Is College Worth It?

Every year around this time, the same question is asked  and debated on between academics, college administrators, officials in the public/private sphere, and students--is college worth it? The question is of the utmost importance for recent high school and college graduates, along with their parents, who often participate in paying for the college education. They generally want to know if the experience is actually worth the cost, and if the time and money spent will increase the chances of finding a better job in an expanding economy. No doubt that students currently attending or planning on attending UT Tyler have asked this question during their time here.

The answer, according to David Leonhardt from the New York Times, is an unequivocal yes. Leonhardt looks to the college wage premium to make this determination. The college wage premium is how much more college graduates earn than everyone else, based on changing job requirements and overall economic health. Leonhardt finds that the premium is the widest it has ever been, meaning the benefits of a college degree outweigh the potential benefits of finding a job straight out of high school.

Leonhardt also note that, despite mounting fears about student debt levels in the United States and their potential deterrent effect on matriculation, the average student's loan burden pales in comparison to the long-term benefits of a bachelor's degree. That effect is strengthened with more time spent in the higher education setting; i.e. obtaining an MBA, PhD, M.D., J.D., etc.

However, one should not assume that attending college grants the same premium effect as graduating from college. Leonhardt finds that the wage premium for people with some college experience but no degree has been stagnant for years, even as debt levels has been rising. The result is that college dropouts may be worse off than people who never even enrolled. Thus, when one asks themselves "Is college worth it?" they must evaluate both the potential of a college degree and the likeliness of obtaining said degree.

FiveThirtyEight Blog's Ben Casselman breaks down the numbers for the chances of graduating from college in today's social and economic environment. He finds that less than 60 percent of full-time students enrolled in college for the first time graduate for six years. This number decreases for part-time students, racial minorities, and older and low-income students. This means the potential to work within the college wage premium decreases based on various demographics, but it does not mean that the effort to obtain a college degree should be changed. Leonhardt argues that these numbers are not reasons to decide against college; they are an argument for strengthening programs aimed at improving graduation rates.


For future and returning college students reading this post, refrain from reading this in a skeptical or pessimistic lens. Take this as motivation to finish what you started, or what you are about to start. If you have decided on attending UT Tyler, or if you are questioning your return in the Fall of 2014, keep in mind the benefits of a college degree in today's economic climate versus dropping out or not enrolling in the first place. College is a great catalyst for future success, but the only way to achieve that effect is to graduate.

The Nature of English ... if "English" is the right word?

Pop-Quiz, what does the 'English" in your English 1301 class stand for?

College Showcase- Education and Psychology!

      The University of Texas at Tyler will host an event on campus called College Showcase from Monday, February 10 to Thursday February 13. Every college will have its own day to showcase their degree programs to prospective student. The College of Education and Psychology will present their programs on Wednesday, February 12 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

You Study WHAT?

   For many people the system of Higher Education is a pathway to studying the things that fascinate you. For some it might be the work of the Romantic Poets, the 1667 government of Germany, or the way that molecules work under different temperatures. Everybody finds certain things more fascinating than others, however justifying your interests can sometimes be difficult.

Going For The Masters

Deciding where you want to go in life can be difficult at times. Really difficult. Like, you have two doors with one reading MONEY and the other reading DEATH ... and you are blindfolded, turned around, and then asked to pick what door you want to go through.

What Is Education?

   What 'is' Education? Some today refer to education as 'opportunity' and others might call it 'the chance for a better career.' If I might be allowed to wax poetic for a bit, education is using your abilities towards the valuing and betterment of human life. Education proves to be the highest aim a person can work towards if it is your means to making the biggest difference for others. I believe education is the ultimate in of Humanism and Humanitarian beliefs. 

 Race Theory, Feminist Theory, Humanism, and other tools so you can make a difference. Do you believe that Politics is corrupt and that is the cause of world problems? Study the law, study economics, and study politics! Become the expert who can guard his values from being infected and champion your work. 

 This belief comes from my opinion that the only way to know how to fix the problems in our world is to actually understand what is wrong with it. Some argue that would planet still has gender and race issues, that these are the greatest troubles we as people should combat. Educate yourself on

   Mainly, I am discussing the things college can allow you to pursue in this post. I believe in it wholeheartedly. Some argue that college is a money hungry institution and it only serves to siphon income from some and to be the unobtainable carrot-on-a-stick for others. I believe the opposite. I believe, ironically, that by educating yourself early that college is not only basically free, it returns its value in innumerable dividends. Study up on the SAT and ACT, look up how scholarships work, call those who can give you answers.

   Education is indeed 'opportunity,' however like all opportunities it has to be taken. Education begins in school when we are young, however kids rarely are aware that the twitter they use can advocate social causes and that, with study, an education on Public Relations can make Twitter a force to change peoples lives.

   Education should, in my opinion, end with the betterment of others. We have a duty to champion those who cannot carry their own banners. Education is a tool we can use to make this world a better place. The University of Texas at Tyler helped me learn this while I was busy trying to create a Student Colloquium my peers could find ways to express their voice academically, so they could also do it on their own time, so they could pursue educating themselves on subjects in an extracurricular fashion. People from all levels of Academia here at the University have helped me. This model should be the kind we follow in life, not just in school.

   What nobody says is that this path to helping the world with education is difficult. It is in no way easy, however we are all blessed with the capacity to ask for aid from those who have been where we have been.

    The University of Texas at Tyler has allowed me to share my voice on so many issues, issues both large and small. Education is a gift and I hope you, dear reader, know where yours has come from. We have all had teachers, parents, and colleagues who have taught us, helped us, and listened to us.

   While obviously I love the University of Texas at Tyler and would actively encourage you to attend, you should pursue the best options for where you live. Pursue the best education you can. After you do? Help others. Thank others. Love others.

   To all those who have aided, mentored, supported, and listened to me - thank you. I hope in my life I am able to pay foreword the values and patience you have all shown to me. I am proud to know that you will do this for others in the future. 

   For those who have yet to have done this for others? In time, you will. Until then, educate yourselves as best you can. 

   

   

Who Runs the World?

October 11 is International Day of the Girl. I first learned about it in my political science class and on Friday I will celebrate this holiday by watching Girl Rising, a movie about the movement to educate the young women around the world. The days of education and opportunity being seen as a boy’s only territory are no more. Humanitarians are advocating and taking a stand for girls to have that chance too! Ladies, how about a round of applause?

Wicked!

Collegiate Athletes Honored

As we all know, it is difficult and sometimes overwhelming to be a college student. From reading blog’s below, “Don’t Let Your Time Manage You” by Courtney Sheets, “Maturing in College” by T.J. Sokale, and “College Life” by yours truly, it is apparent that many obstacles and complications may cause roadblocks and even hinder ones’ success while being in college. Daily homework assignments, quizzes, tests, practicals, internships, clinicals, and working is just some of the hurdles that many have to face and overcome on the day to day basis. In addition to these challenges, how about waking up at 5 in the morning to practice? Watching film hours during the day that are usually used to study and do homework? Having to leave and go on road trips that may last up to a week and finding yourself a week behind whenever you return? It is often over-looked at how extreme a collegiate athlete life might be. With this said, it is essential to recognize and give a “pat on the back” to those athletes who play sports and still manage to be recognized by the American Southwest Conference and to be on the 2011 Fall All-Academic honor roll. To be eligible for ASC All-Academic honors, student-athletes must be classified academically as a sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student during the competition season and have been in attendance and completed at least one academic year (two consecutive semesters) at their institution. They must also have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) as certified at the conclusion of the academic semester in which the ASC sport championship is held. Below are the 41 Patriots that are honored by the ACS for Academics:

 http://www.uttylerpatriots.com/home/default/