Chapter 1: My Extended Academic Journey

For many, attending college marks a pivotal moment in life. However, spanning that journey over ten years has given me a unique perspective on the shifts in society and the evolving dynamics of higher education.

First, how did I manage to do this without incurring debt?

I started my college education while serving in the military, where I received full tuition coverage. This enabled me to complete my bachelor's degree in international relations with a focus on the Russian language.

So, why international relations?

When I sought a position with the CIA back in 2006, the recruiter advised me that this field was most aligned with the role I was targeting. Consequently, I shifted my major from ancient history, a decision I sometimes question.

After leaving the military, I utilized the Montgomery GI Bill and tuition reimbursement from my employer to pursue my MBA. I’m currently completing my law degree with the help of the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

It's important to note that the military is currently facing recruitment challenges, partly due to Gen Z's skepticism towards established institutions and the politicization of the military. Nevertheless, the financial advantages provided by military benefits are invaluable.

The GI Bill—an essential benefit for service members—covers tuition and offers a living stipend, making education more accessible and alleviating the burden of debt. This remarkable resource allowed me to immerse myself in my studies without the typical financial stress many students endure. The opportunity to concentrate on learning and personal growth is a rare privilege.

However, this isn’t merely an endorsement of military service. My prolonged academic path has granted me insight into the shortcomings of the educational system.

Two decades ago, the economy was thriving, with a GDP growth rate of 4.8%. At that time, about one-third of high school graduates pursued higher education. This statistic is crucial for understanding subsequent developments.

In 2008, the Great Recession drastically changed the landscape, impacting many—especially recent graduates—while the economy struggled with a GDP growth rate around 1.5% for nearly a decade. As recovery slowly progressed, projections of 3.3% GDP growth in 2018 saw the percentage of high school graduates attending college rise to 45%.

This increase in college enrollment has saturated the job market with degree holders, which has diminished the perceived value of a college education among employers and contributed to high rates of underemployment, affecting 40-50% of graduates according to various studies.

At the same time, tuition costs have surged by 100% since 1990, starkly contrasting with the meager 34% growth in wages over the same period, which has negatively impacted the return on investment for many degrees.

With the impending disruption of jobs due to AI, we find ourselves facing a potential crisis.

The rationale for pursuing certain degrees is increasingly questionable, especially when comparing educational costs against starting salaries. For instance, the typical expense for an education degree averages around $110,000, while the starting salary for a high school teacher in my area is only $32,000/year.

Moreover, the quality of education has come under scrutiny, as discussed in the book "Academically Adrift." I previously worked as an adjunct professor at a Michigan institution that allocated more funds for marketing than for student financial aid. To cut costs, they employed a limited number of full-time faculty while hiring numerous adjuncts, like myself, who were treated as independent contractors.

While I maintained high teaching standards, many of my colleagues did not. The rise in college enrollment has also led to a decline in the preparedness of incoming freshmen, with a large percentage requiring remedial courses. This trend raises concerns about the effectiveness and accessibility of higher education.

At my local high school, an astonishing 85% of graduates continue to college. It’s no wonder many employers now require a degree even for entry-level positions.

Fortunately, there are signs of change. Major companies like Dell, IBM, and Bank of America have begun to drop the degree requirement for many job roles, and others are starting to follow suit.

The staggering rise of student loan debt, which has reached $1.77 trillion, complicates matters. The financial burden on students today is unprecedented, with many graduating with significant debt. While I am fortunate to pursue my law degree debt-free through military benefits, many of my classmates face debts exceeding $200,000. Although some law firms offer to pay off student loans for standout graduates, what about those who excel but aren’t at the top of their class?

Despite these challenges, I don’t wish to diminish the value of the college experience. In fact, I enjoyed my time so much that I extended it to a decade.

On a positive note, I’ve observed increased diversity, technological integration, and an overall enhanced experience, particularly for those passionate about learning. Additionally, universities are now prioritizing mental health in ways that were unimaginable just ten years ago.

As I prepare to send my child to the University of Michigan for an aerospace engineering program next year, I can’t help but notice the irony: I will be finishing my education as he embarks on his own.

Perhaps that’s the answer? College should ideally be reserved for those pursuing technical disciplines that necessitate extensive education—such as architecture, engineering, law, and medicine. However, this would deny the enriching experience of learning for its own sake to many.

Yet, I remain skeptical about whether the costs justify the knowledge acquired, especially with so many alternative learning platforms like Udemy and Outschool, not to mention the vast resources available online.

What are your thoughts? Is the investment in a college education worthwhile in today’s world?

Wes out.

Chapter 2: The Cost of Knowledge in Today's Society

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