Owen And Sawhill Analysis

Aarju Patel
Professor Quirk
UCWR:110
28 October 2016
Who Really Should Attend College
In the most recent debates regarding higher education, a particular issue of whether a liberal arts education can benefit students is relentless. While most people directly connect a liberal arts education to a bright future in terms of a career, others argue against that. On one hand, Sanford J. Ungar strongly believes that despite some hardships that come along with college, everyone should take the opportunity to go. On the other hand, Charles Murray, Stephanie Owen, and Isabel Sawhill suggest that it can depend in terms of money and only those that are academically capable and enjoy learning should attend college. My view is that although some students
"We see that just not all college degrees are equal, neither are all high school diplomas" (Owen and Sawhill 216). Meaning getting a degree in one occupation, doesn't mean will result in the same pay as getting a degree in another. I agree with Owen and Sawhill up to this point but if everyone saw this as their number one priority, then it could possibly bring up a major issue. A lot of college students currently choose their majors based off what they feel will give them the most money in the future. This not only results in them stuck with an occupation they highly dislike but a lot of the times they are not good at it. For example, it takes an intense amount of hard work in order to become a doctor however, many students that don't have an interest in the sciences nor have the academic ability to pursue this occupation are still choosing this field. The focus of an college education completely shifts as a result because what used to be an open window for new experiences and learning whatever students want, has become something students only look for because they know it will earn them money. Instead, if these students that may be not academically prepared to choose such an intense occupation chose what they truly desire, then it would make them much more successful in the future. These views of Owen and Sawhill are addressed in Sanford J. Ungar's essay as
Ungar supports the liberal arts by explaining common misperceptions that the liberal arts education typically receives. Ungar mentions that people start questioning the relevance of a liberal arts education when they are struggling economically. He demonstrates the various misconceptions of liberal arts people have, for example he claims that liberal arts degrees are not only exclusive to the wealthy. While many families are struggling financially, one way to turn that around in the future is through a liberal arts degree. Ungar admits that due to the government's tremendous lack of spending on the system of education, many people feel as if they cannot afford college. While college can cost a fortune, Ungar believes that it is worth it for every individual to go through because as a result students will be able to live on their own and life will be easier now that they have skills that higher education provided