There is no doubt that a good, quality early education forms one of the basis of becoming successful in society. However beyond a school education, this has been questioned by many successful people, who have either dropped out of College or built up successful businesses at an early age.
Some of our most successful people, do not have a University degree, notably Bill Gates, and Steve Jobs. Others like the founder of Virgin, Richard Branson, dropped out of College, and became one of the UK's most successful businessmen. Facebook users may be aware that the business founder, Mark Zuckerberg, dropped out of Harvard and focused on creating one of today's most successful global on-line social networking sites.
A higher education in today's World is linked to getting a good job, but at a cost as in most Countries, we need to pay for that education, and borrow to continue it. In some cases students leave college with huge debts, which need to be repaid. And the cost of studying is rising, even in a recession.
Some critics citing the link between education and success, cite the fact that not everyone is suited to a college education. And with the fact that in the future, a high percentage of new graduates may never work in the field they studied in. They may end up in debt, and actually face a more uncertain future, then before they entered university.
In Asia, where education is seen as a sign of success, some wealthy entrepreneurs, study for a degree after they become a financial success. But they want their children to become college graduates, and are willing to pay for a traditional university education overseas- When the cost could provide a business for their children, and a home.
This reverse thinking on Education, were at first you become successful then study could become a new trend in education outside Asia. Whilst some college graduates may look down on people like Kevin Rose, the founder of Digg- known as "the kid who made 60 million in 18 months." But someone like Kevin Rose, could now easily afford to sit back and study for a degree, and hire hundreds of these graduates as his employees.
Some experts also cite the need for innovative, skilled workers especially in new Green tech industries. Industries that should always provide well paid, and stable employment opportunities for many people now returning back to college- an option that could be much better than an actual traditional university education.
We will always need innovative, skilled technicians, inventors and designers who "think out the box." and can earn much more than a degree holder. These skills cannot always be learnt at a traditional university, but are as equally valuable to society.
Before you decide on whether a traditional college education is for you, there are options. Success and education may not always be linked- as a university degree may not even guarantee you a job in the area you studied in the future.
Other options do include online degrees, and training courses linked to the careers of the future. Where you can continue earning, and still study without incurring the growing debts many college graduates face. Debts that may compromise future career decisions- once a traditional university education has been completed.
Taking the step of entering a traditional college could be the right step for you, but first look at your options and your own personal skills. Perhaps you could discover other pathways to success, or compromise through developing your skills through work, whilst studying for an on-line degree.