Thread: American Colleges and Universities

Biden Admits Government Subsidies Have Increased College Tuition | RealClearPolitics

Biden is quoted (and audio) stating that government subsidies for Pell and other grants was a good thing, even though it very likely drove (and will continue to drive) tuition costs higher.

With that said, I think a fundamental question is in order.

Do we value quantity over quality?

I do not agree that sending ever more students to college is an effective way to guarantee increase the intellect of the general populace. I think we need to take a hard look at our goals behind education in this country and alter the false premise that everyone and every profession needs a degree (talking about removing the "stigma," real or imagined, of vocational diplomas or certifications and licenses).

I think we should be doing a better job of identifying those who truly want to go to college.
Finding out which of those have the ability to do got to college (not talking about financial ability).
Then ensuring that those who meet the two above criteria get into college somehow (and if finances are a barrier then those who are in financial need get that assistance).

The idea of sending "every tom, dick and harry" is antiquated, excessively expensive, of limited effectiveness and ought to be improved. Both in terms of financial viability and educational targeting instead of the scatter-shot approach we currently deal with which sees many kids who are utterly unprepared or incapable waste countless years and $$ pursuing what turns out to be an extended party that bolsters the school's and bank's bottom line.

Originally Posted by Alundil

The idea of sending "every tom, dick and harry"

Gaylundil...always a dick on his mind.

Originally Posted by Xavsnipe

Gaylundil...always a dick on his mind.

Xav - the service station called.........your "ride" is ready


Now that Xav is distracted we can get back to the serious topic

Originally Posted by Alundil

Biden Admits Government Subsidies Have Increased College Tuition | RealClearPolitics

Biden is quoted (and audio) stating [...]

Yeah, but what an odd headline. "Biden admits"; like it's something everyone already knows and we're all just in various stages of owning up to it and coming clean with our own consciences.

"Website That Hopes To Scratch Out A Living Stirring The Political Pot Admits They Know Fuck-All About Economics"

Huh. I guess it's not really an odd headline after all.

What you said about education though... yeah. The reckoning has been coming for a long time. I think you're right that there needs to be an examination of priorities and some choices made about what's important to us (for whoever "us" is). More than needs to be, there will be. Sustainability isn't just about gardening. There are questions that will get answered, either within a window where we might get a chance to come up with our own answers, or after the window closes and we're stuck with whatever is left.

Cheers,


AetheLove

Originally Posted by AetheLove

Yeah, but what an odd headline. "Biden admits"; like it's something everyone already knows and we're all just in various stages of owning up to it and coming clean with our own consciences.

"Website That Hopes To Scratch Out A Living Stirring The Political Pot Admits They Know Fuck-All About Economics"

True - I didn't pick the headline.

You make a good point. Most kids really aren't ready for college, even if they think they are They mostly survive the rough times, grow up, become more responsible, and get their degree. Sending more kids isn't any guarantee that we will become a more intelligent population, but I prefer that to the alternative. We as a country have abandoned the blue collar jobs to cheaper overseas companies, which makes it very hard to get out of high school and get a decent job that you can work at until retirement. There is almost no doubt what the best choice for anyone coming out of high school is now - College. Also, you know as well as I do how hard it is to get a job with no degree. It doesn't even matter to most employers what the degree is in, as long as you have it. And when you are applying for a job next to someone who has a degree, they will probably get the first look.

As far as the government subsidies raising the cost of tuition.....I'm not sure how that would work, but I'm sure someone can find a link that will show how it is done.

I have already sent one child through cosmetology school, and she wasn't even close to the sharpest tool in the shed. But it was her desire to do this for a very long time, so she did well in the school, and is doing very well 5 years into the profession. My son however, did exactly what you described above......party and bullshit and party and bullshit and party and bullshit. Now his friends are graduating in May and he dropped out (no federal aid or pell grant for him, we make too much money) after 2 years, and he's wanting to go back to finish what he started. I also have a freshman at Kansas State that knows exactly what she wants to do (after changing her major 3 times in the last year) lol. My youngest daughter is only a junior, so I'm praying things go smoothly in her transition from high school to whatever she decides to do.

I guess what I'm trying to say is......the decision to go to school or not usually isn't dependent on whether you feel they can make it, or if it's a drain on the system, or if they are even sure what they want to do with their lives.......it's about opportunity. With it, you have more....without it you have less.

In higher ed, we get some people who we call "Pell Runners." Fuckers....

Originally Posted by SoySoldier

I fully support educating the masses. To bad vocational school is seen is seen as lowly; trained artisans are better than dancing monkeys. Academic elitism FML.

I agree. Quality doesnt have to suffer to train quentity. Just because they are there and the fees are being paid does not mean the standards have to be lower for everyone to pass.

Originally Posted by SoySoldier

I fully support educating the masses. To bad vocational school is seen is seen as lowly; trained artisans are better than dancing monkeys. Academic elitism FML.

1000 * this.

Sent via highly charged bolt of electricity.