What Exactly Is College For? | Freakonomics Radio | Episode 500

[@dragonofparadise]

If economists think college is so good then maybe the government should pay a tuition instead of making a entire generation of nihilistic debt slaves who want to leave the country as we no longer want to be taken advantage off through student loans and a lack of universal Healthcare. We can vote for what we want and instead pay taxes to a foreign country that better aligns with our values. If enough of the younger generation leaves then a demographic crisis and fall in tax revenues will force political change or decline.

[@pdkmj]

I’m now 30 minutes into this. There still hasn’t been an answer to the question “what exactly is college for?” It’s just a lot of yapping about how college is good.

[@YahLion77]

20:00

[@mrmartywaring]

I believe there is still a place for college. Are there more ways to make it instead of college? Absolutely yes. However, college is still vital depending on the industry.

[@qdav5]

I agree. College was a great choice for me, but it isn't for everybody. I think most students going to college these days would be far better off going to a vocational school, or joining the military, or getting an apprenticeship. Students should definitely continue their education after high school, but college is not their only option and it is usually not the best option.

[@stephenbouchelle7706]

This will sound privileged and out of touch perhaps, but a liberal education - a broad background - makes life more interesting. My father and uncle served in the army in WWII. Both were already educated and many of the officers they worked with were educated. I believe that made for a more informed leadership. Lewis Thomas, the cancer researcher, said that aspiring doctors would be better coming from a liberal arts background than a hard science pre-med background. A liberal education will result in a citizen with better critical thinking skills.

[@AZTinstar]

Had to wait all the way to the end to hear mention of The Signaling Model??? C'mon, y'all can do better.

[@adcaptandumvulgus4252]

I thought it's an anachronistic institution created to make better soldiers?

[@adcaptandumvulgus4252]

Officers mostly

[@darrylloo4080]

College/jobs get you nowhere in life. Inflation will turn your savings and pensions into pennies. Job, pay bills. Invest, build wealth. Good luck with a job.

[@middletech]

If you raise a boy with out a father they won’t go to college. That’s a safe bet.