1-24-08

College Q and A

What would happen if I were to drop out of college? Would it be possible to still get a job? Megan (middle school student), Baltimore, MD

First, let me say that I commend your teacher(s) for doing college prep work with middle schoolers.  If you haven't found it yet, I suggest you take a look at www.collegeprep101.com, click on "College Planning Checklist", then on the "College Prep for middle school/junior high students" link.  Download that document for yourself and your classmates.

Now, as for your question about securing a job if you were to drop out of college...  On the Occupational Outlook Handbook web site (http://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2003/oct/wk3/art04.htm), I found a chart that lists average weekly earnings of non-high school graduates through college graduates.  The chart shows that people's income increases with completion of high school, then attendance at college, and then even more with graduation from college.  Of course, graduating would likely mean better options and pay, but simply attending college, statistically speaking, has a positive impact on pay.  

Finding A JOB probably has more to do with how hard you are willing to work at it, how far (geographically) you are willing to go for a job, who you know, your experience, the state of the industry you want to get a job in, and how badly you need a job, than it does with your education or whether or not you “dropped out” of college.  Though, getting THE SPECIFIC JOB you want may be adversely affected or prevented entirely by dropping out.  So YES, you should still be able to get a job if you were to drop out of college.  You may also still be able to get a job in the industry you want to work in, but you are unlikely to be competitive for the same jobs you would have, had you completed a degree.

As an example, I know law enforcement organizations often require a certain number of college credits to be hired (thus encouraging college attendance, but not requiring graduation).  Though, with a degree, your job opportunities, and opportunities for advancement in that same organization would likely be much better.  Of course, graduating with an associates degree would take less time, but provide job opportunities and opportunities for advancement, and you could expect similar increases with a bachelors degree.

The thing about dropping out of college is that it's possible to "drop back in"!  Except in the most extreme cases of bad behavior or REALLY bad academic performance, there are almost always ways to get back into college.  Maybe a geographic re-location, changing schools, a change in employment opportunities, increased family support, personal maturation, or a number of other factors will address whatever issues caused the student to drop out.  Then, with renewed focus and probably support, the student can be successful.

It's important to remember though, that higher education is not a guarantee of a job.  Higher education has as one of it’s primary aims to produce broadly educated, informed, contributing members of society.  Only sometimes does it include job training, per se.  Also remember that there are plenty of successful people in the world who never went to college, and that there are plenty of unemployed people who are very highly educated.

Submit your questions to lance@collegeanswerguy.com and visit www.collegeanswerguy.com and www.collegeprep101.com.