Do you think everyone should go to college? Like a 4-year college?

I personally feel like it's expected of kids to go to a 4-year college and get a degree, and I don't think that's fair. There are MANY great career opportunities that require different training: many 2-year degrees from technical schools, for instance. Or other opportunities such as being a cosmetologist, police officer, firefighter, or serving in the military.



I believe you should encourage your kids to receive some kind of training to prepare them for a career so they can support themselves. But there are SO many careers that don't require a bachelors degree.



Because of this, I feel like a lot of people look their noses down on people who didn't go to college. I think that's a shame.



For instance, my father is one of the most intelligent people I've ever known, and he's happy and successful in life. He served in the Navy for a long time, on the submarine force, and he loved it. With all the skills he acquired in the military, he's now the head electrician of a company and making great money and loves his job.



So does that make my dad less successful because he didn't want to go to college?



Or even if someone wants to work at McDonalds or Walmart or something for their career, so what, if they enjoy their job, what's wrong with that?



I'm curious what your thoughts are. Discuss!Do you think everyone should go to college? Like a 4-year college?
These days, the job market is so competitive that if you want to have a shot at a very lucrative career, you almost need to go to college. Your father may have found success, but the world (and the economy) is very different these days. However, if everyone went to college, there would be noone to work at McDonalds, Wal-mart, etc, and we need people to fill these jobs. All in all, I would feel more comfortable around a person with a college degree, because I feel I would be able to relate better to their experiences/struggles.