I mentioned in another post that I was a big proponent of college education. In so doing, I feel I might have been a bit too dismissive of those who do not put a high premium on attending college. There are certainly some valid concerns that are worth discussing. As I talk to other parents who might not be so committed to sending their kids off for a university experience, their reasons seem to fall into a few basic categories:

1. Institutions of higher learning can sometimes become institutions of indoctrination depending on the classes, professors, and influences a student encounters. Some parents feel they send children off religiously, philosophically, and morally grounded, only to see them graduate with different moral values, religious beliefs, and political stances.

2. Not every child is suited for college; some would be better served by learning a trade or moving directly into the workforce instead.

3. The price of college has escalated to the point that the return on the money invested is no longer warranted given the payoff on the back end. Many students graduate with an astronomical amount of debt and no well-paying job.

We could have endless debate on the pros & cons—the risks and benefits—of sending an impressionable young adult off to college. That is not my purpose. My intention is to acknowledge the reality of these concerns and to point out that one of our most important parental responsibilities is to help each child find the path that will best prepare them for their unique life’s mission. 

One quote that I have filed away in my brain is, “education is the power to think clearly, to act well in the world’s work, and to appreciate life.”  The purpose of education goes beyond increasing our earning potential. Education adds richness to life’s experience, moves us beyond our narrow perspective, and allows us to understand and interact with the world in a way we could not without a broader viewpoint. 

Education is not limited to formal schooling; it is a personal responsibility that transcends specific courses. Life-long learning should be a universal goal. However, structured educational opportunities, such as college, can be beneficial regardless of career path.  

A few years of focused academics in college can provide an efficient way to accumulate information.  Geography, culture, history, science, and the arts help us to understand and appreciate the world. Even more important, we gather the ability to think, reason, analyze and communicate what we have learned. These experiences can help prepare students to be better parents, teachers and citizens. Ideally, a college education should empower students to achieve financial, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual self-reliance.  

When helping guide your child to the path that best fits their unique life mission, make college a serious consideration.