Author Topic: The university degrees that may add nothing to lifetime’s salary  (Read 3937 times)

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Offline CactusCarlos

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The university degrees that may add nothing to lifetime’s salary
Posted by El Pinko on Fri Feb-01-08 12:38 AM



http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/article2403006.ece


The university degrees that may add nothing to lifetime’s salary
Alexandra Frean, Education Editor
The expansion of university education has reduced the value of some degrees to zero, as more young people join the workforce as graduates, research suggests. Recent male graduates in arts and humanities are earning no more than those who left education after A levels, a study from the Institute of Education has found.

....

Anna Vignoles, Reader in Economics of Education in the department of economic, social and human development at the Institute of Education, who led the study, said that a university degree still had a high value in the labour market. However, a surplus of graduates in some nonscientific subjects could mean that those with degrees in the arts or humanities may soon find that they are not able to earn enough to compensate for the amount that they paid for their university education.

“New graduates in these subject areas are earning similar amounts to those with just A levels,” she said. “Some graduates in highly valued subjects, such as accountancy, will continue to profit from the amount they spent on their degrees. But others may gain only a small, or even a nil, return to their investment in higher education.” She added that graduates in arts and humanities subjects, such as history, art, French or English literature, had among the lowest earnings.

Quote
Yup, history degree here. This country has little use
Posted by Rex on Fri Feb-01-08 12:47 AM

for history, English, art and the humanities. Just football and *****. 
« Last Edit: January 31, 2008, 11:50:40 PM by CactusCarlos »
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Offline Rebel

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This is news to them?  :lmao:
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Offline Chris_

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Re: The university degrees that may add nothing to lifetime’s salary
« Reply #2 on: February 01, 2008, 12:00:44 AM »
If they want to pursue their interests in an arts/humanities degree, that's fine, but they need to accept that they really won't get anywhere in related fields.

I chose radiography not only because it interests me, but I know I can make something of myself, even as a technician.
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Offline Lord Undies

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Re: The university degrees that may add nothing to lifetime’s salary
« Reply #3 on: February 01, 2008, 12:08:10 AM »
Without football and *****, everything else is meaningless anyway.   :rotf:

Offline CactusCarlos

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Re: The university degrees that may add nothing to lifetime’s salary
« Reply #4 on: February 01, 2008, 12:33:07 AM »
Without football and *****, everything else is meaningless anyway.   :rotf:

He said football and ***** like they're bad things.  :mental:

"The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism, but under the name of liberalism they will adopt every fragment of the socialist program until one day America will be a socialist nation without ever knowing how it happened."
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Offline FlaGator

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Re: The university degrees that may add nothing to lifetime’s salary
« Reply #5 on: February 01, 2008, 06:57:35 AM »
I guess some libs are truly surprised that they aren't raking in the dough having graduating with a C average and a B.A. in Woman's Studies.
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Offline jtyangel

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Re: The university degrees that may add nothing to lifetime’s salary
« Reply #6 on: February 01, 2008, 07:26:01 AM »
If they want to pursue their interests in an arts/humanities degree, that's fine, but they need to accept that they really won't get anywhere in related fields.

I chose radiography not only because it interests me, but I know I can make something of myself, even as a technician.

You bring up another interesting facet. I don't believe pell grants should be used for useless degrees. They should be used only for marketable degrees that will actually better the individual coming out of college since the nature of the pell grant is a grant to those below a certain income level and I would assume one of the goals is for them to improve their socio economic level. It's wasteful to allow a pell grant to be spent on something that is not marketable. Arts and humanities degrees can be pursued on someone's own dime once the meat and potatoes degree is finished OR via student loans if they are that passionate about it. And I'm speaking as someone talented enough to be pursued in high school for my artistic abilities so I certainly find value in the creative arts, but to me they are a personal endeavor.

Offline jukin

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Re: The university degrees that may add nothing to lifetime’s salary
« Reply #7 on: February 01, 2008, 10:11:25 AM »
Although the "arts" degrees are very easy to get the "science" degrees get you the money.  Go figure.
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Offline Chris_

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Re: The university degrees that may add nothing to lifetime’s salary
« Reply #8 on: February 01, 2008, 11:51:52 AM »
If they want to pursue their interests in an arts/humanities degree, that's fine, but they need to accept that they really won't get anywhere in related fields.

I chose radiography not only because it interests me, but I know I can make something of myself, even as a technician.

You bring up another interesting facet. I don't believe pell grants should be used for useless degrees. They should be used only for marketable degrees that will actually better the individual coming out of college since the nature of the pell grant is a grant to those below a certain income level and I would assume one of the goals is for them to improve their socio economic level. It's wasteful to allow a pell grant to be spent on something that is not marketable. Arts and humanities degrees can be pursued on someone's own dime once the meat and potatoes degree is finished OR via student loans if they are that passionate about it. And I'm speaking as someone talented enough to be pursued in high school for my artistic abilities so I certainly find value in the creative arts, but to me they are a personal endeavor.

That's not a bad idea, Jty.    However, some folks are able to make successful use of their degrees, but I consider them exceptions.  For example:

  My sister is still working on her degree in the arts, but she is so talented at what she does (need to get some of her artwork photos off of MySpace and post them here), that quite a few wealthy folks have been commissioning her to do work for them and it's been paying her more than enough to finish paying for that degree.   She worked her butt off to get to the level of talent she has.   I consider her an exception to the rule.  Besides, she does have a scholarship that pertains to her field. 
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Offline jtyangel

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Re: The university degrees that may add nothing to lifetime’s salary
« Reply #9 on: February 01, 2008, 12:00:30 PM »
If they want to pursue their interests in an arts/humanities degree, that's fine, but they need to accept that they really won't get anywhere in related fields.

I chose radiography not only because it interests me, but I know I can make something of myself, even as a technician.

You bring up another interesting facet. I don't believe pell grants should be used for useless degrees. They should be used only for marketable degrees that will actually better the individual coming out of college since the nature of the pell grant is a grant to those below a certain income level and I would assume one of the goals is for them to improve their socio economic level. It's wasteful to allow a pell grant to be spent on something that is not marketable. Arts and humanities degrees can be pursued on someone's own dime once the meat and potatoes degree is finished OR via student loans if they are that passionate about it. And I'm speaking as someone talented enough to be pursued in high school for my artistic abilities so I certainly find value in the creative arts, but to me they are a personal endeavor.

That's not a bad idea, Jty.    However, some folks are able to make successful use of their degrees, but I consider them exceptions.  For example:

  My sister is still working on her degree in the arts, but she is so talented at what she does (need to get some of her artwork photos off of MySpace and post them here), that quite a few wealthy folks have been commissioning her to do work for them and it's been paying her more than enough to finish paying for that degree.   She worked her butt off to get to the level of talent she has.   I consider her an exception to the rule.  Besides, she does have a scholarship that pertains to her field. 

That was my thought--scholarships and private grants could pay for artistic endeavors. Plus art is one of those fields where the naturally talented really don't need a college degree to be successful, but if they are very talented they will indeed be sought after. A lot of being successful in the arts too has to do with 'getting found' and being persistent enough pursue. I have no less then two friends who have had photography showings in the very competative area of South Florida. One was 'found' and the other was persistent, neither have a college degree in the arts. Same for my friend that works as a graphic designer.

There are also plenty of technical degrees if an artistic should choose to pursue something that will also give them stability with regards to income. Certain areas of engineering, teaching, architecture, and landscape architecture. The idea is to funnel that creativity into something useful. The artist is still not hindered from pursuing their particular passion on their own.


Offline Splashdown

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Re: The university degrees that may add nothing to lifetime’s salary
« Reply #10 on: February 01, 2008, 12:37:13 PM »
I earned an English degree. I received Pell grants and student loans, and paid the loans off. I'm working within my major. My wife and I own a house, I have a career I'm proud of, and a pretty happy life.

I'll never be rich,  but so what?

Of course, I graduated almost 20 years ago, so there wasn't quite a glut of students with degrees.

In my experience, it isn't the degree that's marketable, so much as it is the employee.

But what the hell do I know about life? I'm just an English major.
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Offline Chris_

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Re: The university degrees that may add nothing to lifetime’s salary
« Reply #11 on: February 01, 2008, 12:54:37 PM »
I earned an English degree. I received Pell grants and student loans, and paid the loans off. I'm working within my major. My wife and I own a house, I have a career I'm proud of, and a pretty happy life.

I'll never be rich,  but so what?

Of course, I graduated almost 20 years ago, so there wasn't quite a glut of students with degrees.

In my experience, it isn't the degree that's marketable, so much as it is the employee.

But what the hell do I know about life? I'm just an English major.

Hear! Hear! Another "useless" English major. It was the best prep for homeschooling I can think of. We'll never be rich either. I had loans (paid off many, many, years ago) and pell grants and managed to use what I learned to educate 2 very intelligent young men. I don't have one regret.

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Offline guest

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Re: The university degrees that may add nothing to lifetime’s salary
« Reply #12 on: February 01, 2008, 01:37:51 PM »
I never even said anything about wealth being involved, so some folks have no need to be so defensive.  If people want to get a degree in a certain field, go for it.  If it makes you feel fulfilled, and you've made it work, that's even better.  My sister is making it work, and I see other folks here who have made it work, because they clearly worked hard for it.

Who I was going after were the DUmmies who were whining about it.  They seem to think arts and humanities  majors should make more than us science majors, especially in the medical field.  BullCRAP!  We're the ones who are taking risks, holding the LIVES of others in our hands.

Starting out, I won't be making much money as an MRI technician, but that's the case in many fields.   And I get the feeling that if Hillary wins, that could be made permanent. 
« Last Edit: February 01, 2008, 04:12:32 PM by ACrazyConservative »

Offline DumbAss Tanker

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Re: The university degrees that may add nothing to lifetime’s salary
« Reply #13 on: February 01, 2008, 06:18:42 PM »
I earned an English degree. I received Pell grants and student loans, and paid the loans off. I'm working within my major. My wife and I own a house, I have a career I'm proud of, and a pretty happy life.

I'll never be rich,  but so what?

Of course, I graduated almost 20 years ago, so there wasn't quite a glut of students with degrees.

In my experience, it isn't the degree that's marketable, so much as it is the employee.

But what the hell do I know about life? I'm just an English major.

As did my wife, she did pretty OK, after all, she married me.   :-)
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Offline PatriotGame

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Re: The university degrees that may add nothing to lifetime’s salary
« Reply #14 on: February 01, 2008, 06:29:29 PM »
Quote
Yup, history degree here. This country has little use
Posted by Rex on Fri Feb-01-08 12:47 AM

for history, English, art and the humanities. Just football and *****. 

Yup!
***** at the DUmp has little value to ass slamming fags
Sucks to be you, eh?
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Offline PatriotGame

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Re: The university degrees that may add nothing to lifetime’s salary
« Reply #15 on: February 01, 2008, 06:33:45 PM »
I earned an English degree. I received Pell grants and student loans, and paid the loans off. I'm working within my major. My wife and I own a house, I have a career I'm proud of, and a pretty happy life.

I'll never be rich,  but so what?

Of course, I graduated almost 20 years ago, so there wasn't quite a glut of students with degrees.

In my experience, it isn't the degree that's marketable, so much as it is the employee.

But what the hell do I know about life? I'm just an English major.

I sure as hell wouldn't want to meet you in a dark alley while carrying a Scrabble board!  :tongue:
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Offline Splashdown

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Re: The university degrees that may add nothing to lifetime’s salary
« Reply #16 on: February 01, 2008, 07:01:13 PM »

I sure as hell wouldn't want to meet you in a dark alley while carrying a Scrabble board!  :tongue:

I can kick a crossword puzzle's ass, too! Don't get me started!  :bird:   :-)
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Offline ReardenSteel

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Re: The university degrees that may add nothing to lifetime’s salary
« Reply #17 on: February 01, 2008, 07:15:07 PM »
Quote
Yup, history degree here. This country has little use
Posted by Rex on Fri Feb-01-08 12:47 AM

for history, English, art and the humanities. Just football and *****. 

Yup!
***** at the DUmp has little value to ass slamming fags
Sucks to be you, eh?

Ah, so that's what ***** is.  :lmao: Thanks for saving me the trouble of visiting that intelectual cesspool.  :cheersmate:
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Offline debk

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Re: The university degrees that may add nothing to lifetime’s salary
« Reply #18 on: February 01, 2008, 07:39:49 PM »
The article cited was written in England regarding degrees from English universities... ::)


I have one of those "arts" degrees....I have a Bachelor of Arts degree. I was in college from 70-74 at Northern Illinois University.

There were a variety of majors under that category.....yes...there were all the true Arts...Art, Music. There was also History, English, Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Political Science among others.

I paid for my own education...and no, I have never done what I had hoped to do upon graduation. I had hoped to work with troubled teens at Boys Town in Omaha Ne. However, back then, I was 21, 5'4", 94lbs and looked like I was 15. They would not hire me because of the way I looked!!! Not because of a lack of qualifications or ability to do the job...but because they couldn't guarantee my safety because of my size and appearance.

I worked in retail management for a while, then went to work for Xerox. Neither cared what my degree was in...but that I had obtained a degree. Many companies are still that way.

Just because one chooses to not pursue a Bachelor of Science degree...does not make that individual any less entitled to a Pell Grant or any other type of assistance.

Most students, now days, already know what they can do with any particular degree and what their potential earnings will be.....there are certainly enough resources the gleen the information from.

Besides....those of us with those insignificantly shallow degrees ....are wizards at Trivial Pursuit. :tongue:
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Offline dandi

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Re: The university degrees that may add nothing to lifetime’s salary
« Reply #19 on: February 01, 2008, 09:58:19 PM »
Quote
Yup, history degree here. This country has little use
Posted by Rex on Fri Feb-01-08 12:47 AM

for history, English, art and the humanities. Just football and *****.

A man must attend to his basic survival needs, first and foremost.

He did leave out barbeque, beer, auto racing and Chuck Norris movies, though. 
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Offline Chris_

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Re: The university degrees that may add nothing to lifetime’s salary
« Reply #20 on: February 01, 2008, 10:03:43 PM »
I remember the last history major I met. 

He was the fry cook.
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