A lot of students struggle with the decision of going to college right after high school or going straight to work once they graduate. 

Many students are avoiding the college route in order to begin working right away. This is linked to all sorts of reasons including lack of money for tuition, lack of time and lack of interest. While some feel college is unnecessary in order to achieve their goals, others disagree and feel a college education is well worth the time, money and dedication needed. According to a research study, 66.7% of high school graduates enrolled in colleges or universities. In a survey of 106 students at Morton East, 74 students said they are going to college after high school and 34 said they are going straight to work.  

A lot of people feel that college is an essential part to growing up and becoming a successful adult. While many people argue that college simply drains you of money, others disagree.  

“People with a college education earn more money so they will have more money to spend and that makes your life easier. Of course, there is exceptions to this. Bill Gates, for example, didn’t have a college education but was a very successful person,” math teacher Lembit Ruutelmann stated after being asked his thoughts on the importance of college education.  

Some people can see the downsides and bright sides of personal health that both non-college career jobs and college career jobs. There are many jobs out there that can impact your health, however, what jobs affect the body the most. 

“It really does vary on the type of job you have,” Dean Mr. Dugan stated when being asked which scenario he felt was more beneficial to students after they graduate. He continued to give specific examples of situations. “Some people who went to college and work in an office might be overweight because he/she sits in an office all day,” he stated. “Construction workers who probably didn’t go to college most likely have back issues, knee problems etc.,” he concluded.  

Many students feel there are upsides and downsides to both scenarios- going to college or working right after high school.  

Junior Guadalupe Vargas stated, “You don’t waste money on school, for example, what if you end up dropping out? You still owe money but if you work right away you don’t end up in debt and you’re still financially stable,” after being asked her opinion on going to work rather than college.  

She later gave her opinion on going to college right after high school as well. “If you go to college you can get a career not just a job. You could get a career doing something you love and although you will still owe money with your career and good salary you could be making more than what you’re going to end up owing.”   

Some students feel that not going to college gives a bad stigma but overall isn’t as bad as people make it out to be. They feel people can still be successful without getting a college education.  

“My dad is raising 4 kids in his own house. He is the manager of Safelite Autoglass which he had to work for to get that spot,” Sophomore Cristian Perez stated.  

Despite all the debate over whether college or work should be pursued after high school, a lot of students already have their future planned out for themselves.  

“My plan after high school is to attend a university, either Dominican or Western, and I’m going to pursue a career as a neonatal nurse,” Senior Abigail Loza stated after being asked what her plans for her future are.