Blog #1: The Critical Connection Between Higher Education and the American Dream

With the rising cost of college tuition, there has been a decrease in the number of college graduates. According to research, by 2018 over 60 percent of jobs will require some form of post-secondary education. Currently, at this point roughly only 40 percent of American adults have an associate or bachelor’s degree. Compared to other places like South Korea which has about 63 percent of young adults with an associate or bachelor’s degree, American adults are lacking. The U.S. has also dropped to number 15 in the global college-attainment level for the young-adult population.  The percentages are a result of the significant increase of what it costs to obtain a college degree. This increase is way too much for people to handle. With this, employers are also having a difficult time finding employees that fit the criteria (as far as post-secondary education) that is recommended to fill their positions.  The article also gives a few ways to help boost the number of college graduates.

I believe that many of us, being that we are college students can relate to this article because of the recent increase in tuition in here at UNCG. I can personally attest that a few students that I met freshmen year are not here now because of financial aid issues, they simply couldn’t afford to be here. I’m sure that this is the case in many other areas. I understand that in the workforce many employers would like employees to have a post-secondary education however it is just not feasible for many people to afford the cost. One thing that article pointed out that I agree with is helping students find grants and scholarships. I don’t think there is much focus on giving students the information they need on how to pay for college. Yes, many students are awarded loans but eventually the student has to pay it back after interest has been applied and that amount is significantly higher than amount actually awarded. Therefore, more grants and scholarships could help lower the cost that students would have to borrow. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jamie-merisotis/the-critical-connection-b_b_1215874.html