This is Why U.S. college educations are worthless.

Quote from TheGoonior:

I am not familiar with how universities operate in other countries, but one huge bone I have to pick with the US system is this: why am I forced to take so many unnecessary courses in order to earn my degree? I earned an engineering degree from a public school, but I'd say at least 25-40% of my credits were for useless "generals".
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Its ridiculous. Instead of taking another science credit you have to take some bs film critique class.

My chemistry professor convinced me to quit school and go back to my job when I told her how much I make. I completed half of a biochem degree and make more money than friends of mine with graduate degrees. One day when I have more money than I know what to do with I will pursue a phd in chemistry because I like science, but Im not taking on 100k in debt to do it.
 
I've mixed thoughts on this, but I get your point. I like the idea of a well rounded, worldy student who knows more than just his major. Some classes help you prepare for the real world not by practice but by provoking thought. I choose anthropology classes as electives and sure am glad I did. Not because I practice it, nor does it aid in my daily life, but its certainly information worth knowing and as an adult I would never take the time and effort. Additionally, I'm an awsome artist! Again, not by trade but becuase of the art classes I took. Useless perhaps, but my kids get a kick out it and I can make a fucking awsome powerpoint!


Quote from TheGoonior:

I am not familiar with how universities operate in other countries, but one huge bone I have to pick with the US system is this: why am I forced to take so many unnecessary courses in order to earn my degree? I earned an engineering degree from a public school, but I'd say at least 25-40% of my credits were for useless "generals".

Getting rid of that requirement would reduce overall cost to the student as well as remove lots of dead-weight from the universities

If you're interested in taking a philosophy/history/women's study/etc, etc, no problems, but it shouldn't be force fed to you.

(Seriously, I actually had to take a "physical education" credit. How ridiculous is that???)
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I met this young guy recently (27) works full time makes about 35-40k a year, goes to college part time. Very industrious, I asked him what he owes in student loans and he said 27k, when he is finished with his degree he'll owe 50k but expects to earn 70 -90k in his field.

I know he is a broke ass bitch and was going to ask him if he still is going to be a BAB when he is making 90k, my guess is yes.Where does it all end? :cool:
 
Quote from El Guapo:

I've mixed thoughts on this, but I get your point. I like the idea of a well rounded, worldy student who knows more than just his major. Some classes help you prepare for the real world not by practice but by provoking thought. I choose anthropology classes as electives and sure am glad I did. Not because I practice it, nor does it aid in my daily life, but its certainly information worth knowing and as an adult I would never take the time and effort. Additionally, I'm an awsome artist! Again, not by trade but becuase of the art classes I took. Useless perhaps, but my kids get a kick out it and I can make a fucking awsome powerpoint!
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I don't think anyone should be forced to spend $3000 on useless class such as creative writing when they're studying the sciences. Being well rounded is nice, but spending an extra $15k to be well rounded is a complete waste.
 
The silver lining is this:

Your competitors have a 50k anchor of debt coming out of college.

You avoid this. You can take risks. They have bought into an "old world" philosophy. One that is no longer relevant. You are free.
 
From a Canadian university grad's perspective...

All over North America it seems like there are far too many people studying to earn degrees in art, psychology, history, English, and other general studies; and then go on to demand an above average salary in their field or other areas. It's a warped mindset, but I see it everywhere. I wish they knew what their expected salaries were before they even started studying with their college/university (it might change their mind).

Roughly 80%(1) of our tuition is covered by the Government. Over the course of a 4 year degree, I've probably paid ~C$15K in tuition. That doesn't include books and other materials. Tuition isn't the most expensive part though, it's the living expenses that add up very fast. Having a part-time job helps, but student loans help to fill the 'gap'.

I'll graduate in 4 months with a undergrad degree (B.Mgt-Finance) and have already started working full-time (~C$55K per year) while taking night classes to finish my degree.

The US is a different story with the massive tuition inflation because of this easy access to credit. The debt loads for students in the US are much larger than Canadian students, which makes the degrees US students finally earn seem not always worth the money they spend. Even more so when the only jobs available to them are in retail or labor.

$0.02

(1)http://oncampus.macleans.ca/educati...n-bill-is-too-high-check-out-the-governments/
 
Anytime government involves itself in something it causes major problems. Of course I'm not an anarchist, government is necessary for a lot of things, even if they cause problems. For instance, national defense can only be done through government, but even there they cause major distortions and problems, the main issue being a drive towards war and the military industrial complex. But we have no alternative with national defense, and so we must try our best as citizens to keep these problems to a minimum.

With universities, there is simply no reason for government involvement. These services can be handled much better with the free market and charities. Government simply causes prices to go through the roof, quality to collapse and misallocations of resources to occur. Too many resources go into college education for instance, wasting them in the process. Students come out with massive debt and educations which simply do not benefit them or society when cost is taken into consideration.
 
Quote from denner:

It should have been allowed to happen in 2008...Of course, many other quasi-state run institutions should have met a similar fate. What you've outlined above would go a long ways towards reducing the head count at these universities that have become bloated pigs...building extensive athletic facilities, libraries, new computer labs, new student centers, etc, etc...They are one of the few remaining bubbles left..jacking tuitions well above the "official" inflation rate (of course that's another debate).

Nonetheless, I won't hold my breath that any sensible solution will ever be undertaken. They are another protected racket that ultimately serves itself, it's gargantuan endowment fund and tenured faculty members.
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are you begrudging the professors having a little fun with each incoming freshman class of impressionable and alluring young women?
 
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