Is College for Everyone?

"You won't get anywhere without your education." We hear this refrain from the time we are in elementary school. This may be true, but is college for everyone? More and more individuals are enrolling in two and four year post-secondary schools, but why? Often, a desire for learning is not what drives students to attend college. Factors that determine reasons for attending college vary from personal to professional. These factors are the key to our discussion.

There is no doubt that education is important. There is also no doubt that every person has the right to an education. However, not every person should attend college. There are too many students enrolled in school that simply don't belong there. Though drop-out rates vary, it is estimated that in the US, approximately 50% of students who begin college never graduate. There exist students who are not yet ready for the academic and financial challenges of college. There exist students who do not have the desire for college or learning. Some students may be better suited for a different type of education, if any.