There’s nothing like a new school year to make us question the prospect and value of pursuing higher education.
More than ever, individuals across Canada are evaluating the worth of a university degree. With student loan debts reaching up to $30,000 and tough job markets no longer guaranteeing employment, students are driven to question whether the pursuit of post-secondary educations is worthwhile.
These days, whether higher education is worth the investment of time and money has little to do with individual values and more to do with societal expectations. Social and cultural discourse have associated more worth with certain degrees over others, based on their employability and the likelihood of leading to high-paying jobs.
While this is a realistic and ideal mindset to have, we shouldn’t let these two factors cloud our judgement. As a collective, we’ve isolated the degree from the experience of learning and being a university student. It’s easy to lose sight of what institutions have to offer when all hiring officers see is a reputation and a stamp on a fancy piece of paper.
For many of those approaching the end of their high school careers, post-secondary education has become the default next step—earning a bachelor’s degree is more common than it was before. While this reads as a positive statistic, it loses its appeal if students fail to see or reap the benefits of their degree.
University isn’t just about the degree. Being a student offers a wealth of opportunities and access to a plethora of networks and resources. Of course, it’s up to the individual to unlock those and use them to their advantage.
Engaging in academics challenges our critical thinking and connects us with diverse perspectives. While these benefits make getting a degree valuable, they’re in no way exclusive to educational institutions. People can develop critical thinking and collaborative skills that benefit the health of society through the trades, the arts, and countless other pathways.
The type or presence of a university degree shouldn’t determine the value of your contribution to society. Your contribution is meaningful as long as you put in effort and passion.
It’s time we got over opting for university because everyone else is going—there’s no “right” place to be. Going through with a degree while being unsure of your future isn’t bad, either, as you may discover interests and goals along the way.
We must uncover the value of a university education independent of societal pressure. If it’s not the right fit, then you can invest your dollars and energy elsewhere. Ultimately, it’s important to make a decision that feels true to yourself.
—Journal Editorial Board
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