Dinh 212th Grade Is Enough? America Is In Danger Of Developi

Dinh 212th Grade Is Enoughamerica Is In Danger Of Developing One Of Th

America is in danger of developing one of the poorest populations among Western industrial nations. According to the National School Boards Association’s (NSBA) Center for Public Education, only 79% of high school graduates enroll in college by age 20. While higher education offers significant benefits—such as increased earning potential—it's essential to recognize that college is not suitable for everyone. For instance, in 2015, a high school graduate in the United States earned an average of about $30,600 annually, whereas someone with an associate degree from a two-year college earned between $44,000 and $65,500 (National Center for Education Statistics, 2017). Consequently, trade skills acquired through vocational or technical schools can lead to well-paying jobs without the need for extended college education.

Requiring all students to continue their education through two additional years of community college or the first two years at a four-year university may not be necessary or beneficial for everyone. The primary concern with mandated schooling is that it could increase taxes, especially since some students cannot afford the costs of student loans or may not see the value in pursuing higher education. Education should be a voluntary decision tailored to each individual's goals and circumstances rather than a mandatory progression after high school. Notably, over 1.2 million students drop out of high school annually in the United States, which equates to approximately one student every 26 seconds—around 7,000 per day (National Center for Education Statistics, 2017). Reasons for dropping out include loss of motivation, lack of family support, substance abuse, or pregnancy.

Additionally, students who do enroll in college might find that their chosen major does not fit their interests or career goals, leading to dropout rates of approximately 40% at four-year institutions (NCES, 2017). Some students or parents keep children in school longer simply because they lack other options, or to maintain control over their future. Forcing uninterested students to stay in school may lead to higher dropout rates, which can have long-term negative impacts on their careers and earning potential. Therefore, making higher education mandatory might not be the optimal approach.

Instead, students should have the freedom to discover their paths, whether that includes continuing education or pursuing vocational training. For students who already know their career goals, spending additional years in formal schooling may be unnecessary. Data shows that while about 70% of Americans aim to attend a four-year college, less than two-thirds graduate with a degree (CollegeAtlas.org). This indicates that many students opt for trade schools, recognizing that they need specific skills and certifications to succeed in their chosen fields.

Trade and technical schools offer lucrative career opportunities. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, median annual salaries for trades such as carpentry, plumbing, or cosmetology range from $35,720 upwards, which is competitive with some bachelor's degree holder salaries—estimated at around $46,900 annually by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Furthermore, trade school costs are significantly lower, approximately $33,000 per year, compared to over $127,000 for a four-year college degree (BLS, 2017). Students who focus on vocational training can achieve financial stability quicker and at a lower total cost, aligning their education directly with their career goals.

It is also important to recognize that many well-paying jobs do not require a college degree. Positions such as choreographers, costume attendants, painters, makeup artists, and gaming managers offer salaries that can be sufficient for a comfortable life without a higher education credential. These careers often depend more on talent, skill, and experience than formal degrees. Conversely, data from researchers like Jaison Abel and Richard Dietz (Federal Reserve Bank of New York) indicates that only about 27% of college graduates work in jobs related to their major, suggesting that higher education does not always guarantee employment in a desired field.

Considering these factors, mandating extended schooling may be counterproductive. It is more effective to encourage students to pursue pathways aligned with their interests and abilities, whether through college, trade school, or apprenticeships. Governments should focus on providing support systems—such as scholarships, career counseling, and job training programs—that empower students to make informed decisions about their futures. This approach respects individual preferences, reduces unnecessary financial burdens, and aligns educational pathways with labor market demands.

In conclusion, requiring all students to complete two additional years of post-secondary education may not be appropriate or necessary. Education should be voluntary, allowing students to choose paths that suit their ambitions and circumstances. Trade schools and vocational programs provide valuable, often more direct routes to stable employment and financial independence. Moving forward, policymakers should focus on creating flexible, accessible opportunities for all learners, rather than insisting on mandatory extended schooling which might not benefit everyone equally.

References

• National Center for Education Statistics. (2017). The NCES Fast Facts Tool Provides Quick Answers to Many Education Questions. U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=372
• Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2017). Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
• CollegeAtlas.org. (2019). College dropout rate and other statistics. https://collegeatlas.org/dropout-rate/
• Rivlin, G. (2017). Should Students Get 'Grades 13 and 14' Free of Charge? The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/16/opinion/should-students-get-grade-13-and-14-for-free.html
• Debt.org. (2017). Student Loan Resources: Financial Aid & Loan Debt Management. https://debt.org/
• The College Board. (2019). College Admissions - SAT - University & College Search Tool. https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/
• United States Department of Education. (2018). Education Longitudinal Study. https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/els/
• Federal Reserve Bank of New York. (2019). Report on Education and Labor Market Outcomes. https://www.newyorkfed.org/research
• National Center for Education Statistics. (2018). The Condition of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/
• Smith, J., & Williams, A. (2020). The Economics of Higher Education and Vocational Training. Journal of Educational Economics, 28(4), 375-392.