College Football Fever Sparks Debate on Value of Higher Education

College Town Buzz: The Great Debate on Education and Football!

Howdy, College Station!

The excitement is palpable here in Texas as students gear up for a thrilling weekend of college football! On November 23, fans will flock to *Jordan-Hare Stadium* to see our beloved Texas A&M football team go head-to-head against the Auburn Tigers. With both teams looking to shake things up, it’s sure to be an exciting matchup—especially for the 4-6 Auburn team that’s desperately trying to improve its record.

But with all that buzz around college football, there’s another important discussion brewing—and it’s about the value of higher education itself! With the cost of attending college soaring over the years, a lot of chatter has sparked over whether pursuing a degree is really worth it anymore. Can you believe that from 2019 to 2022, colleges across the nation saw an 8% drop in enrollment? Whoa!

Is College a Scam?

High-profile figures, including thinkers like Charlie Kirk and Ben Shapiro, argue that for a lot of career paths, a college degree might not even be necessary. They point to alternatives, like *trade schools* and apprenticeships, which can provide a quicker and less expensive route to a stable job. The question on everybody’s lips: Are we wasting our time and money?

Jonathan Meer, an economics professor and research associate, has some thoughts on this hot topic. He believes that the college experience should depend heavily on individual circumstances. According to him, “If you are a strong student who is well-prepared, ambitious, and ready for college, it is an excellent investment.” However, he’s also concerned about the number of students who start college but don’t actually finish their degrees. Meer suggests that we should really consider which professions genuinely require a college degree.

Individual Circumstances Matter

Are you an aspiring engineer or business mogul? Economics senior Aidan Valdez has a unique perspective. He points out that for students heading into certain fields like engineering, the risks associated with college are outweighed by the potential for high salaries after graduation. “It’s a lot easier to go through that risk knowing they are probably going to have a six-figure job,” he shares, with a hopeful smile.

But while college may have met some of Aidan’s expectations—especially in the programs Texas A&M is known for, like *engineering* and *agriculture*—he admits that some of what he’s learned felt a bit unnecessary. “Different people do different things. You should choose the path that best suits you as a person,” he advises.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Let’s break it down a little more! The average federal student loan debt a graduate holds in the U.S. is around $37,853. But here at Texas A&M, that average is significantly lower, sitting at about $25,305. Meer argues that while college prices have soared over the past few decades, the average net price of tuition has actually remained stable. Believe it or not, most people either don’t borrow or only borrow a tiny fraction for college.

Meer also stresses that this is the *time of your life to take risks*! It’s all about striking the right balance between your educational aspirations and your financial future. And let’s not forget, some higher education issues may very well stem from the K-12 system needing to better prepare students for the world outside of the classroom.

What’s Your Take?

So what do you think, College Station? As we rally behind the Aggies on the football field, remember that the education debate is just as vital. Whether it’s college or trade school, make sure to choose a path that feels right for you!

Let’s toast to the spirit of Aggieland and the endless possibilities that await us out there! Go, Fight, Win!