The Chronicle of Higher Education, a publication focused on the world of post-secondary education and educators, recently (May 22, 2009) ran an article [A Lifetime of Student Debt? Not Likely] contradicting many of the sensational reports media have espoused about the depths of college student debt. The author of the article provides data to support her assertion that college student debt isn't nearly as bad as most people believe and that economists still believe that student loans are still a worthwhile investment in one's future.
Read the article at: http://chronicle.com/weekly/v55/i37/37a00101.htm
WARNING!!! To access this article, you will need to do so from the UCF network. Why? UCF pays for a subscription that only gets authenticated via the network. If you attempt to access the article from somewhere other than UCF, you'll be asked to subscribe (which wouldn't be a bad thing but is not necessary for the sake of this assignment).
In the comments section, provide answers to the following questions in consideration of your own collegiate experience and your expectations for lifetime earning potential.
1) Do you feel your UCF degree was a worthwhile investment? Why/why not?
2) Do you feel that college tuition costs in general (not just at UCF) are reasonable given one's lifetime earning potential? Why/why not?
3) If you could go back to being a junior/senior in high school and go through the college application/selection process all over again, what factors would you take into account that you did not consider previously? Would you still pick UCF? Would you still have selected Interdisciplinary Studies as your major? Why/why not?
Deadline to comment is 09/03/2009, 11:59am
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1) Do you feel your UCF degree was a worthwhile investment? Why/why not?
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this article I have learned a lot about the percentages of students who are in debt and why. “More often, the problem among students who go heavily into debt is that they are determined to attend their dream college, no matter the cost." I feel that my UCF degree was a very worthwhile investment. The whole time I attended UCF I was lucky enough for my parents to set up Florida prepaid for me. Also, while attending UCF I had bright futures that covered 75 % of my tuition. Although I had these scholarships I still had to hold a job through my entire college career. This helped with rent and food and other needs. “65 percent who face debt, the average they owe is around $20,000.” Between tuition and rent food and other costs I can understand where this number comes from.
2) Do you feel that college tuition costs in general (not just at UCF) are reasonable given one's lifetime earning potential? Why/why not?
From what I have seen I do think that tuition costs in general are reasonable given ones lifetime earning potential. Also I have seen this trend that tuition payments keep going up every semester. From the people that I have known in high school that did not attend college they started working and establishing careers four years earlier then us. Considering that they could not get a degree type job most are in sales. Some doing better then others, they have worked to improve themselves and got quiet a head start. Also I have seen the opposite, many people have graduated and cannot get a job with there degree because the market is so packed. “About 8 percent of undergraduates borrow at least double the national average. Why do some students borrow more than $40,000” the reason I agree with tuition costs is because with a college degree you are looking at a starting cost a year at about 40,000 a year. You will make in one year what was spent to get your education in 4four.
3) If you could go back to being a junior/senior in high school and go through the college application/selection process all over again, what factors would you take into account that you did not consider previously? Would you still pick UCF? Would you still have selected Interdisciplinary Studies as your major? Why/why not?
If I had to do the whole application process again I would not consider anything that I did not previously. I worked very hard in high school to be able to get my tuition paid for and get into a college that would pay for my education. My main goal going into college was to become a chiropractor. I just got accepted into graduate school with IDS and it was a great choice for my major. IDS was perfect for me because I got to test different aspects of education which helped me become 100% positive in my life’s career decision. UCF was also a great decision for me because it offered IDS and was close to my family. I am very happy with the outcome of my decisions.
-Mike Grasso
1) Do you feel your UCF degree was a worthwhile investment? Why/why not?
ReplyDeleteI feel my UCF degree was a worthwhile investment because I will always have my degree and no one can take it away from me. It will allow me to get through doors that would otherwise be closed, and has given me confidence and depth as a person that I did not have before. I feel that four and a half years of my life being devoted to college is a reasonable price to pay for the benefits it ensues.
2) Do you feel that college tuition costs in general (not just at UCF) are reasonable given one's lifetime earning potential? Why/why not?
I do not feel that college tuition costs are reasonable. In fact, I feel that they are very unreasonable and are a bit of a slap in the face. I feel that the high costs only make it more difficult to acquire a degree. Not that I believe it should be easy, but I feel that everyone should be able to have an equal chance to work hard and reap the benefits without going through the added process of finding ways to get extra money. I believe that hard work should get you places, and if that's the philosophy that's being instilled in our youth, then it should be equally hard for everyone. If my classmate has to work three jobs to stay in school, while my other classmate doesn't need to work at all, it's impossible to say that their degrees are worth the same. Basically, I do not believe tuition rates are reasonable, especially when professors' jobs are being cut while more flat screen tvs are being installed.
3) If you could go back to being a junior/senior in high school and go through the college application/selection process all over again, what factors would you take into account that you did not consider previously? Would you still pick UCF? Would you still have selected Interdisciplinary Studies as your major? Why/why not?
If I could go through the process all over again, I would have attended a school where I could double major in IDS and the culinary arts. I appreciate and am very happy I will be attaining my degree in IDS. I feel that it fit me the best as a person and has molded me into someone I am proud of. I have earned a very rounded education, and learned the tools necessary for my goal career. To complete my education, I will hopefully be attending culinary school in the near future. If it had been possible for me to do both at the same time, that would have been wonderful. Other than that, I am very happy with the path I have chosen.
1) Do you feel your UCF degree was a worthwhile investment? Why/why not?
ReplyDeleteMy family has always rasied me to believe that an education is one of the most important things. I have had many dreams and goals that may not have required a college education, but it was very crucial for me to have one. I will forever have my college degree and my experience.
2) Do you feel that college tuition costs in general (not just at UCF) are reasonable given one's lifetime earning potential? Why/why not?
I do feel college tuition is somewhat reasonable. There are so many great resources you have as a student at a University it's just up to us to use them. With the way our economy is now, it's hard for recent graduates to actually earn a substantial lifetime earning, but they eventually will if they use the tools they were given through their education.
3) If you could go back to being a junior/senior in high school and go through the college application/selection process all over again, what factors would you take into account that you did not consider previously? Would you still pick UCF? Would you still have selected Interdisciplinary Studies as your major? Why/why not?
I haven't lived a normal high school/college experience due to my career path. I wouldn't have changed anything, but I would have tried to raise my GPA to get into the RTV program. Although I am happy with my choice as an Interdisciplinary Studies major because I have had the chance to study everything that interests me.
Yes, I feel my investment in UCF was wise. My B.S. degree I receive here will get me a distinct advantage over my competition once I am finished in school. There are many options of becoming an R.N. I will be utilizing the option of the two year ADN degree. However, having a B.S. from UCF demonstrates so much to a future employer.
ReplyDelete2) Do you feel that college tuition costs in general (not just at UCF) are reasonable given one's lifetime earning potential? Why/why not?
Absolutely! I consider it backpay. You are paying in initially, but the amount, in excess, over what a non-graduate will receive is returned to you by an opportunity for graduates only, or the higher paycheck. You get paid for the time, effort and money through being hired for having your degree!
3) If you could go back to being a junior/senior in high school and go through the college application/selection process all over again, what factors would you take into account that you did not consider previously? Would you still pick UCF? Would you still have selected Interdisciplinary Studies as your major? Why/why not?
I still would have chosen UCF. There were many factors for that choice. Surprisingly, to myself, I would choose and IDS degree again. In today's world your mind must be able and willing and desiring to learn different facets of the employment and how to relate them all back to a single goal. I feel honored to be earning this degree in the manner I have chosen. I was not suprised to find a former IDS student was chosen among thousands as a student for the new medical program!
1) Do you feel your UCF degree was a worthwhile investment? Why/why not?
ReplyDelete-Well, I have taken about 30 thousand dollars in college loans for my degree, and I am thinking positively (hopefully, my near-future earning potential will exceed my debt). If and/or when that is a reality, my degree will have been a worthwhile investment. Also: Having a college degree will at least give me that much more credibility in saying “I’m smart.”
2) Do you feel that college tuition costs in general (not just at UCF) are reasonable given one's lifetime earning potential? Why/why not?
-If we’re talking about ‘life time earning potential’, I would say tuition cost is acceptable, but certainly NOT reasonable. I figure: If you pay hundreds of dollars per credit hour, why can’t the required text (everything you need for the class you’re paying through the nose for) be provided for you on day one of class.
3) If you could go back to being a junior/senior in high school and go through the college application/selection process all over again, what factors would you take into account that you did not consider previously? Would you still pick UCF? Would you still have selected Interdisciplinary Studies as your major? Why/why not?
-If I went back to high school, I would take my SATS and ACTS more than once so I could receive the Bright Futures Scholarship. I would choose UCF, but I would apply for the Radio/ TV Program.
1)Yes I feel that my time at UCF is a worthwhile investment. I feel that I will be able to land a job easier with the degree. Even more than that it gave me a chance to grow up and learn what responsibilities are and how to manage them accordingly.
ReplyDelete2)I do think that colleges are charging too much for college tuition. I do not know all the details, but I know that there has to be money that could be shaved off the top and it isn’t being done. I understand that universities need money to make improvements and like UCF many universities are expanding. With that said I do not feel that I should pay for the college of nursing that students’ five or ten years from now will be using. I know that sounds rude, but I do not have money now to pay for their benefits then.
3)If I could go back to being a junior or senior in high school I would apply to a university. Yes, you read right I did not even apply to a university… I knew that good grades were great but I didn’t realize the severity of them at the time. So I would have taken school much more seriously. If that had been the case I’m not sure what I would have done. Let’s just say that I am really happy at UCF, and I wish I would have known about IDS major when I transferred from community college.
1) Do you feel your UCF degree was a worthwhile investment? Why/why not?
ReplyDeleteI definitely feel a degree (not necessarily from UCF) is a worth while investment. The most obvious reason being a better chance in competitive job markets. More importantly a college education affords one with a wonderful opportunity to better themselves and explore areas of study that interest them.
2) Do you feel that college tuition costs in general (not just at UCF) are reasonable given one's lifetime earning potential? Why/why not?
Absolutely not. The high cost of a college career is absurd. Does a $300 fee for a required course I don't want to take, gain nothing from, and am one of over a hundred other students seem reasonable? No I don't think it does. Is spending well over $100 on a single textbook for a course that will probably require you to buy several a reasonable request? Not at all. Why? Because with such high costs the university is locking out eligible candidates because, although they might have the the intellectual capacity to succeed, they do not have the monetary resources some of us are so lucky to have. As far as tuition is relation to "life time earning potential" I would argue that such a comparison is slightly skewed. A life time of earnings comes from a pretty long time line so the number in relation to tuition looks reasonable but I am not convinced it really is.
3) If you could go back to being a junior/senior in high school and go through the college application/selection process all over again, what factors would you take into account that you did not consider previously? Would you still pick UCF? Would you still have selected Interdisciplinary Studies as your major? Why/why not?
Class size would be a big deciding factor. You don't learn much in a class of over 100. General education requirements would be another big one as most required courses at UCF have proved to be a waste of valuable time, money, and effort. I think I would choose to attend a smaller liberal arts college out of state rather than enroll in UCF. I would want to pursue some sort of liberal arts degree because I genuinely enjoyed the freedom (although that freedom is some what limited at UCF compared to other universities) of being able to select an array of courses from different colleges and have those credits count towards a single degree.
1) Do you feel your UCF degree was a worthwhile investment? Why/why not?
ReplyDeleteI believe that my UCF Degree is a worthwhile investment of both my time and money—In fact, I believe that a functional degree with diversity is one of the best investments/tools a person can achieve if utilized wisely, and to its full potential. There are many reasons, but primarily I believe in the benefit of R.O.I. (also known as a return-on-investment). I will answer this more specifically in question #2, below.
As an older student this is my second time around and I am returning to deepen and expand my college education after raising a family and having completed several other careers. I am starting over in a way that I can fit in today’s working climate. Most important this time around I bring diversified career experience, life experience, and an Interdisciplinary Degree containing three core skills that fluidly traverse across old-school paradigms, adding dimensions and desirability beyond the older job-hunting equation. This Interdisciplinary Major has updated my own understanding on how to market myself and my relevant skills as essential assets in the 21st century job market. I have researched and developed my Interdisciplinary Degree as an Investment and believe the “return” begins with the new job.
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2) Do you feel that college tuition costs in general (not just at UCF) are reasonable given one's lifetime earning potential? Why/why not?
College tuition costs are not cheap across the board. However in today’s world and hard economic times, I believe it is essential to invest in a college education, research the financial possibilities, and make the commitment—research, and know what you’re committing to financially and otherwise. The short-term commitment is the 4 years to earn the degree. The long-term commitment is getting the job and climbing up the ladder of success and salary.
However, to make this Interdisciplinary Degree worthwhile I have tried to focus on the following: 1.) select a Major that can develop my abilities, 2.) be able to utilize/apply my Degree skills in the real world, 3.) employ Minor/Areas as “tools” that can “traverse different marketplaces” where my value would be enriched by this cross-pollination.
I feel that a Degree is an “Investment”. The Educational Institution has to be paid and there are many options to achieve this both ‘short-term and long-term’ (i.e., money installments, internship, scholarships, loan [or combination thereof], to name a few…).
It is like the concept, ‘economy of scale’ where a lot is sacrificed/paid-out up front--and later on over time--the Initial Investment (College) is recouped, where there is a substantial Return-On-Investment (R.O.I.)—which is the Payoff (Job/Career Longevity + High Salary[house, family, boat, etc.])..
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3) If you could go back to being a junior/senior in high school and go through the college application/selection process all over again, what factors would you take into account that you did not consider previously? Would you still pick UCF? Would you still have selected Interdisciplinary Studies as your major? Why/why not?
It’s hard for me to answer this question going back over 30 years. I can say that if there was an Interdisciplinary Major offered 30 years ago—I would have enrolled immediately. It would have provided a foundation for my multiple hands-on skills, diversity, marketability and afforded me the ability to traverse different marketplaces with my relevant Minor, Areas and Skills. In addition, I would’ve focused more on critical thinking, research, interdisciplinarity and communication in complex situations.
4) "Historia de un Letrero", 2007, ("The Story of a Sign")
ReplyDeleteReflect the value of effective communication and suggestions how to improve verbal and non-verbal communication. What would you describe as your strengths and deficits in communication? What are ways in which you would like to improve your skills?
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This short film said a lot in five minutes. It was interesting that a stranger ended up being a good Samaritan by adding a few words of clarity to the blind man’s sign—validating the reason why the blind man needed money (couldn’t see)—people became more willing to help the blind man rather than judge him as a panhandler living off hard-working people.
Non-verbal communication is important and could be overlooked. For example, demeanor, eye contact, showing interest are some important qualities that contribute or take away from successful communication.
One of my strengths would be that I feel comfortable communicating with people, but it depends on the reason (mediation?) for the communication.
A deficit is that I would want to make sure I listen/understand all points of view, understand the common ground and stakeholders’ concerns—respond and make eye contact.
In verbal communication it is good to ask a question or restate a concept to give assurance that you are listening and have concern for the value of the conversation and mutual respect for a reasonable outcome.
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1) Do you feel your UCF degree was a worthwhile investment? Why/why not?
ReplyDeleteMy IDS degree allowed me to cover areas of study that would not have been accessible through other types of degrees. A degree from UCF provides a substantial amount of leverage over competing job seekers. This is not only due to the type of degree being earned but due to the prestigious name behind the degree. My UCF IDS degree will pay for itself many times over during the course of my career.
2) Do you feel that college tuition costs in general (not just at UCF) are reasonable given one's lifetime earning potential? Why/why not?
The cost of an education may serve more than one purpose. It not only serves for covering the actual expense of your education along with a moderate amount of profit for the university, but it also serves as a type of deterrent. In other words if it was easy to achieve a higher degree we would have world full of Doctors and no nurses to support them. All in all compared to the earning potential of each degree level, tuition is definitely reasonable.
3) If you could go back to being a junior/senior in high school and go through the college application/selection process all over again, what factors would you take into account that you did not consider previously? Would you still pick UCF? Would you still have selected Interdisciplinary Studies as your major? Why/why not?
Being 38 years old and have attended a private high school I did not have the advantage of going through a guided college application/selection process. This type of program would have been a great advantage as opposed to somewhat blindly feeling my way through the various processes. I do believe that I would still choose UCF due to its proximity to my home as well as its overall reputation. If I had attended UCF for my freshman and sophomore years I might have chosen a medical oriented degree over the IDS degree. However I have been able to complete my IDS degree in a very timely manner.
1. Considering where I am now in my professional career, I do not consider my degree a worthwhile investment. I have been trying to find a career that fits my education and my abilities, but since I do not have a more attractive degree, I have yet to have any success finding such a career. Although the article indicates I should make about $20,000 more per year than someone who does not have a college degree, I would be satisfied with any position now that is salary, instead of working as a server at a local establishment.
ReplyDelete2. I do feel that college tuition costs in general are very reasonable given one’s lifetime earning potential. For a responsible person, reducing debt one has should be a priority, and if you are making $20,000 more per year than someone who does not have a degree, it should be repaid in less than 10 years, even if it means you do not purchase that new car yet or have to wait to step up your lifestyle until you have no debt.
3. If I could go back to high school and go through the college process all over again, I think I would make pretty much the same decisions that I previously made. I feel I took almost everything into account because I had some friends who went to school and they told me about the little things no one really considers. The only thing I would have done differently is to develop study habits, because I never had to study before I started my junior year of college. I most definitely would still pick UCF because I love the school and love the city and love the surrounding area. Had I developed those study skills and actually done homework, I would not have had the unfortunate circumstance to select Interdisciplinary Studies as my major. As I send in my resume and Curriculum Vitae to potential employers, I feel they look upon my degree with disdain because they are looking for more of an engineering degree, even though I have taken much more higher-level Mathematics courses than most.
1) Do you feel your UCF degree was a worthwhile investment? Why/why not?
ReplyDeleteBeing asked this right now and having the thoughts of needing to graduate and get a job in todays economy I would say no. I am very concerned that employers will discard my application because I chose IDS. My areas of study are in engineering and science and without a pure engineering degree I am afraid that finding a job could prove quite difficult. Aside from getting a job I feel that most of what I have taken at my time here at UCF was a waste of my time and money. 75% of what I have taken classes on I already knew. Of the remaining 25% only about 10% or less was information I could actually use in my desired area of study. I also feel that UCF needs more courses focused on practical application of knowledge and real world experience. I would rather learn by doing and working hands on than sitting in class staring at a powerpoint presentation that puts me to sleep.
2) Do you feel that college tuition costs in general (not just at UCF) are reasonable given one's lifetime earning potential? Why/why not?
My short answer is no. Yes it is possible to make enough to pay for the cost to attend college when stretched out over time however, the idea of graduating and then spending a portion of my earnings for the next several years to pay off my debt is dismal as best. I understand that life is very unfair at times but for me it really shines in college. Everyday I see students that are here on somone elses dime and piss away their time going to parties and getting drunk while I sit buried in debt actually going to class and putting forth the effort to learn. I view college as a privilage not a right and it should be treated ccordingly. With all the money that is wasted on this earth I would like to think that somehow it could be used to better ourselves through education but more specifically for those who deserve it. Maybe the large corporations of the world and our government (as if I needed to separate them) could stop screwing around and throw us a frickin bone.
3) If you could go back to being a junior/senior in high school and go through the college application/selection process all over again, what factors would you take into account that you did not consider previously? Would you still
pick UCF? Would you still have selected Interdisciplinary Studies as your major? Why/why not?
If I were back in high school and had to choose a college to attend I would most likely still choose UCF. That being said I would not choose a degree in IDS. I would rather go into an engineering program with my first pick being
electrical engineering. I have changed my degree a couple times since I started and would go back to engineering if it wasn't going to take me 2-3 more years to finish. I choose IDS mostly because I wanted to graduate as soon as possible
because I already have enough debt and didn't want to make it worse.
1) Yes, I do feel that my UCF degree is a worthwhile investment. Today, having a college degree is more valuable than ever. While I know a handful of people who have become quite successful with out finishing college, it is not common. Having a degree from any four year college is worth the time and money invested.
ReplyDelete2) I believe that college tuition costs can be excessive however, given that where you complete your degree could be a valuabe tool in obtaining a respectable high salary job, it could be worth it. In the end, what you get out of your education is based on the effort you put into it.
3) If I could go back to high school and redo the whole application process I think that I would put more thought into which school I was going to as well as the best ways to fund my education. Financial issues, as I've learned can be extremely distracting in all aspects of your life.
I'm not sure if I would still pick UCF if I did it all over again. At the time, UCF was willing to give me more scholarship money than others so that may be a deciding factor.
I would like to say that I would not pick Interdisciplinary Studies. This major came from the result of my indescision. For the first two and a half years of college I had no idea what I wanted to do, let alone make my career for the rest of my life. If I were to start college with the insight I have now I would probably not have wasted an extra year or taken some useless classes.
I do not believe that I can yet say if my investment here at UCF is a worth while one. I think that in six months to a year I will feel more inclined to answer that question. If i were to take a guess, I would say that I believe that it will have been worth while. It is something that I have earned and no can ever take away. Even if I do not earn more money because of my degree I think I have become a better person because of it. Still only time will be able to answer that question.
ReplyDeleteThe key word there is potential. Just because you have earned that degree it doesn't mean you will get a better paying job. I think that the fees that we students pay are too high. Once you add up all the textbooks that are out of date which can't be sold back eventhough they are only 1 year old, and the parking fees and convience fees associated with paying for school online, I feel that schools are charging too much. Again only time can tell, I will assume that it will prove to be benifical in the long run, if you can get over the stress of all of those bills.
When I was in high school, I never thought that I would go to college. I always thought that if I were to go to college it would be for culinary arts. I would most likely take an opportunity that was presentd to me back then, several of my family friend had offered to get me into one of the many unions up in N.Y. if were to do it again I think I would have dont that. However, I moved to F.L. when I was 19 and then went to SCC, and liked it. Later I chose to attend UCF, if I were to do it again I don't see why I wouldn't choose UCF again, I like it here. I think that I would still choose IDS, I just wish I had known about it when I had started at UCF. If I had known aboout it I would have already have finished my degree and would be earning all that wonderfull college graduate cash.
1)
ReplyDeleteI feel as though my degree was a worthwhile investment because I was able to pay for college through Bright Futures and FL prepaid. However, if forced to fund my own education, I would consider first going to a community college for my two year degree.
2)
Personally, I think that the tuition costs are reasonable, to a point. I couldn't justify going to a school where the tuition is 20,000 a year or more. However, given the lifetime earning potential, one could easily justify the cost of their education.
3)
First, I would've done much more research on Art programs outside of private schools. I definitely overlooked strong art department at state colleges. Second, I would've made sure that the art department that I was interested in actually held accreditation. I am not sure if I still would've picked UCF, and I don't think I would've pursued IDS, however I am more sure of my interests almost four years later.
1) Do you feel your UCF degree was a worthwhile investment? Why/why not?
ReplyDeleteWell that's tough because I consider it more of an opportunity since most of the money for my schooling comes from the state.... that way I can consider myself lucky to have the chance and the will to do what so many miss out on.
2) Do you feel that college tuition costs in general (not just at UCF) are reasonable given one's lifetime earning potential? Why/why not?
I mean it really comes down to how much youre really spending. now the average college student will spend an average of 15 to 20 thousand dollars a year on school. From that money they'll get an entry level job that will pay off loans or get a heads up in the career. Now what I feel is necessary to address is the fact that it should not stop at a college career, which trains you to be a good employee. One needs to diversify and invest into business ventures on your own and not be afraid to get your feet wet.
3) If you could go back to being a junior/senior in high school and go through the college application/selection process all over again, what factors would you take into account that you did not consider previously? Would you still pick UCF? Would you still have selected Interdisciplinary Studies as your major? Why/why not?
I would probably have to opt out of the first part of this question, since my first experience with college pertains to FAU by complete chance from falling off as an air force candidate. When I chose UCF as an undergrad with an associates in arts I came to UCF as a hopeful ad/pr major. The grade cut offs have left me with what I now know as Interdisciplinary studies. Tough to say if it was by choice but I am to this day thankful for the opportunity presented to me and the potential thwt it harvests within me.
I feel that my UCF degree is a worthwhile investment for my future endeavors in graduate school but if I were not attending graduate school then i don't not feel it is worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteI also do not feel that the cost of UCF tuition or any college tuition is reasonable considering the value of a college degree has become the equivalent of a high school diploma, which gets you $12 and hour.
If I could go back to high school and do it all over I would not select UCF because I dot feel that UCF values quality education but I would pick something like IDS because I enjoy the variety it allows and I think student should have the type of choices IDS give.s
Coming to the end of my education, I really do feel like my investment of going to UCF was worthwhile. By going away I learned many thing that I wouldn't if I were to stay home and go to the local college. It was also an experince that I would not give up for anything.
ReplyDeleteThe tuition cost has been rising and the scary thought of it is even with the UCF tution going up it is still one the lowest in the nation. This makes me think that tuition nationwide is a bit too high. But the potential that going to college and paying for tuition will open up more doors for you. Not only the network you build but also the experince you get from it. So it might be high depending on where you live but well worth the price of it.
The factors I would of taken more into consideration was what other programs does UCF offer and really see what I would like to do and what areas of study I would like to, instead of the going to a college and picking things up as a I go along. I would still pick UCF because of the location and the programs that it offered. I would also still pick Interdisciplinary Studies as my major because of the amount of items i can learn.
Peter Leiner
ReplyDeleteI do not think my degree from UCF has been worthwhile. Over the passed four years I have obtained very little knowledge that I believe will help make me successful in my future studies in law school. I feel that the tuition that I paid was not right but I could deal with these high prices if it included things such as parking and textbooks. Even if you look over a long period of time I still will have debt from my education to pay off. I came with no debt and I am leaving with a ton.
If I could go back to highschool and do it all again I would of joined the marines. I would of been able to get my education and represent something better then the mess that is our education system. I might change my major my major but one of the things I have enjoyed is that I was given the opportunity in IDS to select classes that I at least enjoyed, even if i was not learning by the bundles.
Danielle Dennison
ReplyDeleteMy greatest concern with some of the opinions I saw voiced in this article is the lack of self responsibility. Some of the comments such as "the government should help us with the cost of tuition" or "my debt should be forgiven and eliminated" shows an attitude of "it's not my fault".
Of course a degree is a worthwhile investment. It has been shown how much more a person earns over their lifetime because of their degree. Let's not forget though that earning more salary should not be the only goal of earning a degree. I would hope that we judge the Return on Investment of our degree also on how we as students were challenged and hopefully grew as a person.
Students must be responsible in the choices they make. Remember that Universities are of course an institute of higher learning, however, they are also a business. They need / want to make a considerable profit each year. For example, in the article there was mention of a student who attended a University that cost much more than was within her means. However, she really wanted the prestige of that University on her resume. To me that is not a completely responsible decision.
I do like to reflect on the past from time to time, but I have a hard to time thinking about would I do things differently. Yes you can learn from your previous decisions, but you cannot change them. So if given the opportunity to change my decision about going to UCF, I would not change my decision. It is what it is. I have enjoyed UCF, however, I have faced some challenges that have left me frustrated (yet those challenges may have occured at any University - it is difficult to say whether or not this was specific to UCF). UCF was within my means because of my scholarships and when those ran out it was still somewhat a reasonable cost.
Finally, IDS was not my first choice. In fact, I have been in school for a long time. I changed my major from English to Hospitality Management, then to IDS because I wanted to have a unique degree, but also, I wanted to finally finish school and if I had stayed in Hosp. Management it would have taken longer. Another reason I have been in school for a while is I have been very focused on my career, for a while too focused because I failed an entire semester because all I cared about was work. I then lost my scholarships, dropped out, and two and a half years later came back. I did not use any student loans. I go to school part time and do my best to pay for classes as I go.
If more people lived within their means and were more responsible with their money then we would not have this problem of so many students in debt. The tuition may be high in general, but that's business. It would be nice if everything did not cost more year to year, but that's inflation. If the University could lower the increase year to year and if students could be more responsible and mature then the problem would be pretty close to being solved.
1) Do you feel your UCF degree was a worthwhile investment? Why/why not? l I defenitly feel that my UCF degree was well worth the money that I put into it. In my situation I was very lucky in which I had Florida pre paid left for me when my grandpa left us. This helped me allot financially but of course there were still dues that I had to pay. I believe that getting a college degree is worth every penny of what you put into it. I have learned allot in my 4 years here at UCF. I feel like I am ready for the real world when I graduate and if it wasn't for UCF I probably would feel this way. Overall I do think that getting this degree was well worth the money invested in it.
ReplyDelete2) Do you feel that college tuition costs in general (not just at UCF) are reasonable given one's lifetime earning potential? Why/why not?
Yes, I feel like it is a bit expensive for allot of people but thanks to student loans it is now possible for almost anyone to get through college without having to come up with the money themselves. After earning a degree at UCF, the chances of you getting a job are allot higher then if you did not have a degree. After a few years in the workforce you should make enough money to pay back all of your college expenses and start making allot of money from that point on. College is expensive but I do feel that it pays back after you complete your degree.
3) If you could go back to being a junior/senior in high school and go through the college application/selection process all over again, what factors would you take into account that you did not consider previously? Would you still pick UCF? Would you still have selected Interdisciplinary Studies as your major? Why/why not?
If I were to start my application process over again I think I would fill it out exactly how I did when I first applied. I have no regrets at all. UCF is the school that I have always wanted to go to and that will never change. The reason I like interdisciplinary studies so much is that you are not just limited to one specific area such as Hospitality. I like how you can pick three different areas rather then just one so that you have a variety of things to choose from. Overall I am very happy with where I stand today and I would not change anything if I had to redo my application again.
1) Do you feel your UCF degree was a worthwhile investment?
ReplyDeleteThe jury is still out on this one. My interpretation in 2003 was corporate demand for a "bachelor's degree in a computer-related field" based on giving a filter to cut-down on the number of applicants using software instead of reading a resume. In 2007, when I began my courses here at UCF, the stipulation changed to "bachelor's degree in Information Technology" or "Computer Science." If corporate level never speaks their mind for all levels to understand, there is a fine line between ignorance or lack of people skills, and discrimination.
As for "worthwhile investment," the results are not so easily specified as I will not have placed an application for a full time job until getting my bachelor's degree. There are a number of ways that any job search can take, and each participan has a role in the decision making process. For the moment, the "investment" takes another and hopefully last excuse out of HR's hands to get the interview.
2) Do you feel that college tuition costs in general are reasonable given one's lifetime earning potential? Why or why not?
Since I presume tuitions follow the "economic" principles, the costs are reasonable for holding to the consideration of the accumulation of total experience, conveyence of knowledge, and mode(s) of transmission.
3) If you could go back to being a junior/senior in high school and go through the college application/selection process all over again, what factors would you take into account that you did not consider previously? Would you still pick UCF? Would you still have selected Interdisciplinary Studies as your major? Why or why not?
Looking back, I did not make made it into college because those whose responsibility it for sharing such information with students. Cannot act on information that you do not have. I knew of UCF from my AP Physics class in my senior year of high school, and was more receptive of new concepts of academics. So, I probably would still be at UCF, but I would have a Computer Engineering degree than IDS.
1)Do you feel your UCF degree was a worthwhile investment? Why/why not?
ReplyDeleteI feel if I was asked this question maybe three years ago then my answer would be a definite yes! The economy has undeniably put a damper on the investment that I have put into for a future career. Regardless, I know a college degree is not only meaningful but also something that’s beyond a “financial” investment. My degree will be an accomplishment that I’ll be so proud of. I know without having my UCF degree I would not be able to accomplish the goal I have planned for myself.
2)Do you feel that college tuition costs in general (not just at UCF) are reasonable given one's lifetime earning potential? Why/why not?
I know everything has a fee, but in a bias and someone who takes care of everything on her own, I feel the prices don’t have to be so pricey. However, I was lucky and had smart parents who did Florida prepaid before I was even born. I also was able to qualify for financial aid and student loans… and because college tuition has these opportunities, it was possible to financially pay for college. I also feel that as far as the paying back student loans, it works well with you on paying it back. In the long run, yes I do feel for the most part that tuition costs are reasonable for the arrival of having a lifetime career and earnable future.
3)If you could go back to being a junior/senior in high school and go through the college application/selection process all over again, what factors would you take into account that you did not consider previously? Would you still pick UCF? Would you still have selected Interdisciplinary Studies as your major? Why/why not?
This is a question I have asked myself many times, and the truth of the matter is that there is no time machine and unfortunately I can’t go back in time. Sure, if I could go back to high school and know what I know now… I would have studied harder, prepared better, and been more aware of the near future for myself. I knew UCF had a great reputation and had a good education department, but UCF was never my first choice. I was waiting to hear back from another school about a scholarship for track and cross country. However, plans change and I feel that everything happens for a reason. Time was getting close to figuring out if I was going to leave home for school or stay home and save money. I decided I wanted to check out Orlando, and see what it had to offer. I felt a little pressured to get an apartment and have a decision, so I half-heartily decided to go to Valencia Community College and receive my AA and then transfer over to UCF to pursue my degree in Elementary Education. I don’t regret not leaving home, because I wanted to away from home college experience. However, I can honestly come to terms and realize I was not mature enough and would’ve been better emotionally and financially if I earned my AA degree in my hometown and then transfer. Now, Interdisciplinary Studies was not my major at first. As mentioned previously, Elementary Education was… I do wish I had learned more about IDS earlier in college. I definitely feel that this major allows you to focus on what your intentions are to do in a future career, but also give you the opportunity to explore other interest and be even better rounded in the career world.
1) Do you feel your UCF degree was a worthwhile investment? Why/why not?
ReplyDeleteI think UCF is a worthwhile investment. It is the type of college setting that I have always enjoyed. I think the fact that I enjoy my time on campus and that I enjoy the classes I have taken is worth the tuition costs. I also think that the monetary help I have received from my parents makes it easier for me to say that. I have also felt that in most of the classes I have taken that I was getting what I was paying for, which makes the costs worthwhile as well.
2) Do you feel that college tuition costs in general (not just at UCF) are reasonable given one's lifetime earning potential? Why/why not?
I think that tuition costs have to be evaluated individually. I think what most students forget is that they are paying for the best education they want to receive. Now that education is only as good as the effort they put into it,but that doesn't mean that if a student is putting in a full effort that the teacher doesn't have to. There are some classes that I have taken where I knew the amount I was paying per credit hour wasn't worth the education I was receiving. It's times like those that I think tuition prices can be steep.
3) If you could go back to being a junior/senior in high school and go through the college application/selection process all over again, what factors would you take into account that you did not consider previously? Would you still pick UCF? Would you still have selected Interdisciplinary Studies as your major? Why/why not?
If I could go through it all again I wouldn't go straight to a four year university. I wasn't ready to deal with the environment or the mental and emotional aspects of it. I have never been shy about the fact that I didn't choose to be an Interdisciplinary Studies major. It was pointed out to me as what would fit best and would give me the best chance of finding a position in the working world. If I had to do it all over again, I think I would take more time looking over different programs and seeing which really fit me best. If that turned out to be Interdisciplinary Studies so be it.