Success at UNM requires major effort-seeking academic advisement from people who are more qualified to work at Baskin Robbins, listening to lectures that are as dry as crackers, attempting to dodge the tow-truck while knowingly parking at the McDonald's on Yale...the joys of UNM are really too numerous to list in such a short space. I have always wondered: what motivates my fellow students to put themselves through this difficult and frustrating ordeal? While I lose sleep and eat Ramen all in the name of my education, my non-collegiate friends are designing stickers, going snowboarding and decorating their Facebook profiles with photographic tidbits of their world travels. A quick web perusal and an informal poll reaffirm my gut answer to this lofty question: in one way or another, academic pursuits are related to money. But how much does money influence the major that a student chooses?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a college degree doubles annual earnings. Those with a bachelors degree earn an average of $51,206 dollars per year. Students who decide to call it quits after high school earn around $28,000 annually, on average. But this isn't really new information to a college student. We all know that going to college can lead us to a heftier paycheck "one day." But what if your passion area doesn't pay well? I have always loved to write- it's cathartic. As an undergrad, I found sociology to be intriguing (intriguing enough to minor in it), if not a little too common-sense based for my tastes. I was sad but not surprised to learn that Forbes magazine singles out English and Sociology majors as earning the lowest starting salaries-only a few thousand higher than those with only a high school diploma. Is it really worth the time and trouble (nevermind the financial investment) for an extra couple of thousand a year? Is that a smart investment? Is that a worthwhile return? Forbes lists engineering as the undergraduate major that pulls the fattest paycheck. Engineers are in and out of college in 4 years and then they're off to a comfortable life. The majority of my friends and co-workers are engineers (and my brother is in the mechanical engineering program here at UNM) and I've yet to hear one unfavorable comment. Maybe it's because they are too busy in the lab or writing out ridiculously long math equations on wall-sized white boards like my bro. Or maybe it's because they saw college as a savvy business decision that would influence just about everything down the road. Consider nursing. Registered nurses (RN's) earn about $60,000/year here in NM. They typically work three 12-hour shifts per week, and usually they pick the days they work. What do they do for the other 4 days of the week? Care for their children? Golf? Compose their memoirs? I hear through the grapevine that UNM's nursing program has a waiting list over a year long. My friend graduated 8th in her class at West Mesa High School, turned down Ivy-League offers, and can't get into UNM's nursing program. An entire year's worth of qualified students waiting at the program's door! No, I can't say for sure why. Maybe all these students are really interested in cleaning bed pans or doing other routine but necessary hospital tasks. Maybe they like the sight of fresh blood or the smell of Clorox. If you ask me, it's because nursing is a smart business decision. According to a Sallie Mae student loan company, the average undergrad carries $18,900 of debt after graduation. And don't forget our Regents just approved a tuition increase for the upcoming year. You're putting a lot into this whole college bit. Maybe you should get a lot back out?
As I stare off into space at Flying Star, my mind wanders to the unpaid bills waiting for me on my coffee table. Is pursuing a higher-paying degree greedy? Is it an abandonment of one's true self? Or is it smart and realistic?
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I knew the difference in pay was a lot but I didnt realize it was that big of a difference. However for those who decide to quit school after college can still make a considerably nice amount of income, you just need to know how to get there. For now Im working in a field where I dont need a degree and making over $30k a year and continue to get raises with just my knowledge and performance. Im going to school for criminal justice and I dont know what I want to do with it but I do know it is something that interests me. HR, where I work now, isnt my passion but Im there because of the money. I one day hope that my degree can take me somewhere where I can be both happy and making a comfortable living. But right now, as of April 5, 2010, I am in for the money but I want to be in for the love in the future.
ReplyDeleteI think heading to college is something any person should strive for. Of course not everyone needs to go to college to gain more knowledge and that's why it's not for everyone. I know many successful people who never sat in a single college course. Myself am an Electrical Engineer senior at unm about to graduate and that puts me up near the top of that money making list! Woo hoo! I'd be lying to tell you I didn't know this as I started my EE studies. Knowing I could make a very comfortable living by kicking my ass in school sure beats the hell out of a construction job, which I only lasted a month at. On top of that I still have no idea what I want to do as far as a career. Part of the reason why I chose engineering apart from math and solving problems coming easy to me is the un numbered possibilities to do with an engineering degree. Now if the 30+ hr/week labs and year long huge projects and countless hours of homework were worth it all, ask me when I get that piece of paper that says I made it through. It'll most likely be a huge YES!
ReplyDeleteI believe it is always a great idea to try and better yourself, whether it would be in pursuing an education, doing some self-discovery, or contributing to the community. Today's society focuses on self-worth equating to education, which in some cases it is, in other cases it's not.
ReplyDeleteI work in a hospital and some of the doctors and nurses there don't really seem to have a passion for their job or people, they're simply there to get a big paycheck. This is not self-betterment because they are not following their passion, just societal and financial needs. In my opinion people should only go to college if it will help them to become a better person, not a richer one.
Wow. You make a strong point. I remember at one point in my life looking at what major was the best. Yes money is a big driver for most how ever money cant buy you happyness. So make sure you find something you love because in the end the quality of life is the most important.
ReplyDeleteI can truly say as an Elementary Education major that our field is not comprised of money hungry people. It is probably something that deters people from the profession. As a 1st year teacher you the with a BAED you will start out making $30k. This is hardly a reason to choose this profession. The vast majority of teachers choose their profession because they want to do their part to change the world. They may have had a teacher that touched their lives or enjoy working with children. I don't believe that people choose their paths in life. I know that I didn't choose to be a teacher. This profession chose me. As long as I can remember I have been told that I am very patient and warm. I believe that these characteristics lend themselves well to teaching. Now that I have had some experience in the classroom I can not imagine myself doing anything else. I have no reservations, no stress and no nerves. Money seems to only be the source of stress, reservations and nerves and a life full of these is not one I want to lead. College really is only a step to my version of a happy life.
ReplyDeleteThis is an internal struggle that I, myself went through, as well as many others (I would assume). I still have not figured out whether it is worth the money to settle for an occupation that is not your first choice. One thing I do know for sure... I chose my major because it allowed me to make the most money, the quickest, and it offered me a long-term guarantee of income. To me, that's what college was all about.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was choosing my path in college I was pulled in two very different directions. I had a passion for art and for physics, and I chose art. It worked out for me money wise since I ended up getting into graphic design, and now web development, so within 5 years of graduation I was making decent money. Now I would like to go back to get my masters in my professional field, which pretty much means I have to get another bachelors degree first since the art degree requirements are useless for any of the master programs in my field. Looking back I don't think I would change the decision that I made, it worked for me. Now I'll just have to work a bit harder to reach my next goal, but I know I can handle it now, I don't think I could have handled it at 18.
ReplyDeleteForbes will rule most monetarily motivated individuals. The argument is like a brand new house. On the outside it looks alluring, strong and abundant; but on the inside, it is empty. Call me an idealist, but I think someone should always go for what makes them happy. If it really is the dollar sign, then go for it! Whatever “it” is should be for you, not anyone else. I have seen people who live modestly and you wouldn’t even know it because of their happiness. Success is a frame of mind not what tax bracket you’re in.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you very much so. As a first-generation college student, it came to no surprise to me to try and maintain a part-time job while attending college full-time. All the meanwhile, my peers were out practicing ball or gaining leadership skills in the honor societies at school. Was I a member of these organizations? Sure, I was a part of five honor societies, a research program, and took dance classes on the side when I could no longer "think."
ReplyDeleteHowever, I followed my heart rather than my mind. If I would have thought logically, I should have majored in Business, Engineering, or Nursing but I decided to major in Psychology. Do I regret it now? Somewhat. If I could reverse time, I would pursue that business degree. What the heck? I might just pursue the Business degree rather than a PhD in psychology. After all, a PhD will only keep me working in academia for the rest of my life. I would like to think someday I will make some good money and not feel like I wasted years in school trying to make the same amount or less than my friend who started working with an accounting firm right out of high school.
I'm offended - most of your coworkers are scientists, not engineers, and there is a big difference!
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, I think it is most important to choose a career field that you are passionate about. This will end up being the place where people can have the greatest opportunity to make a lasting positive impact on the world. But, it is also critical to make sure the a person's talents overlap in the area that they are passionate about. Otherwise no matter how hard a person works, they will never be successful or influential. That's why I'm not a rock star - simply no talent in that area.
Money should be the least concern of all but I do have a caveat. It is nice to provide a reasonable standard of living for oneself. There is no need to have a huge house, boats, and planes but it is nice to have a roof over your head, the ability to eat decent meals, and take some time off from work to relax every now and then.
Here are some alternative arguments/reasons for why someone (myself included) might choose any one major:
ReplyDelete-Educational investments- Maybe a lot of money was invested in their high school education and they feel they owe it to their parents' pocketbook to pursue something lucrative? (e.g. Academy is now $16k PER year)
-Parental expectations- Maybe their parents persuade them to follow their footsteps or dissuade them from pursuing the same career?
-Job security- Some industries are certainly more secure than others. For instance, the Nursing profession that you mention is a very secure job in relation to say a medical assistant. In this tight economy, they are more expendable.
-Interests- Maybe one's major has nothing to do with what they want to pursue as a career. For example, law school requires ANY bachelor's. Yours truly majored in Psych and Spanish- both of which have minimal relevance to law. But they are both things I was really interested in!
-Graduate plans- Maybe one has no interest in the required major/minor but does so in order to appease the next level admissions committee. (e.g. the pre-law who majors in poli.sci or the Pre-med who majors in biology, etc...)
Great post!
A college education is an investment. There isn't any doubt about that. But, in this wild world we live in, the one thing most would prefer to invest their time and efforts in is themselves. There isn't any better way to do that than through furthering your education in hopes of increasing your worth. Having worked for and next to "educated people," receiving a degree doesn't necessarily mean that you are any smarter than the person next to you, but it does say that they have invested their time more efficiently up to this point in life. While we all know of so many examples of incredibly successful people that never stepped foot in a secondary education program, the numbers, as stated, are substantially lower in terms of return on their investment. Some returns may not show when measured in dollar signs. But in this absolutely capitalist society that we live in, that is the most concrete, and while some may try to argue otherwise, the most realistic measuring tool. To love what you do in order to fill the bank account would be a wonderful thing to accomplish, but the big reason we invest in ourselves is to get that return. To drive that shiny, European car. to live in the big house on the hill. To improve our position in live not only for ourselves, but for the people that we love, and the future of our family.
ReplyDeleteI guess I was one of those unfortunate students who had that major support system coming into UNM as a freshman. I had programs such as Student Support Service to guide me in my intended direction. I have always had good advisement, I can’t complain, although I know that many students lack this. Students coming into the University do not understand the “real” meaning of college and the majority does not decide on their intended major until 2-3 years into college. College is no longer a 4 year degree, I call it a myth. My advice for choosing a major would have to be choosing a degree the students feels passionate about. No one wants to get a degree in something they do not enjoy. However, there may be some consequence such as you mentioned money. Who doesn’t want to make good money these days? Money is always going to be a big factor. College students aren’t rich so of course they want to come out of school making the money. I feel that some students are changing their majors just to accommodate their expenses. With tuition increases students start to wonder if their degrees are going to be able to match or pay off their debts. So in reality for those students who are coming into academia it makes me wonder if they are going for a degree in something they are passionate about or are they choosing a degree they feel will provide them an economically stable life?
ReplyDeleteWhile money is not everything, it can make life much less stressful and in some cases more enjoyable. It enables you to travel and see things you would not otherwise be able to see. I think it is possible to find a degree that you both enjoy and will pay you well in the end. However, I have known many students that were pursuing a degree that really interested them, but switched to business because of the potential earning power it may give them.
ReplyDeleteJean, the fact that you're thinking about these fundamental life questions is refreshing. Living without questioning why you do what you do is a guaranteed way of living a lift without purpose. I'm proud that you've chosen to seek answers.
ReplyDeleteFactoring the cost of an education is certainly valuable in deciding whether to pursuit it. However, I would also encourage you to consider some additional factors into the "cost/benefit" equation. For starters, college allows you to learn much about yourself by exploring different areas of knowledge, and helping you to determine what you're really good at. When you do something that you're passionate about, you'll naturally be good at it and the money will eventually follow. College also allows you to make friends with whom you can associate later in life and pursuit projects that will benefit you.
My most important take-aways from college were the passion for what I do and the tolerance to adversities presented in front of me. The ability to persist despite difficulties has made me very successful at what I do, and will continue to increase my success. I think the University environment presents a great environment to make anyone a stronger person, because college is a place where you give a lot of yourself to get through.
I welcome your writing style and look forward to your success, at whatever you do.
Interesting post and very intriguing question, Jean.
ReplyDeleteI would say the question absolutely depends on what the person wants to do. If your dream job is to be a firefighter, then maybe college is not particularly relevant to your goals, though it can open doors and give more options.
Many firms hire only college graduates, regardless of degree. For those wanting to give themselves an edge over their peers in the workforce, then not attending college seems like a huge mistake. Then again, there are those who don't need it. But their options will always be limited.
College is also about education. Regardless of which major you choose, you are still learning and using your brain in ways you might not do otherwise. It is wise, however, to make your investment a useful one. If your return is too low to cover the cost of college, then maybe it wasn't the best choice. But then there is the question of stature. Sure, I could make the same salary being a landscaper as I can being a teacher. But society does not view these two professions the same way and it could be argued that you are better equipped to contribute to the world as the latter.
Also, NOT ALL DEGREES ARE THE SAME. Looking at the cost of college as only tuition is a mistake. Sure, we all pay the same tuition, but the time and energy devoted to certain majors is different. An engineering degree is worth more than education degree, that's just how it is. The most successful engineering students, though, will be those who really have a passion for it. I don't think a successful engineer will be one who only cares about money...
On a personal note, I chose my degree in Economics because I wanted to be an economist. I am good at it and it is interesting to me. It also happens to pay very well, depending where and who you work for. My passion coming into college was music and literature, but I also had a natural talent in mathematics. For me, I figured that I could do more for myself and for the world by becoming an economist. I already knew how to play music and I already knew how to write... I didn't have to have a degree in them to enjoy them. At any moment, I can go be a musician, but I also have the option to be an economist. And yes, for now I am choosing it because the pay is much higher. Being that money is so practical, I don't think it should be viewed as selling out. I think the key is not to get lost in it, and to still dedicate time to mastering your passions, regardless of your degree. We are more than our jobs.
I have a couple friends who have finished the UNM nursing program, and I think it's more about job security than money. Granted, they do make a ton of money, but don't they need an incentive to do the work that they do? Still, each of them know (as they've told me) that they will never have trouble finding a job. Having a job and maintaining a level of income is important, but what's a degree if you are going to struggle to find a job anyway? In this sense, I think it is a smart business decision, but also a life decision and lifestyle choice.
ReplyDeleteTake another example... My undergraduate major was sociology. I was fully aware going into this degree that sociology was not going to get me far in my career. After all, there is not much to even do with that type of degree! Still, I have no regrets, because I was able to learn things about life that SO many people misunderstand. Through this education (and personal experiences), I realized that I must do what I need to do to make me happy. Sociology made me happy. It made me think and question. It made me capable of putting myself in others' shoes. It taught me empathy and social awareness.
Now, I am getting my Masters in Human Resources. To even my surprise, my sociology background has been a good foundation for my career. Through these studies, I was able to grow a passion in understanding certain phenomena of life, and thus, connect this passion to what I am currently doing. Recently, I have discovered a potential career in the non-profit sector. While MBA professionals in non-profit organizations typically DO make good money, I would never go so far as to say that I am getting an MBA to make good money. I am doing it as a response to my social passion... as a way to get involved in helping people and fostering social change. It is my opinion that because the business environment largely controls our society today, doing an MBA provides me with the opportunity to act on my passion.
With that said, I think people have different motivations for going to school, choosing majors, and finding jobs... I think it also depends on the material items a person feels he/she needs to be happy in life.
Hmmmm... money... what's wrong with it? Why do we label it as 'the root of all evil'. It's no more than a medium of exchange, an account for services. Anything labeled desirable has this underlying negative connotation. Even diamonds, a girls BEST friend, has cost many an innocent life. So why is it wrong for me to desire an income if I operate WITHIN the moral confines of society?
ReplyDeleteNot only do you gain a higher earning potential from receiving a higher education, but it is the numerous fringe benefits that are often overlooked which really make that four years of 'struggle' a worthwhile pursuit. Life insurance, health insurance, retirement, disability, dental, vision, etc. etc. etc... all equate to an improved quality of life, and all have an associated price tag.
So aside from the monetary values of having a higher education, what else do you get? A respectable career, an abundance of worldly knowledge, a critical thinking platform, satisfaction within yourself, job security (http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm), conversational knowledge and rhetoric, just to name a few.
Fortunate for us is that the broad scope of higher education allows us align our talents and passions with applicable skill sets. Driven people will make the most of these talents, while those that aren't will either make due or move on to other things, unscathed by their new found knowledge.
bla bla bla, (jump off soapbox)
I have had the same thoughts over the years. I began my collegiate affairs at 17 which was sadly 9 years ago for me. I decided to take a break after a year and half and start my business as a general contractor.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, time and time again I told myself I would return and finish my degree because I had not stopped for lack of intelligence or motivation rather i stopped for my desire to have money now.
Subsequently, the years flew by and I resolved to myself every one of those years that I would go back to University and complete my undergraduate degree.
As I mentioned before, that was 9 years ago. So, I find myself at 26 sitting in classes with 18year olds who 'know everything' and thinking to myself, 'why didnt i just do it then?'.
So, why did I return? I finally realized that my business is successful financially however it is physically uncomfortable. My body is already unable to do the things it used to be able to do. I cannot go out to the bar all night and wake up at 5am, 3 hours after I had gone to bed, and work an honest day.
Basically, I think that getting a degree offers financial stability but moreover it offers you a comfortable seat in the house. You don't have to destroy your body in order to survive rather you can 'flex' your mind and relax your body with a degree.
Finally, like any business venture, one must take great risks whether financial or emotional or psychological in order to have a big return.
Well, yes we go to college to make money. Why else would we do it? I, for one, could care less about pricey education when I could get it through Comcast High-speed anytime I wanted. But it's all for that little piece of paper you can hand to your potential boss that tells him/her 'I graduated. If you don't trust me then trust my school.'
ReplyDeleteBut when choosing a major it can be different. For me, I chose something that I would enjoy regardless of pay expectations. After all, I doubt I will remain in this field after I graduate, but I just want the darn degree already. I don't need it to go far, but it can help along the way.
We certainly put a lot into it, with the HOPES that we'll get something back out. There are no guarantees. You just have to trust yourself to work hard, grab life by the horns, and see how far you can go.
Or, marry rich.
What ever happened to higher education or the sake of bettering ones self? I realize this idealized concept is hard to swallow when conceding the prospect of 20, 30, 40 thousand dollars of debt, but in the end everyone needs to decide what they value and say fuck all to the rest. If you love educating yourself but cant stand math or science, don't waste your time just because it might get you bigger returns. This sort of bullshit mentality is why there are so many miserable shmucks moping around. Too many people hate their jobs but are too scared to loose their pay check and change the situation. If you do what you love and fucking dedicate yourself to doing it, then you life will be satisfying. If its money that you want then dedicate yourself to getting that paper. As long as you are not harming anyone and you pursue what you love you will get those bitchen returns. This is not to say life pursuing love is easy...in fact its a pain int the ass. You need to work twice as hard and don't expect any support. It would be easier to just get a job that pays the bills regularly but if you don't love it then ITS NOT WORTH IT! Life is short. You could spend 8 years miserably grinding through school to get that big paying job that will "set you up for the rest of you life", step off the podium and get hit by a fucking bus!
ReplyDeleteFor love or for money, there is really no question... and if it gets you some cheddar along the way, so be it.
I think many go to college with the goal of eventually getting into a high paying job, however, some go on to realize their passions.
ReplyDeleteArts majors may have the opportunity to eventually earn some $s, but there is definitely a reason the "starving artist" term exists.
Personally, I went into a major based on the subject I was initially passionate about and thought I was good at. 2 years of college later and I don't really know if that's what I want to do with my life.
College may be a place to find love and money in a career, but it can also beat both out of you.
Also, I worked at a Baskin Robbins and I think the counselors would be qualified to work there...they're all FASCISTS!