Do you need a college degree anymore?

HerMoney with Jean Chatzky

For years, we’ve been told that we need a college degree to get anywhere in life and that a college education is the most important thing for our careers. But lately, young people have been asking themselves: do you really need a college degree anymore?

Hannah Maruyama, one of those would-be college students, decided not to take that path. Now she’s making $100,000 a year working in AI and teaching other young people how to discover their passions without a degree. Her experience led her to found Degree Free, a community that helps people find good jobs without a college degree.

She shares the steps to take to decide if a college degree is the right path for you.

Chapters:

0:00 The Rising Cost of College and Alternative Paths

9:42 Applying for Jobs Without Meeting Qualifications

15:16 Deciding If College Is the Right Path

24:36 Career Paths Without College

27:43 Finding Apprenticeship Programs

33:30 Learning High-Value Skills

Takeaways:

• The cost of college has become astronomical, leading many to consider alternative pathways to success.
• There are various pathways to a successful career, including getting a job, on-the-job training, earning a license or certification, building a business, and learning a skill.
• It is important to consider financial needs and personal interests when choosing a career path.
• Critical thinking skills are valuable and can be developed outside of a college setting.
• Parents should have open and honest conversations with their children about the necessity of college and explore alternative options.

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The HerMoney with Jean Chatzky podcast is sponsored by Edelman Financial Engines. The podcast team and its host are neither employees nor clients of EFE, however, the show does receive fixed compensation and is a paid endorser and therefore has an incentive to endorse EFE and its planners. To learn more about the sponsorship, please visit PlanEFE.com/HerMoney.

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