San Antonio Students Evaluate College Versus Early Career Paths Amid Rising Education Costs

San Antonio Students Weigh the Pros and Cons of College vs. Early Careers

What’s happening in San Antonio? As parents of college-bound kids are all too aware, the cost of higher education has been on a steep rise in recent years. Many families are wrestling with the question: is it worth it? Students are finding themselves considering whether to plunge into the world of college debt or to jump straight into the workforce right after high school. We spoke with a couple of local students to see how they’re navigating this crossroads.

Aiming for the Future: Derick Anthony

Meet Derick Anthony, a senior at John Marshall High School. He’s currently rocking the Law, Medical, and Science program, eyeing a future in healthcare. “I plan to go to a hospital or a resident home, and actually still be in school,” he explained enthusiastically. Once he turns 18, he aims to land a job where he can start earning money while continuing his education. “That could be my sort of profession as of right now,” he added, shining a light on the potential benefits of gaining real-world experience.

Straight to the Pharmacy: Sadie Nuno

Now let’s hop over to Sadie Nuno, who just graduated last year from Northside. She wasted no time in diving into a career, landing a job as a pharmacy technician just a week after graduation. “A month later, I started actually working after processing all the paperwork,” she shared, clearly proud of her accomplishment. Nuno has her sights set on refining her skills in the workforce before she decides to pursue additional education. “Certain specialties do need a degree, like the medical field,” she noted. But she firmly believes that college isn’t a mandatory path to being successful.

The Changing Perception of College

Statistics back up their views! According to the Pew Research Center, one in four adults consider a four-year college degree as crucial for snagging a well-paying job. However, opinions are shifting. About half of the population believes that having a degree is less significant today compared to 20 years ago. And interestingly enough, only about one in five people feel that the cost of a four-year degree is worth it, even if loans are necessary to cover it.

Education Beyond the Classroom

Anne Marie Walker, an Instructional Support Teacher with Northside ISD, emphasized the importance of industry-based certifications. “These industry-based certifications are not high school certifications. They’re post-secondary and nationally recognized,” Walker explained. This means that students like Anthony and Nuno can secure stable jobs right after high school, often making good money without stepping foot in a college classroom immediately.

The Price Tag for College

For those who are considering college, the financial numbers can be daunting. In the 2022-2023 academic year, Forbes reported the average cost of attending a public, four-year institution for students living on campus is a staggering $27,100. Private for-profit schools average around $33,600, but the price tag can shoot up to a whopping $58,600 at nonprofit colleges over four years. It’s no wonder families are reevaluating their plans!

Job Opportunities in Schools

In a forward-thinking move, Marshall High offers free training to students, even facilitating job fairs to connect them with local employers. Walker shared, “We had job fairs at the end of the year with CVS and several hospitals coming in.” This proactive approach is helping students like Anthony and Nuno get a head start on their careers.

Charting Their Own Paths

Both Derick and Sadie feel confident about their choices. “I think being in this program gives me that extra edge that I need,” Anthony asserted, looking ahead to his dream of becoming a pediatrician. Nuno echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s very beneficial to take the opportunities that are right in front of your face and see where they can take you.”

So what’s the takeaway? As students in San Antonio consider their futures, it’s clear that the traditional path of college is no longer the only road to success! Whether diving right into the workforce or strategizing a long-term educational plan, these students are blazing their own trails, and it’s inspiring to watch. Perhaps the old adage, “college or bust,” might just need a little rethinking!