The Value of an Education

Last week I was observing a couple of friends talking on Twitter about pursuing even more degrees than they currently have.

For those who want to do so and have the financial ability to do so, let them do so.

About an hour before observing the conversation I read this news from the Wall Street Journal:

Americans are borrowing more to pay for college while reducing other debt as a weak job market prompts more people to go to school and tuition keeps climbing, new Federal Reserve Bank of New York data show.

Americans owed $904 billion in student loans at the end of March, nearly 8% more than a year ago, the New York Fed said Thursday in a quarterly report on consumer credit. That compares with the $679 billion they owed on credit cards at the end of the first quarter.

Now there are plenty of reasons to spend the big bucks as the article continues if the pay off is a job that allows you to pay off that debt with a big paycheck.

I also want to be sure that certain professionals have had the proper training, like my doctor, lawyer and accountant.

There are plenty of other occupations that require more than a high school diploma such as engineers, and pilots to name just a couple.

However what concerns me is that there is a prevailing belief in lots of circles that unless you get your masters degree or doctorate, you aren’t going to amount to much.

The real value of an education should be more than learning stuff.

You must also learn how to apply it in a way that makes a difference.

You must learn how to think, not just memorize.

You must learn that learning is an ongoing process for the rest of our lives.

And then be willing to share what you know, not to put yourself on a pedestal, but to help others.

That my friend is (apologies to Mastercard), priceless.