I am not entirely opposed to higher education, but anyone considering it needs to weigh a number of options before spending money or incurring debt. I hope the following thoughts help anyone who is considering a trade school, community college, or large university.

Can you afford it?

If you don't have private wealth, scholarships, or "free" government-funded education, can you truly afford the ongoing expense of paying off a loan? Even if the education is "free," you are still spending your irretrievable time. Can you afford that cost, too?

Is there a career ahead?

Does your intended degree have a direct application to a job you want, and a market need to pay you for doing that job? It can be difficult to forecast economic conditions four or more years ahead, so investigate the history of the profession you intend to enter.

Does it interest you?

Are you considering a degree simply because you feel an obligation to have one, because it seems likely to result in a good career, or because it is your passion?

What opportunities can you gain?

Does college include networking and career placement opportunities unavailable by other means? Certain degrees from certain schools do have considerable clout due to the quality of the faculty and academic tradition. This is worth considering in many cases.

What alternatives are available?

Apprenticeships, online courses, internships, or even free podcasts and library resources can often cover what you want to learn. As technology growth continues, showing you can learn on your own also signals an ability to continue learning as work conditions change, whether you have a degree or not.

Is college a good environment for you?

Are you really ready to dive into a long-term rigorous academic environment? Even for academically gifted students, burnout is a real thing. If you are a new high school graduate, consider taking a year off. If you are considering a career, look for an internship or entry-level job in your intended field. Take it for a test drive before you buy it, so to speak. Earning some extra money can be a helpful bonus, too.

Final thoughts

Some jobs are nigh impossible without formal education. A degree can signal perseverance to a prospective employer. College can create lifelong connections that cannot be replicated by other means. On the other hand, many jobs can be learned by faster, less expensive means. Personal interests can be pursued for free thanks to libraries and the internet. Don't sign yourself up for debt you don't need.