Are most college degrees actually useless?

Hey y'all, I've heard a lot of talk about how many college degrees are 'useless', and as I'm currently on the path to college, this worries me. I'm curious whether this view is common and if it holds any merit. How do I decide if a degree is worth pursuing? And if many degrees are indeed useless, what makes them so?

This sentiment often comes from the perspective that the sole purpose of a college degree is to land a high-paying job right after graduation. It's important to understand that the value of a degree can't solely be measured in terms of immediate job prospects or starting salaries. College education provides a wealth of benefits that aren't strictly monetary, like developing critical thinking skills, expanding your knowledge base, building a professional network, and more.

A degree isn't "useless" just because it doesn't lead directly to a booming career right after graduation. Some fields might not have high starting salaries or an abundance of job opportunities immediately after graduation, but can open up crucial pathways later on. For example, a degree in English or Philosophy might not lead directly to a specific profession, but these graduates often find success in a wide variety of fields like journalism, law, marketing, and more because of the strong analytical and communication skills they've developed.

Determining if a degree is worth pursuing depends on your own personal goals and interests. If you love a subject and can envision yourself studying it for four years, and then using the skills you've learned in your career, that could be a good indicator that it's a worthy pursuit. If you're unsure, think about your long-term career goals and the skills you need to succeed there, and consider how different majors could help you build those skills.

Lastly, I encourage you to take advantage of your campus' career resources to help make these decisions. They can give industry insights, connect you with alumni in fields you're considering, and help you understand different career paths. Remember, the decision is ultimately yours to make. It's less about the "usefulness" of a degree and more about how you leverage your education to create opportunities.