How do you view a college diploma?

2016-04-08T14:24:04-04:00

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What's My Income Percentile? 6 likes. What % am I? How much more do I need to make to be higher?

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Apr 8 at 2016 2:34 PM

2016-04-08T14:34:28-04:00

The original author's paper is linked below.

People should view education as an investment and a tool, i don't see these as either or. The word guarantee and investment do not belong next to each other in general. All investments must be evaluated based on their risk and reward. I'm glad the papers original author also did the calculation of Net Present Value, a more precise and accurate way of evaluating costs and benefits than Internal Rate of Return.

http://www.brookings.edu/research/papers/2011/06/25-education-greenstone-looney

Where is the Best Place to Invest $102,000 -- In Stocks, Bonds, or a College Degree?

Is college a worthwhile investment?  Hamilton Project director Michael Greenstone and policy director Adam Looney compare the value of a college degree to other investment options and find higher education provides, by far, the greatest rate of return.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 2:35 PM

2016-04-08T14:35:08-04:00

I always considered a diploma as a paper that says you've spent "X" time following a curriculum based on becoming a well-rounded pro of a specific field, so both. It doesn't say the same as documented experience but it does show your determination and likely level of knowledge foundation to an extent.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Apr 8 at 2016 3:07 PM

2016-04-08T15:07:53-04:00

Depends on the diploma. For technical, professional or science degrees, it says you meet the minimum qualifications to practice in that field of study. For liberal arts degrees, it tells me you are educated, but may not have trained any hard skills to offer an organization.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 3:21 PM

2016-04-08T15:21:38-04:00

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member Sir, A college degree is a wise investment in yourself. The degree major should be in a field that is in demand such as business, math, science, or technology. A degree in hand will open doors and create the opportunity to earn more money in your lifetime.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Apr 8 at 2016 3:28 PM

2016-04-08T15:28:35-04:00

At one point, you could rise to middle management with no degree. Today, it's a new paradigm, the Degree gives you a definite edge. I will add, you can succeed without one, but you will have to prove yourself better than a better educated candidate.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 8 at 2016 3:32 PM

2016-04-08T15:32:37-04:00

What about High School grads?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2016 5:15 PM

2016-04-08T17:15:04-04:00

I agree with many 'other' responses, however my original question was worded to ask what the community thought about people on the whole , not RP members personally. It must have been to wordy a discussion, but I enjoy the answers in spite of the word-change!

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Apr 9 at 2016 3:45 PM

2016-04-09T15:45:12-04:00

In my view, a degree is a key that opens doors of opportunities. It is a pricey key that takes time and money to make and it does not fit all doors. Have a plan and don't go to college blindly thinking that everything will be ok after graduation.

Investing in ourselves through education (MOOC, university) is never a bad investment

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2016 5:25 PM

2016-04-10T17:25:02-04:00

Degree is useless without experience.