venture’s name, applying for a federal tax ID number, obtaining permits and licenses, opening a business bank account, and getting insurance.

Luckily for someone who prefers to not go to college, having a degree is not one of the must-haves. Needless to say, you can establish your own business even without a degree.

It’s just funny that college degree holders could be working for entrepreneurs who didn’t go to college!

However, it’s important to note that many business owners have a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA).

Also, some degrees or majors can give you the knowledge and skills vital for navigating the world of business and keeping your venture running like a well-oiled machine.

But then again, there are founders, CEOs and business tycoons that have no college degrees — just check out the next reason why college isn’t necessary to be successful!

Plenty of Successful People Have No Degrees

According to a Fortune article , as much as 30% of all billionaires on the planet did not finish college.

While the figure makes it obvious that a vast majority of mega-rich people have degrees, it also makes it clear that you can have all the money in the world even without going to college.

That device you are using, social media you are posting on, TV show you are watching, music you are singing to or hamburger you are eating could be a courtesy of someone who did not graduate from college.

Here are some of the most successful college degree-less people and their net worth:

However, please keep in mind that not going to college in order to be successful is not the rule — for many people, earning a degree is the way to go, and the highly successful individuals mentioned above are exceptions to the rule.

And to increase your chances of succeeding big time, too, even without a degree, it’s a must to possess the qualities that many self-made millionaires and billionaires share, which, luckily, you can acquire and master even without spending four to six years of your life at a college or university. Some of these must-have qualities include:

• People skills
• Determination
• Self-confidence
• Competitiveness
• Big-picture thinking

Not All College Students Know What They Want

At most colleges and universities, students are expected or required to declare a major by the end of their sophomore year. This is usually for a couple of reasons.

First, to give first- and second-year students enough time to get some general education courses out of the way.

Second, to give students the opportunity to explore electives.

Needless to say, school administrators acknowledge the fact that it’s not unlikely for many fresh high school graduates to have no idea which career path they would like to take.

True enough, at least 80% of all college students change majors at least once before they graduate.

According to David Kirp, a public policy professor at the University of California at Berkeley and author of the 2019 book The College Dropout Scandal, some students drop out of college because of money problems, while others simply realize the fact that college isn’t right for them.

Some high school graduates are 100% certain that they don’t want to go to college. But then there are also those who are still in the process of mulling over as to whether or not they would get a degree.

If you are one of them and you want more time to decide, here’s a suggestion: take a gap year.

On The Other Hand, Here are 6 Reasons to Go To College

It’s no secret that college offers an assortment of professional, financial, and personal benefits.

However, it can do more harm than good for those who can’t pay for a degree or have their hearts set on pursuing other things. Deciding whether or not to go to college is personal and circumstantial.

There are various reasons why attending college isn’t always the answer to having a successful life. However, many different reasons why a degree is vital to enjoying success exist, too:

• Better employability. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the employment rate for college degree holders aged 25 to 34 years old is 86%.
• More job choices. Northeastern University, which is #49 in National Universities by US News, says that there are 57% more job opportunities available for college graduates than non-college graduates.
• Higher lifetime earnings. People with a bachelor’s degree, says the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, have average lifetime earnings of $2.3 million — $1.3 million for high school graduates.
• Better work performance. More educated employees tend to be better at their jobs than less-educated ones. It isn’t surprising since college helps introduce and hone various traits valuable in the workplace.
• More satisfying lives. College degree holders tend to be happier. As a matter of fact, there are fewer cases of depression and suicide in communities whose residents are well-educated.
• Longer life expectancy. Based on a CNBC article , degree holders could expect to live 48.2 years out of a possible 50. Meanwhile, those without degrees could expect to live 45.1 years.

Many base one’s level of success on the job title and salary level.

If your ultimate goal is to land the job of your dreams and you are on the fence as to whether or not earning a college degree could make it come true, consider the following factors before coming up with a decision:

• Industry. Certain industries, because of the knowledge base as well as soft and hard skills warranted, prefer to employ individuals with undergraduate degrees. Some common examples include engineering, technology, business and healthcare. In some sectors, as a matter of fact, having a graduate degree is a requirement.
• Skills and experience valued. There are some useful skills and life experiences you can acquire in college. But then there are also those that college can’t teach. Having an idea of the types of skills, soft and hard alike, and experience your target company deems important lets you determine which step to take after high school.
• Workforce size. Based on a Harvard Business School study , in large organizations, such as those with over 10,000 employees, experience is more important than a degree 44% of the time. And if a job position is hard to fill, it’s not unlikely for employers to overlook the absence of a degree if the applicant has sufficient experience.
• Long-term career plan. Most of those without a college degree get hired in an entry-level position. It’s true that loyalty and performance matter when it comes to getting a job promotion. However, in many instances, climbing the career ladder entails meeting certain qualifications, such as having a college degree.

Just Before You Try to Pursue Success

Different people define success differently. Depending on your perception of it, success can be anything from learning something new, overcoming a fear, helping others, having a high-paying job to being one’s own boss.

Graduating from high school and wondering if applying to colleges and universities will take you a step closer to being a successful person?

Yes, earning a college degree can help you reap success. However, it doesn’t mean that skipping college will make you a failure — you can have no college education and still be a smashing success!

Above, we talked about some of the reasons why college isn’t necessary to be successful.

It’s completely up to you to decide if chasing your dreams instead of earning a degree right after high school suits you more. But whether or not you have a college diploma, you need to exhibit the likes of determination, self-reliance, passion, flexibility, optimism and patience in order to attain success the way you define it.

I graduated with BA in Nursing and $36,000 in student loan debt from the UCF. After a decade in the workforce, I went back to school to obtain my MBA from UMGC.

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Is a University Degree Necessary to Success? Essay Example

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In the past decade or so, the United States has been transformed from a manufactured based economy to knowledge and technology based world. Today a college education is just as important as a high school education was fifty years ago. A college degree is the foundation of a stable future. There are many reasons why a college degree is so important and necessary today. People who obtain a college education have a higher lifetime wages earned than people who do not have a college degree. This fact alone ensures a better quality of life for the college graduate. In today’s world, most employers prefer to hire persons who have a college degree or some type of technical certification. People without college educations are limited to the manufacturing and construction industries because these two industries are still based upon “working your way to the top”.  It is very possible that a person with only a high school diploma may obtain a job that pays well and provides great benefits; it is more likely that a college graduate will. A college degree is difficult to obtain for most, but it is well worth the difficulty in the long run.

A college degree provides one with the essential tools to compete in the world market for employment. The most important part of obtaining a college degree is the fact that one has a diploma that certifies that he/she is qualified to perform a certain job. When employers are in the process of hiring a new employee, they go through many resumes. Most employees are looking at the education section of the resumes to help them narrow their search. Most resumes without a college degree added will be discarded. Employers are looking for potential candidates that will be an asset to the company, but will require minimum investment of company money and training.

A college degree is beneficial because college students gain a wealth of experience and they have an opportunity to network with professors and fellow students. College professors often relay their personal experiences and failures with their students. Networking is so important. The old cliché, “It’s not what you know, but who you know”, is still true today. Often college students make lasting friendship through sororities and fraternities, campus organizations, work study appointments, and various other connections. College students have the opportunity to attend job fairs, research programs, and mentorships. These connections can be used later to secure jobs. In some cases, college students have a job secured before they even graduate. For example:

College also helps to discipline students. People who are lazy or procrastinators usually don’t make good employees. Likewise, these types of people don’t usually make good students. Most students who cannot manage their time and prioritize never obtain a college degree. So, the fact that a potential employee has received a college degree tells employers that the person has a drive to complete tasks. The college world is structured; students who are success are able to adapt to this world and meet deadlines and stay on task with various things going on around them. So, when a student has obtained a college degree it demonstrates that he/she has the ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure, and produce quality work. These are three skills that a many employers are looking for.

In recent years, members of minority groups have expressed that a college degree is especially important to them. A survey conducted concluded that Asian, Latinos, and African Americans believe that a four year college degree is necessary for them to be successful in life. Some minorities even said that they believe they value a college degree more than non-minorities because they feel that they have to be twice as good to be chosen over non-minority candidates. Likewise, about 70 percent of Latinos agreed with the statement, while only about 47 percent of whites agreed that a college degree was necessary to their success ( Bower & Wolverton, 2009). One African American woman interviewed stated that she saw how hard her mother worked to take care of them, so she knew that she would have to find a better route. She knew that obtaining a college degree was imperative. Many of minorities agreed that they are treated differently when they interview for a job. They don’t feel that they are expected to be intelligent and are usually hired for only entry level jobs. Bower & Wolverton (2009) discuss how African American women view success and leadership. The book focuses on women who have reached great heights in their careers and how they credit a college degree with making their successful life possible. They discuss how difficult it is to be accepted as successful in a male oriented arena. For them, the measure of success is when they are able to acquire jobs that are usually dominated by men. For example, one woman interviewed said, “If it were not for my college degree, I know I would be doomed to a mediocre job that would not pay enough for me to provide for my family in a respectable way” (Bower & Wolverton, 2009 ).

Being a first generation college graduate is very important to students who have parents who did not have the opportunity to attend college. Minorities can especially relate to this because for African American, being able to read and write was punishable by death. As a result, parents and grandparents of African Americans stress the important of their children obtaining a college degree. Even within the African American communities, gaining a college degree is very important. When one has been a part of a community that was denied access to education, it becomes a community effort.  As the overall college graduation rates of minorities increase, groups that are typically underrepresented have a realistic goal to aspire to. So, when minorities receive college degrees, they are inspiring other minorities to do likewise. Cox (2009) discusses the fear that many college students have of failing because their communities and family members have invested so much in their success. Cox interviewed various students from universities and colleges across the United States that were enrolled in English courses. He noted that many of the students that he interviewed would be considered failures by society because they did not obtain a college degree or enrolled and dropped-out for various reasons. He discussed some of the self-undermining behaviors that college students have that hinders them from completing college. “I would never be able to graduate anyway, so I might as well drop out now”, ( Cox, 2009) is a common excuse that students tell themselves.  Many of them cannot commit to goals or miss too many class meetings. He feels they do this in order to down play how challenged they feel to complete college and obtain a degree. As a result, if they do fail they will be able to say that they just didn’t apply themselves. He also examined the views of people who about community colleges. He argues that colleges should address the fear factor that students face.

Although a college degree is necessary to success, there are some barriers that hinder or prolong the time needed to obtain a degree.  For example, poor high school academic success can become a major road block to students who want to obtain a college degree after graduation. Students who have not maintained a good grade point average may find that they have to attend a local community college before be accepted into a four year institution. This allows the student to work hard and strengthen their grade point averages. Nonetheless, this often wastes valuable time for the student because he/she is only taking basic courses in preparation for the four year college. So, it is wise if any student who intends to attend college maintain a solid grade point average in high school. On the other hand, some students are academically prepared for college, but are just financially unable. These students find themselves with a great dilemma. Many of them just decide to borrow the money; other students decide to work part-time and attend college. Some students may even work full-time and attend night classes. However, all of these produce other dilemmas. Some students find it difficult to manage their time between work and school. As a result, academics often go lacking. Some eventually give up and begin working full time and never finish obtaining a college degree. Also, there is the myth that some degrees are more apt for success than others. Dietz(2009) discusses the debate over whether or not certain major guarantees the success of a particular student. With the costs of college degrees gradually increasing nearly every year, parents, students, and counselors are trying to make sure that college graduates degrees are worthwhile in the future. Consequently, researchers are trying to determine if the choice of college major has any bearings on the success of the student or if any one major is more likely to be more successful than another. Finally, Dietz stated, Success truly depends upon the person, but having a college degree definitely decreases the odds of failure”( Dietz, 2009 ).

Non-traditional students face even more barriers when trying to obtain a college degree. Non-traditional students are those that don’t fit the ideal of what a college student is. These students are typically older and are carrying many family and personal responsibilities that ideal college students are not. However, it has been documented that non-traditional students have success just as traditional students. For example, “Nationally, non-traditional students have lower completion rates than traditional students. However, a longitudinal study proved that , five years after enrolling, only 26.7% of non-traditional students had achieved their objective of an associate degree compared with 53.4% of traditional students” (Dietz, 2009) Barrow & Rouse(2012), examine how financial incentives can motivate students to work more diligently in class. They noted that females tend to be more enticed by financial benefits; however, male students were less motivated by financial benefits. The authors insist that this rule is true for adult life and success too. They believe that students who equated money with success were more apt to do well if the reward was monetary. While for most males, success is equated with self-efficacy and personal satisfaction. Likewise, some students drop-out of school when they begin working because they feel the money they are making will be efficient for what they want at the time.

A college degree is the ultimate foundation for one’s future. A proper education helps one to reach goals and become an effective member of society. With a great education comes more choices and opportunities to live a successful and happy life. Earning adequate money to provide for one’s family is the number one reason why so many people choose to obtain a college degree. For minorities, obtaining a degree is very important because they have lived firsthand the barriers caused by being uneducated. Consequently, minority communities’ support and influence young people to obtain college degrees. People without college degrees are limited to the types of jobs and incomes they can obtain. While those with college degrees have many choices and earn much more money than those without college degrees. There are so many advantages to obtaining a college degree. College graduates have a better income and access to healthcare services, which ensure a healthier, more productive life. The 21 st century is called the knowledge economy. Jobs that pay great wages, especially those in the manufacturing field, require manual labor, long hours, and often dangerous circumstances. The jobs that people worked 50 years ago are constantly being phased out through the development of new technology. A college degree does not guarantee success, but it definitely makes success more possible. Consequently, anyone who can obtain a college degree should. It requires hard work, diligent study habits, time, and devotion, but it is worth all of that. Education ensures a great future is possible.

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Elon Musk says college is 'for fun' and not learning — and these 8 business leaders say you don't need a college degree to be successful

• On Monday, billionaire Elon Musk said that college is "not for learning."
• The times are changing when it comes to college degrees. One third of billionaires in 2016 didn't graduate, and these eight leaders agree that a degree may no longer be necessary.
• Gary Vaynerchuk says there are "endless free ways to learn about business" — and points out that many companies don't actually require a degree.
• Time is money, says Grant Cardone. Consider whether college is actually a worthwhile investment.
• For Gail Corder Fischer, not having a degree helped her strengthen her work ethic and problem-solving skills.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Society places a lot of value on higher education, even though nearly a third of billionaires in 2016 didn't actually graduate from college , including Bill Gates, Sir Richard Branson, and Mark Zuckerberg.

We spoke with several entrepreneurial leaders and Advisors in The Oracles , who all agree that you don't need a degree to be successful. Here's why — and what it actually takes.

1. It's rare to actually need a degree these days

I distinctly remember failing a test in fourth grade, which I embarrassingly had to get signed by my mom. I was really upset, and then it hit me: "Forget school. I'm a businessman." I never prioritized school; I honed my skills, learned to sell, and concentrated on what made me happy. The college "brand" will eventually collapse. Parental pressure isn't a good reason to acquire enormous college debt, which is also a bad idea if you want to become an entrepreneur. You get good at entrepreneurship by doing; plus, there are endless free ways to learn about business. Even if you do want a job, many companies don't require a degree — including Google, Apple, and VaynerMedia. Ultimately, the decision is about whether a degree will put you in the best position to reach your personal goals, and that's only true in rare cases these days.

— Gary Vaynerchuk , founder and CEO of VaynerX ; five-time New York Times bestselling author of " Crushing It!"

2. Time is money

I went to college for five years to get an accounting degree. If I could go back in time, I would have skipped it. Time is money. In most cases, I don't see the value in putting 18-year-olds into massive debt to postpone their career for half a decade. The only reason I would want my daughters to go to college is to meet people and network. Life isn't always what you know — it's who you know. 

The Malia Obamas of the world are going to school at Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, not a community college or state university. So if you can't get into one of the top-notch schools, you would probably do better by skipping college and focusing on real-world skills like closing deals, negotiating, and prospecting.

— Grant Cardone , founder of Cardone Capital , a $750 million real estate empire; connect with Grant on Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube

3. Just learn by doing

I was an average student with a 2.4 GPA. After high school, I moved to Georgia for a sales job with a lot of traveling. I learned to be self-sufficient, connect with others, and sell to professionals. I gained all the skills to survive and thrive on my own — and the courage to never look back. This confidence served me well when I walked away from a lucrative job to start a business as a 27-year-old with two young children. At 29, I took the company public. I later built and sold another for $151 million. I didn't need a degree to teach me something I'd rather learn by doing anyway. I learned by thinking bigger and challenging myself to make a more significant impact. Intentional action creates results. If you're committed, you'll eventually succeed.

— Brandon Dawson , serial entrepreneur and cofounder and CEO of Cardone Ventures ; founder and CEO of Audigy ; host of " The B Dawson Show " podcast; connect with Brandon on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn

4. You don't need a degree if you work for yourself

My parents urged me to go to university, even though I had a successful ecommerce store by the time I was 16. One afternoon, I faced a dilemma. I had an essay due in three days, but I also had products to sell. I didn't have time to do both, so I had an idea: Why not outsource my essay? I researched "essay writing services" and prepared to email one. Right before I hit send, I suddenly realized: "Wait a minute. In college, it's not outsourcing — it's cheating!" I dropped out of school the next day and used my extra time to double down on my store and pivot into a more lucrative niche. Many people told me I would regret that decision; but as an entrepreneur, you don't need a degree to get chosen for a job. You choose yourself.

— Sarah Chrisp , founder of Wholesale Ted , one of the largest (over 350,000 subscribers) online educational resources teaching entrepreneurs how to create, grow, and scale successful online stores ; started her first online store at 16 years old; follow Sarah on YouTube

5. You can achieve success before your friends even graduate

Back when I was considering whether to go to college, I asked myself where I wanted to be one day and how I could get there the quickest. If I'd wanted a leadership position in a large company, I would have made a different decision. But my goal was to be my own boss and work hard on my own projects, not someone else's. I don't disagree with studying in principle, but if you know in your heart that you don't want to work for any company but your own, you can make better use of your time. While others spent years studying and commuting back and forth between exams and parties, I built a seven-figure company in the same amount of time. I'm not saying it was easy, but it was the only path I could see for myself — and I would choose it again today.

— Markus Hetzenegger , founder and CEO of NYBA Media GmbH , a fast-growing digital marketing agency in Germany that generates nine-digit revenues for their customers; connect with Markus on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Facebook

6. Not having a degree pushes you to work even harder and be more resourceful

I graduated from the school of hard knocks, so I always felt like I had to work twice as hard as anyone with a college degree. This perseverance helped me develop a strong work ethic and problem-solving skills. I learned real-world business skills first and figured out how to handle any issues that came my way. As a result, I'm comfortable working with anyone and highly attuned to asking the right questions and directing others to solve problems quickly and efficiently. That means I spend less time and money than others when getting outside professionals and in-house teams to collaborate. If I ever need a brain surgeon, I'll go to the best I can find. But a degree in business leadership doesn't make you a great leader; some things are just inherent, or they aren't.

— Gail Corder Fischer , executive vice chairman of Fischer & Company , a leading global corporate real estate firm that provides consulting, brokerage, and technology solutions

7. All the knowledge you need is already at your fingertips

I feel bad for more than half of the young people in college today. I'm not talking about those working toward a specific objective, like becoming a doctor, lawyer, or accountant. I feel sorry for the ones who are trying to "find their path" and racking up massive student loan debt in the process. There are so many ways to learn skills today. I'm not convinced that it makes sense to pay tens (or hundreds!) of thousands of dollars over four years anymore, only to fight for entry-level positions when you graduate. That time would be much better spent experiencing life and seeking mentors in search of your passion. Once you find it, drill down by attending seminars, taking online courses, reading anything and everything relevant, and even bingeing on YouTube videos to become an expert in that area. There's unlimited information at your fingertips.

— Tom Ferry , founder and CEO of Tom Ferry International and New York Times bestselling author of "Life! By Design "; ranked the No. 1 real estate coach by Swanepoel Power 200; follow Tom on Instagram and Facebook

8. Apprenticing for mentors gives you experience that college can't

When I was 19, I was one decision away from going to college, but I decided not to. I had already started my own business selling rare shirts and was working at an investment sales company. That's how I learned what it takes to run a business: practical experience, marketing skills, the right mindset, a network, and a mentor. I couldn't get most of those things in school; so I decided to study business in real life and work for free for mentors who could teach me.

By helping those who had the success I dreamt about, I gained experiences that many people never have in a lifetime. While the real world is different than most universities predict, I also wouldn't say that universities are not creating impact. I don't regret my decision, but there are two ways to go, and everyone needs to decide what's best for them.

— Matt Schuldt , cofounder of personal branding agency TPA Media Group ; owner of five multimillion-dollar companies; connect with Matt on Instagram and LinkedIn

Want to share your insights in a future article?  Join  The Oracles ,  a mastermind group of the world's leading entrepreneurs who share their success strategies to help others grow their businesses and build better lives. Apply  here .

For more free business insider advice, follow The Oracles on  Facebook ,  Twitter , and  LinkedIn .

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Does That College Diploma Really Matter for Success? A few billionaire entrepreneurs famously didn't bother with college but the people they hired to help build their companies mostly did.

By Thomas Smale Edited by Dan Bova May 3, 2017

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

The value of a college education is a hotly debated issue.

There are some entrepreneurs, including Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, Larry Ellison and Rachael Ray, who never graduated college yet found success in their respective fields. Many will point to these examples and conclude, "See, you don't need a college degree to be successful!"

But the likes of Sheryl Sandberg, Marissa Mayer, Jeff Bezos and Martha Stewart all achieved success with a college degree in hand. So, are notable entrepreneurs without a college education merely the exception and not the rule?

College education results in better employment.

The National Center for Education Statistics indicates that 73 percent of young adults with a bachelor's degree worked full time, year-round in 2014, compared to 65 percent of young adult high school graduates.

They also show that those with higher educational attainment earned 66 percent higher median earnings compared with those who only had a high school diploma or equivalent, a pattern that has been consistent for 14 years.

Employment and success aren't exactly synonymous, especially in the information age. But this goes back to one's personal feelings about success, and what that looks like to them. Not everyone wants a business. Many just want to support their family and we can see that college education tends to lead to better employment.

Related: Guess What: Going to College Still Pays

Few college dropouts hold leadership positions.

A Taylor & Francis Online study of 11,745 individuals in the U.S.shows found that 94 percent of CEOs, judges, politicians, millionaires, billionaires and business leaders attended college, with 50 percent graduating from elite school. Based on these findings, those who become highly successful without college education appear to be in the minority, roughly 6 percent.

It is important, however, to ask whether this is because getting an education is the default, accepted behavior, or if this education played a vital part in the success of those who finished school.

Related: How Much Does College Matter? For Small-Business Owners, Not Much (Infographic)

College graduates live longer.

This is a surprising finding. Per Diverse , the Center for Retirement Research in Boston College found that there's a significant difference in mortality based in educational attainment. They further noted that graduates are happier because they earn more, can afford better healthcare and leisure activities, have less stress and tend to work indoors where no heavy lifting is required.

Some of the stated factors are questionable at best. Many will leave college carrying huge debts. Additionally, only the motivated few -- roughly one-third -- will even launch their career immediately out of college. More on that in a moment.

What is sensible to conclude is that those who live longer may have a better chance at achieving success over the long haul. If you have access to better healthcare, this could be a factor. But it's mostly a question of money, and money can be earned in a variety of ways. Money provides options but not necessarily happiness.

Related: College is Good for Getting a Job but Not Necessarily for Getting Rich

College education is expensive.

Trader, investor, writer and entrepreneur James Altucher often argues that college is too expensive to be worthwhile. He doesn't even have the desire to send his kids to college for four or more years of experimentation, debauchery and theory knowledge.

Based on how college is often portrayed in movies and the media, it's easy see his point of view. In most cases, college education can quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars. Even if you can earn a higher salary straight out of school, you also end up carrying the burden of debt with you.

Young adults may also be looking at the prospect of buying their first car or home, getting married and other major life changes shortly after leaving school. Taken together, these factors can easily wipe out whatever "extra earnings" you might generate from your high-paying job.

This is backed up by several interesting stats. Per Mic , two-thirds of all college students graduate with student loans, 70 percent of people with student loans are 30 years or older, and 52 percent of college graduates strongly or somewhat agree student loan debt is hindering their career choices.

Related: College Is Worth the Price. Just Not This Price.

Most graduates spend years launching their careers.

Jeffrey J. Selingo, author of There Is Life After College , interviewed 752 young adults between the ages of 24 to 27. He found that they all fall under one of three categories: Sprinters, Wanderers, or Stragglers.

Sprinters launch their careers immediately after college. But Wanderers end up spending roughly five years just to get started, and Stragglers spend most of their 20s wandering aimlessly.

Many people plan for their post-secondary education. The problem is that they don't plan how they're going to spend their time in school, and don't prepare for their transition into a career.

Success isn't merely about finding or getting into a good school – it's about spending that time productively and wisely, something two-thirds of students appear not to do. If you aren't sure about what your next steps will be after college, your education could end up costing you without anything to show for it until you're well into your 30s.

Related: Will Getting an MBA or Professional License Benefit Me As an Entrepreneur?

Those without a college education still get hired.

Do employers or HR people even look at resumes anymore?

Per Amex OPEN Forum , 62 percent of small business owners will hire a non-degree holding applicant, while 62 percent also said they don't see any difference in workplace performance based on education. Fully 50 percent indicated workers don't need a diploma to be considered for a job.

There are some mixed messages in this study, however, as 61 percent of small business owners said having a college education was important or necessary to success in the business world.

But we can also see that employment isn't always contingent on education. Those without a degree can still get hired.

Related: 10 Tips to Help Graduates Succeed in Their First Job

You can succeed without a college degree, and many have. But it seems we tend to single out and glorify those who've done it. The reality is that most successful individuals have graduated college, either by default or by design. Default is a safer assumption in many cases, due to societal norms. But those with drive knew what they were after, and didn't delay in taking steps to achieve in their career or business, regardless of education. They found their footing by design.

Business and education aren't necessarily tied at the hip. Business requires smarts, but generally a different kind of smarts. It isn't necessary to recite facts at a moment's notice, which is what most schools are teaching people to do. It's more important that business owners are resourceful and capable of determining what resources are at their disposal to build and grow their businesses.

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5 Reasons College Does NOT Equal Success

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

Finish school.

Get a college degree.

Guaranteed success?

Attending college has become the socially demanded path.

Getting a college degree has become a goal in the chase to achieve happiness.

The only problem with the ‘ college = success' equation is that an academic education is not the answer for everyone.

The value of having a degree is decreasing.

Is it something everyone needs to have?

Yes, if you are an aspiring doctor, lawyer or architect.

But not all jobs require you to show a piece of paper that you are competent in your skills.

The numbers show that nearly 50% of students who start a bachelor’s degree never finish. And the average student loan debt for students in America is $30,000.

As parents, is it right to push your kids down that path? For most people, is that kind of debt necessary to give their children a chance at the good life?

If you opt out of a college education, what are the alternatives?

Read below for some suggestions and the 5 reasons why I think college is overrated for many people.

#1 College Doesn't Teach You HOW To Think

Hundreds of students reading the same book and being taught the same information by a lecturer who probably never worked in the industry. That is the average scenario in a college.

A classroom full of students who are guided to regurgitate information back to the professor.

Although some colleges are exceptions to the rule, we are on the whole caught up in an education system that does not foster critical thinking.

The academic setting trains students to succeed in specific and controlled settings in an artificial environment.

At college, you will get to meet people with different opinions and lifestyles who will challenge your thinking in new ways. But it is not necessary to attend college to find yourself in such an environment.  You're likely to meet people in your neighborhood who can expose you to new ideas and ways of thinking.

Lifelong learners constantly improve themselves – that's what's going to determine success.

Colleges can be theoretical and not in touch with reality. In a world that is in constant flux, colleges are not changing fast enough. For many decades, too many Americans have bought into the idea that every person needs to get at least a bachelor's degree.

Times have changed.

What matters more is having the skills to do the job, not a certificate that shows you've spent 4 years studying a topic.

A bachelor’s degree can still be a good investment, but it is possible to succeed in America without going to college for several years. 

#2 Student Loans & Opportunity Cost Outweigh Benefits

Every year, millions of young people around the world ask themselves, “Which college and degree are right for me to launch a successful career?” Often the choice is guided by where the student will have the best campus life experience.

The question is not whether attending a university is a positive experience for most.

It’s whether the experience is worth the opportunity cost?

In Europe, some countries offer free education. But is it free? What about taxes paid by citizens? The money for your education has to come from somewhere .

An American studying in Europe is still paying the opportunity cost in the time it takes to complete a degree.

Instead, you may want to look at other opportunities – internships, trade, travel, opportunities that could earn you money while you discover what you are truly passionate about.

Additionally, let's talk about the elephant in the room – more than 50% of American students have $30,000 of debt when they graduate.

College degrees are becoming more expensive each year. You must effectively mortgage your life to pay the price of a certificate. The return on investment for these college degrees is often much below the burden of debt acquired.

Sadly nowadays not everyone can afford to go to college. And those who are able to afford a bachelor's degree carry the hopeful ambition that they are going to make a lot of money once they graduate. Some degrees pay for themselves but most won't.

No surprise then that Barack Obama hinted that ‘ folks can make a lot more by learning a trade than they might with an art history degree. ‘

Not everyone with a college degree is going to make lots of money. How are you going to pay back those loans? It could follow you around for the rest of your lives.

#3 Information & Education Is Relatively Inexpensive

Education is crucial, college is not.

Matt Damon's character, Will Hunting (from the movie Good Will Hunting) was spot on with this quote, “ You wasted $150,000 on an education you could have got for a buck fifty in late charges at the public library.”

Information itself is inexpensive and easily accessible. Why not try checking out one of the books every man should read ?

Online sources offer University classes for free and your local library is a treasure trove of information. If the only way you're going to learn is by going to University, maybe that's the best route for you.

Otherwise, consider alternatives to education. One of the sources that I use to consume information regularly is Audible.

You can carry your book with you anywhere, listen to it on your daily commute and be more productive as you listen to well-narrated stories as you go about your chores. I've downloaded over 200 of their audiobooks and have the app on my phone.

#4 There Are No Guarantees (Besides A Bill)

The problem is that people attend college with the mentality that they are going to find a dream job and make a lot of money once they graduate.

People need to understand that just because someone attends college that does not guarantee anything for them, except being in debt for a long time.

A college degree won't guarantee you a high-paying job. It won't even make you a skilled leader with a shot at the corner office.

Developing skills such as leadership, decision making, people and resource management takes real practice and experience. These are skills which cannot be acquired in the classroom.

Don't fall for the implied guarantee that a college degree is your ticket to lasting success.

If you put the same amount of time and energy you’d spend completing a college degree into trying out internships and exploring options for apprenticeships, or even joining the military, you might do just as well – if not better.

You need to make the right decision for you.

#5 You Won't Find Your Purpose There

The phrase, “finding yourself,” is commonly used by college students. Studying at a well-recognized university has somehow become a rite of passage for teens to pass into adulthood and a successful career.

Young people often choose college as an involuntary option after school because they haven't decided yet what to do with their lives. A 4-year degree buys them time to make that decision.

Colleges sell themselves as places a person can find themselves.

That's not always true.

A college campus is a protected world. It's not the real world.

The mentality people should have when thinking about going to college is that they are going to keep expanding their knowledge on something they love, and will use that skill to solve real-world problems.

If you want to be a primary school English teacher, don't expect a degree in education to prepare you for a room full of screaming kids. You might even find yourself hating the profession of teaching.

Just the same as you find a style that suits you through trying on different clothes, a man finds himself by doing things. By developing skills . By testing out ideas and projects in the real world.

The easiest way to find out what you are worth is to put yourself in challenging situations. Get a job. Volunteer with an organization to develop skills. Travel the world while working part-time. Pursue your current passions outside

Travel the world while working part-time. Pursue your current passions outside of college. And then consider a university degree, if essential, after establishing your true passions in the workplace.

College is the perfect choice for many people, especially with a full-ride scholarship. As a student at Cornell College for my Bachelor's and at the University of Texas for my MBA, I can attest to the positive attributes of a college degree. The social and professional network is valuable

But I have also arrived at the conclusion that self-education is the best kind of education.

FAQs: Why a College Degree Doesn't Guarantee Success

Does having a college degree guarantee success.

No, having a college degree does not guarantee success.

While a degree can provide valuable knowledge, skills, and credentials, success is influenced by various factors such as individual abilities, motivation, personal circumstances, and career choices.

What are some reasons why a college degree may not lead to success?

Lack of Practical Skills : College education often focuses on theoretical knowledge, and graduates may lack practical skills required in the workforce. Real-world experience and specialized training may be necessary for certain careers.

Changing Job Market : The job market is dynamic and constantly evolving. A degree that was highly valued in the past may not hold the same weight in the present or future. Industries and skill requirements can change rapidly, making it essential to adapt and acquire additional skills beyond a degree.

Job Market Saturation : Some fields may experience an oversupply of graduates, resulting in intense competition for limited job opportunities. A degree alone may not be sufficient to stand out from the crowd, and individuals may need to differentiate themselves through internships, networking, or additional qualifications.

Entrepreneurial Pursuits : Success is not limited to traditional employment. Many entrepreneurs and business leaders have achieved significant success without a college degree. Starting a business or pursuing self-employment requires a different set of skills and qualities that may not be directly related to a degree.

Networking and Soft Skills : Success often depends on strong interpersonal skills, networking abilities, and emotional intelligence. These skills are not always taught directly in college, and individuals who excel in these areas may find success even without a degree.

Are there successful people who do not have a college degree?

Yes, numerous successful individuals have achieved great accomplishments without a college degree.

Examples include entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs (co-founder of Apple), Mark Zuckerberg (co-founder of Facebook), and Richard Branson (founder of Virgin Group).

These individuals demonstrate that success is not solely dependent on formal education.

Is a college degree still important in today's job market?

While a college degree continues to hold value in many industries, its importance may vary depending on the field and specific job requirements.

Some professions, such as medicine or law, require specialized degrees.

However, an increasing number of employers are emphasizing skills, experience, and practical knowledge over formal education. It's important to consider the specific industry, job market trends, and individual career goals when evaluating the importance of a degree.

Does this mean I should not pursue a college degree?

The decision to pursue a college degree should be based on various factors, including personal interests, career goals, and the specific requirements of the desired profession.

While a degree may not guarantee success, it can still provide valuable knowledge, networking opportunities, and a foundation for certain careers.

What other factors contribute to success besides a college degree?

Continuous Learning : A commitment to lifelong learning and acquiring new skills can contribute to personal and professional growth.

Work Ethic and Persistence : Success often requires hard work, dedication, and resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks.

Networking and Relationship Building : Building a strong professional network and cultivating positive relationships can open doors to opportunities and collaborations.

Emotional Intelligence : The ability to understand and manage emotions, communicate effectively, and work well with others can greatly impact success in various fields.

Adaptability and Flexibility : Being adaptable to change, embracing new technologies, and staying current with industry trends can contribute to long-term success.

Click below to watch – 5 Reasons Why College Degree Does Not Equal Success

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — Why Is College Important — Why College Isn’t Necessary to Be Successful

Why College Isn't Necessary to Be Successful

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Published: Sep 12, 2023

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Redefining success, alternative paths to success, essential skills and qualities.

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You Don’t Need a College Degree to Land a Great Job

Four social media strategies you can use to stand out.

Not having a college degree shouldn’t diminish your chances of securing a good job. One of the best ways to move forward is to create a strong social media presence. It will help you stand out, get noticed by potential employers, and find a job you want.

• Start by auditing your social media profiles. Make sure your profile picture looks professional and real. When you share your work experiences, ensure that they match your résumé. Don’t hesitate to include any additional details about your jobs (such as additional responsibilities, awards, etc.) that you couldn’t fit on your résumé.
• Pay attention to the people you follow. Connect with industry leaders and potential employers, especially on platforms like LinkedIn. Like, share, and respond to their updates.
• Prove your passion. Follow hashtags and discussions and stay abreast with the latest industry news. Focus on the content you share, write, and post. When you see an interesting topic, repost the articles and share your commentary or thoughts.
• Finally, learn new skills and show them off on social platforms. Did you just learn Adobe Illustrator? Share a certification or a new project you completed as part of the course. Know that you don’t have to be an expert to share your skills. If you’re a self-taught baker, you can create interesting video content using Instagram Reels and TikTok to share your knowledge.

In the 19th century, Horace Mann, a pioneer of American public schools, famously called education the “ great equalizer of the conditions of men .” But for decades now, the education system has revealed — and amplified — existing social inequalities.

• JM Jeff Mazur is the executive director for  LaunchCode , a nonprofit aiming to fill the gap in tech talent by matching companies with trained individuals. As one of the winners of the  2017 MIT Inclusive Innovation Challenge , LaunchCode has been recognized for expanding “the tech workforce by providing free coding education to disadvantaged job seekers.” Jeff lives in St. Louis with his wife and twin girls.

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Is a College Degree Necessary for Success?

Education comes in many forms, whether through years of schooling or months of hands-on training.

Table of Contents

Education can come in many forms, from years of schooling to months of hands-on training. But, today, it seems the highest and most credible accomplishment in education is a college degree – something not only encouraged but often expected by employers. 

Statistics show that today’s population is the most educated in U.S. history. In 2020, there were 2.04 million bachelor’s degrees awarded, and that figure is expected to increase to 2.45 million by 2031, according to Statista . About 100 years earlier, there were only 48,620 bachelor’s degrees awarded, demonstrating major growth in education over the century. 

The most common degree employers look for on resumes is a bachelor’s degree, with higher company positions requiring a master’s or above. Popular majors among graduates include STEM, business, health care, liberal arts and education. 

Though it seems that a college degree is necessary for almost any job, there are other ways to train for a career. We’ll cover these below.

Is a college degree necessary to succeed in business?

“At some point in the last 20 years, the idea developed that you needed a college degree to ensure professional success,” said Robin Schwartz, human resources director at Welldoc. “That has evolved to many pursuing four-year degree programs and even master’s degrees without being entirely sure what they want to do professionally.”

While a college degree developed into a must-have in the business world, some fields don’t require it. Here are some elements that determine whether such higher education is necessary .

Hiring manager

An overwhelming number of workers, including those with impressive degrees, feel that degrees are not necessary for career success. However, experts said most companies and hiring managers don’t reflect this belief.

“I have two college degrees that I barely use, so I would say at face value, no, you don’t ‘need’ one,” said Valerie Streif, marketing manager at GetMyBoat. “But, unfortunately, the way HR departments have evolved and hiring strategies have changed, it has become an essential box to tick, something that must be on a resume for you to be considered for a position, even if the position wouldn’t require skills that you acquired while earning that degree.”

For instance, Alex Membrillo, CEO of Cardinal Digital Marketing, said that a standard prerequisite for post positions in his marketing agency is a four-year degree. If a candidate doesn’t have one, their application likely won’t even be reviewed.

“The reason for this is because the agency manages large advertising budgets and media spend for clients, and it’s important that we’re staffed with qualified employees,” he said.

Many managers believe that degrees validate qualifications, and they’ll usually choose a candidate with a degree over one without.

This issue is also highly dependent on the industry. For instance, someone who works in psychology would need a higher degree to counsel, whereas someone in construction would need more hands-on experience. 

“People can certainly be successful without a degree ,” said Membrillo. “However, they need to choose a path or career where it’s not necessary.”

Even at his marketing agency, there are some positions that Membrillo doesn’t require a degree for, such as marketing content writers. He hires them based on writing samples and tests, and he would consider anyone regardless of whether they graduated from college, going off talent and experience rather than schooling.

Occupations requiring hands-on experience or trade skills are less likely to require a college degree. For example, about 50 percent of glaziers are hired with a high school diploma or equivalent, and about 23 percent are hired with some college experience but no degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . Other occupations that may not require a degree include plumbers, farmers, parts salesmen, cashiers, barbers, pavers, choreographers, service technicians and DJs. 

Additionally,  some occupations may not necessarily require a high school degree, either. Animal breeders, agricultural equipment operators, greenhouse or crop laborers, and ranch workers are possible career paths for those with limited educational experience who enjoy hands-on work.

Everyone is different. There is no right or wrong level of education, no matter what society says. People learn in various ways, and it ultimately comes down to what works best for them. 

“It is up to the individual to decide how they view and measure success,” said Jacob Dayan, CEO and co-founder of Community Tax. “There are many variables to help measure your own unique success. For example, you can find success without a college degree by taking on a family business at an early age. This is a success story for small business owners . It is up to the individual to find their own unique type of success that both challenges them and gives them purpose in life.”

Alternative options for a college education

If you don’t have the resources or don’t want to attend college, there are other paths to take. Here are the most common. [Learn how people got rich without college .]

Trade schools

Trade schools are great for those with specific interests who want to receive accelerated training and education for a given trade, from elevator installment to radiation therapy. At the end of their studies at a trade school, students typically receive a diploma and certification in their field. This route requires less money and time.

“By earning an associate’s degree at a community college or trade school, many students can avoid accumulating a mountain of student loan debt,” said Schwartz. The average trade school cost is $33,000, compared to a bachelor’s, which is roughly $127,000, reported Vocational Training HQ . Students who choose the college route, on average, accumulate over $30,000 in student loan debt, according to U.S. News data. 

“Standard programs may vary from one to two years, depending on the certification or degree being accredited,” according to Schwartz. “So, in half the time it takes to finish a four-year degree program, those pursuing the skilled trades can already be working in their industry and start becoming financially dependent.” 

Following your high school graduation, you may wonder whether it would be more beneficial to get a college degree or pursue a trade. Many college students choose the former in the hopes they will secure a job. However, a trade school can offer just the same or more job security. As of June 2022, about 41 percent of college graduates were underemployed, meaning they either did not have enough work or were engaged in jobs that did not use their skill sets, reported Statista. Further, 4 percent of recent graduates were unemployed. 

Many trades offer more job security than those associated with degrees, Schwartz added. Career stability is something all workers want, and a major reason why many attend college and earn degrees in the first place. 

“While no job is 100 percent secure, people still need their roofs repaired and their cars worked on,” Schwartz said. “For the foreseeable future, those jobs will be handled by local skilled trade workers.” [Read more about deciding whether to hire experienced workers or recent college graduates.]

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are similar to trade schools but offer more hands-on opportunities, giving you a feel for labor demands so you know exactly what to expect. While you must pay for a trade school, you will usually be financially compensated for your work in apprenticeships. In essence, you are getting paid to learn skills that will not only benefit you but others as well. 

In 2021, the top occupations with apprentices included electricians, carpenters, plumbers, sprinkler fitters and construction craft laborers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor . Becoming an apprentice also grants access to a network of those already in the industry as well as a glimpse into the working environment. 

“Having the opportunity to learn through doing also allows one to become skilled in their job more quickly,” Schwartz said. “If you’re looking for a career that will provide you immediate satisfaction and develop you into an expert more quickly, the skilled trades might be for you.” 

There were over 593,000 apprentices in the nation working on their skills and establishing financial security throughout 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The appeal of apprenticeship continues to grow and proves beneficial in the lives of those who choose this path. 

“The experience you gain can also be used in your personal life,” Schwartz added. “Imagine you’ve bought your first home and need to make some renovations. If you’re a master carpenter or a skilled electrician, these projects will cost you a fraction of what the unskilled public will pay.”

Self-made experiences

If you choose not to pursue any of the options listed, you must have enough self-motivation to start your own brand or network with those in your preferred industry.

“I had a financial advisor who was a retired PGA club pro,” said Membrillo. “While he did not have a college degree, he had over 25 years of business experience running a large golf club and pro shop. When he transitioned to financial advising, he obtained all the needed certifications and training from the national investment company he worked for.”

“If you start out by working for small businesses through personal connections and build up a strong reputation and a long resume of experience, you’ll reach a point where no one will question your education,” said Streif.

Additional reporting by Sammi Caramela. Some source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.

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• Why Formal Education is not Synonymous to Success

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Have you ever heard someone say that if they could just go back to school and get their degree they would be successful? Or if they could only get their Master’s degree they would be better off?

I have heard several statements of the same effect and every time I hear such statements I always ask, ‘Why are you waiting for a piece of paper to determine your life’s story?’

‘Tomorrow is my exam, but I don’t care because a single sheet of paper can’t decide my future.’ – Thomas Edison

Sure, if you are looking for professional white-collar employment it may be necessary for you to have gone the whole nine yards in formal education and attained that degree or that Master’s degree.

But is this the only road to success? If you are anything like me, the answer is definite ‘No’.

Don’t get me wrong, I think education is very important and I’m currently pursuing my LLB degree but that’s only because I am passionate about social change and I feel that this avenue would better position me to effect the kind of change the world around me needs.

However, at the same time I refuse to believe that formal education and being an employee is the only way I can end up being a success in life. If you are anything like me, you believe in creating employment, being creative, being an entrepreneur…you appreciate freedom and you would simply make a bad employee.

The common perception that going all the way through college and getting a good payment package from a big company is getting old… This is why the unemployment level is on the rise even for graduates, everyone is just waiting around to be ‘employed’, and no one is willing to create employment. This might have worked out well for Baby Boomers but it is about time that we change our thinking.

What’s the point of studying for about 25 years of your life only to be confined behind a desk making someone who broke out of this cycle money for the next 30 years? Why don’t you break out of the cycle as well? Challenge yourself… stop shielding yourself on the safety-net of employment, stop limiting yourself, take the leap, you’ll never know what you could have been if you don’t at least try…

What you need is to first re-think your idea of success. Do you consider success to be a big bank balance, exotic cars, a huge house, and a prestigious job title? I think this is an illusion of success, but then again, everyone will have a different idea of what success is, and that’s okay. I personally feel that success is measured by how much impact (positive) you have on the world when your story is over.

How many lives did you touch? Did you change someone’s life for the better? Did you make sure that future generations lead a better more comfortable life than you did? Did you inspire someone to break out of their shell and reach their full potential?

Let’s look at the most revered success stories in history… writers, actors, activists, religious leaders, entrepreneurs, fathers… these people are remembered not for the size of their banks or mansions but for the number of hearts they touched and the impact they had on the world. Creating something valuable and lasting was their idea of success and I feel that we should all learn to view success in a similar light.

For me, success will be changing the social culture of my world, teaching them how to look at the world differently and to shun the negative practices as opposed to glorifying them. This can’t be done by going through college but by feeding my passion, educating myself on social thinking patterns and approaches that resonate with the masses, hence effectively positioning myself to influence change. For me, this is the most important kind of education, one driven by passion as opposed to the hopes of a stable life.

In the past, a lot of people have dropped out of school to follow an unconventional idea of success, to work on their passions, and they became hugely successful. These people chose to educate themselves informally to reach their goals and they eventually found success and happiness.

We have missed the real meaning of education. The real point of education is to make us aware of ourselves and the world around us. Once a person has realized what they want, they can educate themselves and acquire the necessary skills to reach the heights that they set for themselves. I mean look at a man like:

Case Study: Malcom X.

From being a regular street thug, he found his passion while in prison, converted to Islam, educated himself on the social injustices that were ongoing against his people at the time, reflected on possible solutions, and came out to become the spokesperson of one of the largest civil rights movements in the world’s history, the Nation of Islam. Today he is remembered not for a college degree, or a big house, or luxury cars, but for the significant role in the civil rights revolution.

This article will emphasize on the importance of education but at the end, it will explain to you why formal education isn’t necessarily synonymous to success, I hope you will have changed your idea of success and become inspired to truly educate yourself and follow your passion. If you do this, I guarantee you a happier and more fulfilled life ahead.

THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION

Undeniably, formal education has paved way for the modern era and is the basis of logical and rational thinking. However, it is inaccurate to say that without education people would not be able to read, write, or calculate… Think of the Egyptian Hieroglyphs .

Nonetheless this form of education has been extremely beneficial to people across the globe in both small and large measures. Education has contributed immensely to social development across the world and has provided different people with the skills necessary to navigate a world beyond their own.

There are other benefits that formal education has brought the world. What are the most significant and notable of these?

Global Citizenship/Equality

Formal education provides you with global citizenship . By this I mean that formal education opens your eyes to the fact that regardless of a person’s nationality, gender, language, or skin color, we are all human beings.

When you learn about the history of people from different corners of the world you realize that, as human beings, we have all faced the similar struggles, suffered the same pains, and enjoyed the same pleasures. This plucks any notion of racism/ethnicism that your mind might have conceived and you begin to treat the entire human race as one, you view everyone as an equal regardless of their origins.

Essentially formal education exposes us to knowledge and truths that change our outlook on the world, an outlook that we would perhaps never acquired without it. It produces men and women of moral integrity who are tolerant, wise, and inclined to public service.

Development in Developing Countries

I am against the idea that formal education came to save developing countries whose people were disorganized savages constantly at war with each other. However, I do believe that formal education has played a role in social integration and contributed to the blurring of ethnic lines in young nations.

Formal education gives you an understanding of yourself and others, enabling you to view others as brothers and sisters and as opposed to a threat. The cohesion that arises from this effectively drives economic and social development in a young nation because people focus on pooling their efforts for the greater good of the nation rather than constantly engaging in a tag of war in which no one really benefits.

A Stable Life

Granted, employment does not necessarily imply that you have to be formally educated but with education most people are able to get a stable job with consistent income, hence being they are able to meet the basic material needs of their lives.

Without formal education it is more than likely that you could end up holding an unstable minimum wage jobs, it’s not a guarantee, but it is highly likely. At the least, education assures you a more stable and secure life … But with the rising levels of unemployment, even this is starting to seem like a gamble.

Reduction in Crime Rate

Formal education instills in your mind the difference between right and wrong, lawful and illegal. You may argue that this is not enough to stop a person from committing a crime, that there are also white collar crimes such as fraud and tax evasion. It’s a good argument and I agree with it, but formal education gives you something that an uneducated person may not have… hope.

An educated person will have hope of getting stable employment that will ensure a stable life for him. On the other hand, an uneducated person may lack the same kind of hope for opportunity and as a result that person may often be driven to crimes such as theft and robbery in a desperate attempt to secure a better future.

With wide spread formal education , this hopelessness can be mitigated, leading to a reduction of crime rate, promote an entrepreneurship spirit, and encourage social peace and harmony.

Builds your Confidence

Although it is not an accurate assumption, it is a common perception that a college degree is proof of knowledgeability. When you’re educated, people around you are more willing to listen to you and take you seriously.

Due to this widely held perception, an uneducated man may feel inadequate and therefore find it difficult to voice his opinions even when he has a good point to make, and even when he really does have a good point, people may not put that much weight to his words. An educated person, on the other hand will generally feel more confident to express his opinions, which people will gladly consider, gradually building his confidence .

Shields you from Exploitation

When you’re uneducated it is easier for people to take advantage of your illiteracy and ignorance.

Due to a lack of exposure, most uneducated people may not even be aware of their constitutional rights which leaves them open to harassment by police officers, mistreatment by landlords, exploitation by sales men and conmen… it’s far much easier to take advantage of innocent and illiterate people than it is the educated.

Formal education gives you an awareness of your fundamental rights and as a result you are aware when any situation deprives you of those rights at which point you are able to fight against that mistreatment or exploitation.

HOW EDUCATION COULD BETTER POSITION YOU FOR SUCCESS

I would be deceiving you and myself if I told you that education plays absolutely no role in a person’s success. I believe success is unlocking your true potential by applying the knowledge you have acquired in order to make a difference in the world around you as well as making your own life a beautiful master piece. I also believe that reaching a level where you no longer define yourself or your success with material possessions is itself an indication of success.

True education challenges you to creatively apply the knowledge you’ve acquired and think for yourself. Formal education that purely tests on your effectiveness to remember a bunch of facts is not true education. Anyone can cram a bunch of facts in their mind for a few days but once the tests are over a lot of people forget those facts… So what’s the point really?

Being educated is being able to make independent decisions and opinions about different subjects, enabling you to make an original contribution in the field you choose to delve in. A good education encourages the development of two facets, analytical intelligence and emotional intelligence.

Analytical intelligence enables you to solve technical problems while emotional intelligence enables you to communicate and make connections with others. An education focused on these two facets as opposed to simply memorizing a bunch of facts breeds characters who are capable of achieving success and leading a happy content life.

Here are two of the strongest arguments I have found to be in support of the opinion that education plays a significant role in your success.

Provides Skill Set/Experience to Succeed

The kind of education that inspires success is not just the formal kind. Education that promotes hands on skillset acquisition and experience that goes beyond the cramming of facts better prepares you for success.

A form of education that encourages one-on-one time between the teacher and the student is much more effective than conventional education were the teacher feels that his only obligation is to disseminate information without any consideration of whether the students are challenged or inspired to think independently on the subjects being covered.

This formal education rarely positions you for success unless you personally take a keen interest in the subject and educate and challenge yourself further, otherwise all you’ll be doing is keeping facts in your head, facts that you’re probably not even interested in.

However, true education leads you towards success by challenging you to apply the things you’ve learned to solve real issues and to make original contributions in whatever field you are involved in, hence paving the way for your success.

Access to Knowledge

At its most basic, formal education enables you to read and write, not in Egyptian Hieroglyphs, but in the most commonly used letters and languages. This gives you the access to a vast collection of human knowledge and wisdom that spans across numerous centuries and generations.

With access to such vast knowledge you can learn from the teachings of the masters of whatever field you have chosen to engage in and this will propel your own success. When you stand on the shoulders of your predecessors who made great contributions in your field you are able to see much further than they did, it’s better than starting from scratch.

Great achievers like Isaac Newton have acknowledged that the contribution of his predecessors immensely contributed to their success. Malcom X once said it’s important to study history because we get to learn from people who experienced the same predicaments, so we already have the solutions in place.

WHY FORMAL EDUCATION IS NOT EQUAL TO SUCCESS

Winners have an edge over their competition despite the fact that they possibly have the same educational level because they think outside the box and push the limits rather than take comfort in things as they are. They choose to innovate and make their own unique contributions in their field.

‘Our actions, not our thoughts, define who we are.’ – Unknown

Our actions define who we are and in time the actions we consistently repeat come to us automatically and become second nature, they become impulsive, you could almost do them in your sleep.

Good habits like pushing through your tasks for the day even when you don’t really feel like it can propel you towards success while bad habits such as snoozing through your first alarm and allowing yourself to slack off can be detrimental for your success.

In this light, no matter what your level of education is, if you haven’t mastered discipline in your work and you are therefore never consistent in your efforts towards your goals you are almost guaranteed to miss your mark.

A less educated person who has cultivated positive habits , for example waking up before daybreak, never letting himself slack off, and who is willing to go that extra mile to achieve his goals will certainly achieve success. In this case your level of education has nothing to do with your level of success. The habits you cultivate, that inherently become you, are a greater determinant of whether you fail or succeed.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit Doesn’t Discriminate/Thinking outside the Box

Formal education takes you out of the class right into a career, possibly for a big company. But who creates these companies?… Entrepreneurs… The entrepreneurial spirit does not consider your educational level, if it finds you it finds you. Entrepreneurship is not a career you have to qualify for. Entrepreneurship is a calling, a fire inside you that overwhelms you; it becomes a lifestyle, a way of life.

Formal education confines you in a predictable environment where the results are predetermined and controllable. The formula is… finish college, possibly do your Master’s and Phd, get a well-paying job in a big company/become a university professor… Formal education doesn’t encourage you to think outside of this box and most people never break out of this line of thinking.

They never feel prompted to do more or make an effort to leave their own mark in their field as long as they keep receiving that stable income at the end of each month.

Entrepreneurs are the people who create the jobs for the college graduates. They are the ones who dared to break out of the conventional reliance on formal education to achieve success.

Case Study: Bill Gates

Gates dropped out of Harvard to follow his passion and found Microsoft with his childhood friend Paul Allen.

I am not in any way encouraging you to drop out of school but it is a noteworthy example… How a regular student who over the years had honed his skills in coding didn’t need a university degree to follow his passion and go on to build one of the most successful and wealthiest companies in the world today with an employee base of over 100, 000.

Belief in Yourself is the Key

The best lessons to be learned are actually learned from life itself. Besides formal education, the adoption of strong ethos’, our abilities to self-reflect and adapt, as well as our belief in or abilities and capabilities all play a key role in whether we become successful or fail.

The real key to success is our belief in ourselves , this is what enables us to tap deep into our cores and unleash our potential. Formal education does not encourage self-introspect but if you put yourself on a path of self-discovery that results in self-belief and self-confidence in your own abilities, you will have the tools necessary to achieve success in anything you choose to do.

Attaining a college education may be important, but the most important lessons are those that forge men of character who are willing to break away from conventional boundaries and are bold enough to take the bull by the horns to achieve their dreams.

Goals are also never determined by your level of education. Sure some courses will lead to better paying careers than others. Sure formal education may expose you to realities that may be hidden from a person who did not attain the same level of education but whether you are formally educated or not your dreams have no limit… there is no cap to dreaming.

You may be educated but set goals that are too easy and never make any significant progress, remaining stagnant in that well-paying job of yours, never reaching your full potential. On the other hand, you could skip formal education but set lofty goals that inspire you to work harder to attain them, so much so that you even create employment for the formally educated.

‘Impossible is Nothing.’ – Muhammed Ali

To attain true success, whether you are formally educated or not, you should establish broad but flexible long-term goals that detail your long-term success, while simultaneously having small day-to-day goals that you remain dedicated to in order to achieve the broad vision .

You cannot achieve true success if you have no vision regardless of whether you have a college degree or not, do not just assume that you can relax and success will come to you just because you have a formal education, you have to chase it.

Environment/Company

Have you heard of the phrase ‘You are a product of your environment’?

I have personally found this to be true. If you create an environment that feeds your distractions you will never make significant progress and possibly miss the mark of success. For example, when you live in an untidy environment don’t you feel that your mind is clogged and unable to focus? It works the same way in life. For you to be successful you have to maintain a tidy environment.

Even when you are educated if you surround yourself with unmotivated, apathetic, and lazy people you will find yourself being equally reckless with your time, being unable to motivate yourself to reach for your goals.

‘You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.’ – Unknown

If the kind of company you keep doesn’t acknowledge ambition and hard work they will slowly suck the ambition out of you and you will find yourself stagnating. On the other hand, an uneducated person who is surrounded by ambitious individuals who feed his passion will be greatly motivated to reach for his goals and is better positioned to achieve success, even surpassing individuals with a formal education.

Create an environment that feeds your ambitions, that propels you towards your goals. Structure your work environment and surround yourself with people who encourage your productivity and lead you to success. Whether you have a college degree or not, once you start creating this environment you will find yourself gravitating towards success. With a vision, a great attitude, and the perfect environment, nothing can stand in the way of you and your success.

Case Study: Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, was a firm believer in keeping good company, one of his most notable words we, ‘Surround yourself with the dreamers, the ones who see the greatness within you, even when you don’t see it yourself.’

As a closing remark, yes, I believe we need education to be successful, but not in the conventional sense of the word ‘education’. We need to redefine what true success is and educate ourselves in a manner that will enable us to achieve it.

More than anything, your attitude is the most important determinant for achieving success. Attitude affects how you cope with failure as well as the enthusiasm with which you approach your objectives as well as your challenges. Formal education cannot teach you attitude or enthusiasm and without these the drive to go for your dreams and to positively impact the world around you will be little or non-existent.

‘Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.’  – Ralph Waldo

Formal education has many benefits, but makes no mistake; it is not an automatic prerequisite for success. You are not going to become automatically successful because you have a college degree; it takes much more than that.

To be successful you must be ambitious, driven, disciplined, and passionate. You must educate yourself in your field of interest beyond what you learn in the classroom, study your predecessors and stand on their shoulders to be able to make an original/unique impact of your own, to influence (positively) the world around you, and leave a lasting legacy before passing over the baton to the next generation.

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Dawn Papandrea

Updated Jan 18, 2017

Is a College Degree Necessary for Success?

• Plan for College
• College Types

When you’re facing thousands of dollars in tuition costs and potential loan debt, it’s only natural to wonder if a college degree is worth it.

The short answer is that it’s complicated. It’s difficult to provide mathematical proof that investing in a college education will provide real-dollar value throughout your life since there are many other factors at play. For instance, the type of career you want to pursue, how much you ultimately pay for college, and where you live post-graduation can all play a role in the value of your degree.

For some students, a traditional college degree may not be the best choice if you want to work in a trade like plumbing or construction. However, that doesn’t mean your classroom days are over. If you ultimately decide not to pursue a bachelor’s degree, it’s still in your best interest to learn marketable skills through a certificate or trade school program .

That being said, attending college is often a smart decision for students. In fact, for the most lucrative career paths, a college degree can be a minimum requirement just to get a job. Here are some reasons why a college degree is not only necessary, but worth the expense.

A Degree Can Boost Your Income, and Improve Your Résumé

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , earning potential and educational attainment are directly related. For instance, bachelor’s degree holders over age 25 earned a median of $1,334 per week in 2021 versus those who completed only high school and earned $809 per week. Degree credentials open up more doors to jobs that pay higher wages. Even for positions that don’t necessarily require college, having a degree is likely to put you at an advantage over a fellow qualified job seeker who did not finish college.

However, in the past few years, some employers are dropping degree requirements . Some students find deferring from college for a year or several years can also help them test the waters and see what it’s like working—and applying to a job—without a college degree. If you’re not sure if college is right for you, taking a gap year can give you options.  

College Can Be a Life-Changing Experience

It’s okay not to have a clear idea of your future career. Not only are college degrees a prerequisite for certain fields, but college gives you the opportunity to explore different fields, practice new ways of thinking, and experience new things. By broadening your perspective and learning about a variety of subjects, you can discover a career path that interests and suits you, rather than building experience in an industry that may not interest you down the road.  

You also don’t need to pick a major prior to enrollment; entering college as undeclared can help you home in on interests as you explore different classes and fields. There are many subjects you may not have been exposed to in high school, and many colleges have degree requirements across disciplines. This means you can spend your first few semesters sampling classes as an undeclared student before officially declaring a major. Plus, college provides the chance to meet knowledgeable professors and students, take on a leadership role within a group or team, and develop skills you’ll take with you throughout life. You may even get to study abroad, meet industry leaders, or score a great internship with your desired company.

It Might Be a Career Prerequisite

Even though some professions are dropping degree requirements, it’s still the exception rather than the rule in many industries. Many professional careers today require at least a bachelor’s degree to get started, and some want graduate-level education. For instance, if you’d like to become a doctor, lawyer, or accountant, be prepared that an undergraduate degree is just the beginning.   Of course, you’re not just earning a degree for its own sake. When you’re on a professional track, you’ll need a strong knowledge base, critical thinking skills, and industry-specific know-how to thrive—all of which a college degree will afford you.

It Might Not Be As Expensive As You Think

There’s nothing wrong with choosing a school that is more affordable. Don’t overlook community colleges and state universities , which offer a quality education for what’s typically a lower price tag than that of private institutions. Many Ivy League schools, such as Princeton , offer strong need-based financial aid, with grants covering up to 100% of financial need for students who qualify. Also, be sure to apply for financial aid and look for scholarships to help offset the cost. Value is all about getting the most bang for your educational buck, and minimizing the cost is one way to do that.

Some Majors Have a Proven Record of Strong ROI

Try My College Plan , an award-winning tool that helps determine how your college costs may stack up against your potential income. For example, if you are studying engineering where the starting salaries approach six figures, you can better justify choosing a more expensive institution. Also, if you’re on a track that includes graduate school, remember that you have more years of educational costs ahead of you.

Instead of thinking of college in terms of dollars and cents, think of it as a huge investment in yourself and your future. The more hard work and effort you put into your schooling, the more value you’ll get from your degree because it will leave you well-positioned for career fulfillment and success.

Applying to college? We can help.

Related articles, small college towns vs. colleges in major cities, the benefits of an hbcu: in college and beyond, i picked my school based on its sports teams. here’s how i actually liked it, quiz: is an out-of-state college right for you.

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Guest Essay

You Learn the Value of a College Degree When You Live Without One

By Christopher Zara

Mr. Zara, a senior editor at Fast Company, is the author of the forthcoming memoir “Uneducated.”

It was probably the most nerve-racking job interview of my life.

Across the table from me sat a person who had it all: years of professional experience, confidence and, perhaps most impressively from my vantage point, undergraduate and graduate degrees from two of the top journalism schools in the country. Here I was with a 10th-grade education and a G.E.D., hoping to impress a possible future colleague in an industry that expects impressive credentials.

It’s normal to be anxious in a job interview, so in a sense my desire for approval that day was not out of the ordinary. Except I wasn’t interviewing for the job. I was the interviewer. More specifically, I was a newly promoted digital editor at a major business magazine looking to hire my first staff writer.

I’ve never forgotten this dynamic: being in a managerial role in the New York City media industry — top of my game, as they say — and somehow still worrying that a job candidate might look up my educational background and wonder what right I had to be where I am.

That’s the real power of education.

When we talk about the education divide in this country, it’s often through the lens of political and cultural differences. College-educated Americans are assumed to be more progressive, vote Democratic, live in cities and work in professions that before the pandemic required being in an office. Their non-degreed counterparts, the story goes, tend to be more conservative, rural and employed in the kinds of blue-collar jobs that have been disappearing for the last 40 years.

Academic studies and polling data back up these stereotypes to some extent, but they are only one piece of a bigger picture of the giant rifts that have formed and continue to form between Americans who benefit from higher education and those who don’t.

The education divide is equally about who gives us a chance, who lets us in the room and which rooms we get to be in. It’s what made my encounter as a non-degreed editor interviewing a job candidate with a master’s from a top journalism school feel so poignant. Had our roles in the interview been reversed that day, it’s hard to imagine that my résumé would even have been considered.

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Do college grades predict future success.

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By Jack Tai, CEO and co-founder of OneClass .

Each year, millions of students will ask why it matters if they get an A or a C in calculus class. Still, students work hard to complete the required course with the best grade possible. 

It's been drilled into the heads of all students: Doing well in school is important to future success. But how true is it? Are good grades statistically shown to precede career success, high earnings and entrepreneurial leadership? 

An increasing number of research papers show the complicated relationship between academic achievement and career success. Here's what we know. 

Does A Good GPA In College Lead To Career Success?

Earning a good grade is not only a measure of subject matter knowledge or intelligence. Instead, it's a composite of knowledge, skills and personality traits. 

For example, a student with a good work ethic and discipline could help their grades because they turn in homework assignments on time and have good class attendance. Similarly, a student who is driven would be willing to do additional research for assignments or to seek out learning resources if they were struggling. 

Because grades are a composite measurement of student performance, they can be a better predictor of success than other narrow measures, such as IQ. 

A research paper co-authored by Nobel Prize-winning economist James Heckman found that personality is one of the most important predictors of success. Grades capture personality traits like perseverance, diligence and self-discipline, three helpful traits that can lead to success. On the other hand, IQ alone only accounts for 1% to 2% of income differences. 

Even while there are links between academic and career success, there are still notable gaps. For example, grades don't measure leadership or comfort with risk, two traits that are essential to the highest echelon of business success. Additionally, a grade point average (GPA) isn't an indicator of emotional intelligence or interpersonal skills like networking. It'd be hard to go far in a career without these critical skills. 

How Are Recent Graduates Affected By Their GPA?

Despite the limitations of how academic success can predict career success, college grades remain a key factor for a student's trajectory after college. 

College grades are evaluated by the gatekeepers for many opportunities, including graduate school, internships, fellowships and job applications. GPA is also an easy way to sort candidates and identify likely prospects. 

For college graduates in the class of 2019, 73% of potential employers have screened job candidates by GPA, according to the Job Outlook 2019 survey. Moreover, most industries had a GPA cutoff, and students needed at least a B average before their résumé was considered. 

Recent graduates with a good GPA could be more likely to land a job interview or have a chance to prove their qualifications. Conversely, those with a lower GPA could be forced to shift their job search to smaller markets or smaller companies and to accept lower salaries.

Notably, early career struggles can have a long-term impact on career trajectory. Students who graduate during a recession can struggle to break free of underemployment and have lower earnings for about a decade after entering the workforce. 

Students who earn good grades in college don't face the same downward pressure as those who scrape by, so top students may have a leg up when setting their path to career success. 

Do Future Entrepreneurs Do Well In School?

Entrepreneurs, innovators and those in creative industries build their success by breaking the mold. In other words, the best entrepreneurs may not have turned their homework in on time. Classic examples of this phenomenon include Steve Jobs graduating high school with a 2.65 GPA or Bill Gates dropping out of college. 

For decades, psychologists have noted the divergence between academic success and outcomes in creative careers. An analysis of the most creative architects found that even though the group had an overall B average, there was a wide range of grades among individual courses. In courses that these industry leaders found interesting, the creative students earned top grades. But "in courses that failed to strike their imagination, they were quite willing to do no work at all," said the researchers (paywall).

The inverse correlation between grades and creativity was further demonstrated in a 2016 NYU study of 10,000 college students. Researchers found that as GPA went down, innovation tended to go up. This is because innovators tend to be intrinsically motivated. Unlike grades, which are an external validation, the most creative entrepreneurs could be focused on their own types of problem-solving. 

How Is College GPA Related To Income Potential?

While good grades do offer an upward lift for recent graduates entering the job market, there is inconclusive evidence to connect college GPA to long-term earnings. However, there is a strong link between income and which school a student attends. 

A study by the American Sociological Association found that after 10 years in the workforce, graduates of the most competitive colleges earn 19% more than those who graduate from colleges without a competitive admissions process. 

Based on this, earning a B average at a top college could be more likely to result in better career earnings than an A average at a mediocre college. 

This underscores that focus on a good GPA should not be limited to college. High school students with good grades could be accepted to more competitive colleges and could potentially see the related income boost. 

As students in every grade level face the challenge of demonstrating their potential for success, modern academic resources can help students punch above their weight. For example, 90% of users of my company's note-sharing platform see a one-letter-grade increase, according to my company’s findings. One potential cause? Students who are seeking out learning resources are demonstrating academic grit, a solid predictor of future success.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, most practical major to choose in college.

Greetings, folks! I'm a high school junior trying to make some early decisions about my future. I'd love to get some input on which college majors people find the most practical or beneficial to pursue. What are your thoughts?

Hello! The answer to your question mostly comes down to what your personal strengths, interests, and career goals are. However, here are some popular majors considered practical due to employment opportunities and potential salary:

- Computer Science/Information Technology: With the migration of businesses towards digital platforms, there is high demand for individuals skilled in computing and data analysis. These fields also typically offer high salaries.

- Engineering disciplines: Engineering graduates, whether that's in civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical or other discipline, often have strong job prospects due to the need for such skills in various industries.

- Healthcare/Nursing: Working in healthcare can be rewarding and offers high job security, given the constant need for medical professionals. Plus, there's potential for career growth and advanced specialization.

- Business/Finance/Economics: These disciplines provide a strong foundation for multiple career paths in industries like marketing, finance, management, and entrepreneurship.

- Education: While not always the highest paying, education is a rewarding field with solid job prospects, particularly as education adapts to the digital age.

Remember, majoring in something practical doesn't necessarily guarantee success. It's just as important to enjoy what you're studying—passion and curiosity make it easier to excel academically, which can also lead to better job opportunities. So, consider an intersection of practicality and personal interest when choosing a major.

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