E068: Is College Worth It?

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E068

Is College Worth It?

Key takeaway: College takes years and can cost a lot of money, and deciding whether to go (and where and what to study) are key decisions. Randy and James discuss the pros and cons

Topics covered in this video: 

• It feels differently going to college straight from high school versus going later in life
• Start by asking what is your objective in considering college - what should it do for you (enhance earnings prospects, make a specific career possible, etc.)?
• Randy’s family’s influence on his decision to start college … and later resume it
• Are you well-suited for college? Were you a good student in high school (top half of your class)? Do you like studying (reading and writing)?
• Do you need to go to an elite school or a private school? Contrast that with community college or a State university
• Low-cost experimentation may be a way to see whether college is for you
• It can be counterproductive to get a degree in a field you don’t like, but it can also be productive to get any degree as quickly as possible
• Think about what you want to do, but don’t be caught up thinking you need to find your passion
• Be tactical about the degree you choose, considering the costs and likely return of your degree
• What are some alternatives to getting a traditional college degree? The benefit of talking with people already working in an area that interests you