Is College Worth It? - Dave Rant 

Short answer: It depends

Never went to college, paid $4210 on a dog grooming school. I make 50-60k a year as a dog groomer now with 0 debt

Spending 7 years at Hogwarts studying magic and wizardry isn’t the wise choice then?

Dave, are you telling me my $370,000 Doctorate in Underwater Basket Weaving is useless?

I have 2 semesters left of college. Graduating with a bachelors in biology. Will then be going to dental school to become a general dentist. Always had the end goal in mind. I am always confused when other students tell me they don't know what they're gonna do when they graduate. A guy in one of my classes said he's probably gonna work at a grocery store in his home town. You went thousands of dollars into debt for that?....

It should be illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to borrow money for anything. There is a law to prevent kids under 21 to drink. So why should debt be any different?

My son is a bartender and makes more money than most college grads. College is not for everyone.

$28,000 a year is like 12 dollars an hour. She's earning chump change and she owes a house-worth of student debt. College tuition is out of control.

Don't forget COLLEGE ISN'T THE ONLY FORM OF FURTHER EDUCATION! Learning a trade, online courses on computer science, etc...

I'm gonna be honest. I'm 34 years old and 18years ago...Not only I did not go to college, I dropped out of high school after freshman year. Fast forward I grinded out working from burger king to office account manager right now..my salary was less than 20k until I turned 21. I was hired as a salesperson at fashion district showroom and I was paid 40k a year. I grinded out with passion and did my best. By 25 I was making 60k a year....I got married and been working at the same company for last 10years...now my salary is 110k gross....... Not bragging about it. Just being honest that education is not a necessity, but a tool. Do and find what you love to do...and sky is the limit. I'm 34years old...high school sophomore drop out ..paid 110k a year as an account manager. Find your passion!

Goldman Sachs: is college worth it? Not so much. Also Goldman Sachs: we require college degrees to work with us and we pay well. 💀

It's about teaching kids critical thinking skills and how to research. I didn't call my kids stupid when they said they wanted to to art or music school. I had them look into the various options available in those career paths and we discussed whether or not they wanted to do those thing. We sat down with school advisors and truly looked into it. In the end they chose a science to study as a career choice and kept art and music as hobbies.

"...being a full-time feminist is probably not a career track..." LOL!!!

im 26 but in my senior year in high school i applied for a bunch of scholarships due to my grades and community involvement. I emded up winning $30,000 in check form scholarships. i was basically getting paid for going to college. College was a great experience for me. But if i did not win those scholarship, i would be in a trade like my father (rest in peace pops) feel bad for those in debt

I was very disappointed at the beginning of this video. Then, I had to realize that it's my fault for having student loan debt. I wish that I had parents who gave me good advice or paid for my college.

Why do people go to private colleges, that is your first problem.

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Yeah college should be reserved for those that actually major in a career that truly requires it. You need a college education to become a doctor, nurse (basically anything in medicine) engineer, lawyer. I'm sure there are a couple others- but really- if you're thinking about going to NYU to study the fine arts- yeah- may God help you.

I got a master's degree in Lesbian Dancing Theory. Somebody owes me a six figure job!

Only if the job requires it as part of your training. We do things backwards in America. Straight out of high school, you should find a job first and then work with your employer to get the necessary training. Rather than getting trained first for a job you may or may not have later.

I work at a University and here's what I see: International students that come from 2nd & 3rd world countries come here to get educated in STEM fields - they & their parents know they have to make good money to live, no matter if it's here or back home. They're raising themselves up or keeping themselves out of poverty. Also, they do not live high on the hog, even if their parents are wealthy or middle class. They live within their means and are very frugal. Many U.S. male citizen, first year University students, who are in college because their parents are forcing them to be spend their first year partying and often flunk out. The same goes for girls, but at a lower ratio. Males are still expected to be the breadwinners of the family. So that means, if you force your kid into a four year college, instead of finding out first WHAT they are interested in career wise - you are likely wasting time and money. If they'd rather go to a Vo-Tech and learn a trade, let them. They can always go to college later on, if they want to further their education. If they don't have a scholarship and you don't have the money to send them to college without them getting loans, it's best to let them go to a 2 year/Community college first. It's less expensive all around and it gives them the chance to decide what they are really interested in career wise, w/o wasting a lot of time and money. Not all kids are cut-out for college life. Classes are hard work and the temptation to party in the first year is huge, because the freedom can be overwhelming for some. So my advice, start having a LOT of conversations about this when they reach 9th grade and PARENTS - really listen to them. If you try to force them into college and they aren't ready or would rather learn a trade, let them go to Vo-Tech and or just get a job. One thing working will do is help them figure out HOW they want to spend the rest of their life. A dose of reality really helps!

Mr. Ramsey is becoming my new obsession. His wisdom is changing my life. Thank you Sir for all that you do.

Education is too expensive PERIOD.

In Germany college/Université is so munch different and a lot of jobs don't require College e.g. If you Wanne become a nurse you applie at a hospital for an apprenticeship it Takes 3 years (you earn about a 1000euro a Month in average in this 3 years) and After that you Are a nurse And earn a Full income (it's about 2500-3000euro ) a Month... And you can do this with a lot of other jobs eg. In logistics, accounting , Real Estate, Even in the Area of software Developing . Over here Most of the people go to college to become e.g. a Doctor, a teacher, an engenieer, a lawyer... People Kind of laught about you when you say my Major is Fashion or English history and ask you if you wanna become a Taxidriver

I have a philosophy degree and i make 70k. I used Pell grants (6-7k) per semester. You don't have to pay any of it back. I used that for the 1st two years at a community college. Then I transferred and started to use my GI Bill. Graduated with zero debt. I got my master and finished with around 10k in debt. Which will be paid off soon, I'm now making good money and I loved my college experience. It's knowing how to apply your degree to a sustainable market that's important, not everyone is supposed to be an engineer, doctor, or some techy.

The idea of higher learning was a privilege years ago. Now days a degree is equivalent to a high school diploma. If parents teach their kids the importance of delivering value into the market place kids would realize you don't need a paper certification as much as you need fresh ideas and grit to implement them.

The sad part is that we refuse to recognize that the high schools have not educated these children well enough to understand that it is an INVESTMENT and should have an ROI. I have no sympathy for a anyone who gets an art degree and can't pay it off.

If you live in Chicago, Illinois, don't go to college in Indiana. If you live in Hammond, Indiana, don't go to college in Illinois. If you live in Portland, Oregon, don't go to college in Washington. If you live in Vancouver, Washington, don't go to college in Oregon.

I did 2 years of college in high school (AA degree) and I paid not a cent for it. Our state has this program where they pay full tuition if you go to college full time during your junior and senior high school years. I never got a 4 year degree. I now make 105K a year in high tech. I feel so sorry for all the people walking out with 50-100K or more in debt. I bought my first house within 2 years of my first real job because no debt.

in most states you have to be 21 to gamble, why can you borrow thousands of dollars but you cant gamble? Seems like they are both almost as risky and both able to ruin someones life.

You can go to a community college pay less money and make more money than someone who has a 4 year degree how does that happen

College is worth it - if you can afford it. But tuition is sky-high right now because SO MANY people want to go to college. College USED TO BE the way to get a job. Not anymore. You'd be better off getting a job as a janitor somewhere and work your way up.

Totally agree with Dace here university is important but your work ethic and drive will take you much further. So many of my high school friends did useless degrees at bad universities and now have crazy debts

Never went to college. Went to apprenticeship and now, running an airport terminal, I'm making a third of a million dollars a year, gross. That's more than most college grads. It also comes without loans and I'm debt free

I'm currently a sophomore at a community college. I was about to transfer to a private university that I couldn't afford. The program of study I wanted to pursue is really good there, so I focused more on the program than what it would actually cost. I'm so thankful my parents put their arm around me and took me a step back to show me other options. It's not an easy choice to make when you're so young, but man does it help when you've got a good support behind you.

I remember pulling out of a prestigious Masters program a week before classes started in 2009. I did the math and realized that I was about to take on somewhere between $200K and $300K in debt (accounting for inflation and the 15 yr payoff) over the course of 2 years to get into a low-paying industry. Even in my shortsightedness back in 2009, something in me cringed at the idea of saddling myself with that much debt. I knew I couldn't predict all the ways it might negatively impact me. That scared me. I instead opted for an online (read: much less expensive) degree in a more lucrative field. There have been times when I questioned if I made the right choice. But then I look at the kind of life I'm leading now and how my heart and desires have shifted. I'm so glad I opted for the less expensive degree. I didn't know it at the time. But I was making a decision that would impact my future husband and babies. Ramsey's message to avoid debt *like the plague* seems sound.

Haha. I went to college for free and still have doubts about its worth.

Knowledge will make you rich, yet I don't feel college is the correct choice. I can buy books and learn it myself. The only thing missing is the title certificate. but I have alot more money in my pocket.

I know the military is not for everyone - but I learned everything I could and got a decent job.

Honestly, I should’ve stayed with Panda Express instead of getting my degree. I’d be working as a General Manager making more than 70k a year by now 🤷🏻‍♀️😩

I don’t know. Living in the age of technology, knowledge and information is mostly free with a quick search. Everything at college is so expensive not to mention the tuition itself. I mean the food prices on the campus resemble prices at a movie theater. 🙄

Short answer. If you want to be a doctor yes, if you want to work and figure out your niche absolutely not. I never did. Best decision of my life. 28 years old zero debt. With a very good living, unfortunately many of my friends who did go to college can't say the same but are in massive debt and will be working for the school for at least the next decade or two.

Great advice. Thank you for posting this and doing what you do.

Goldman Sachs says its not worth it but requires a college degree

Short answer: depends if the job pays you well

My employer has no entry-level position that doesn't require a college degree. While not all degrees are created equal, they have some value. What's dumb is going into $200K debt for any degree outside medicine and engineering.

That’s what I did before deciding a major. I looked at the average salary in the country and my local area. Then I took an accounting class and loved it. Now I’m working as an accountant. You gotta know the road map of your life. I coasted sometimes but I always knew my end game for college

Being a full time feminist isnt a good career field. I love you dave.

It’s amazing to me to see the lack of research ppl put into their major in regards to return on investment

Thanks Dave. You inspired me to pursue a masters in double handed puppetry !

Mr. Ramsey I appreciate the good message mixed with a little humor!

who needs college! you're my freaking college dude!

Wish I knew about trade schools five years ago when I first started college. Just need 30 more hours, but I think I'm going to drop out and go for electrician or radiologic technician. Don't make the same mistakes I made.

I agree with you Dave that education is a good thing when done correctly! Choosing degrees should not be taken lightly and should be studied beforehand. There are degrees that simply do not lead to good paying careers and a lot of students do not realize this! You're so right that parents are to blame for not directing their children in the right direction! Do some research before you 'invest' in a degree. Make sure the degree is worth something in the work force! Thanks Dave.

If you are planning to go to college, definitely go to community college and not get yourself in debt in a 4 year university. Despite the reputation community college gets its something I would encourage people to consider and try to get your Gen Ed’s out of the way without spending too much.

His rant at the end 😂😂 love it.

It's not grit, it's expectation, and the fear of letting everyone down.

My best friend of 15 years went to college right after high school. I joined the Marines instead. I'm 24 years old no debt and about to start school, and my best friend is 24 as well with over 30,000 debt. Her degree is in social work! Doesn't make sense to me

Grit. I agree. Learning outside college produces people as smart as college graduates. I parent my children to avoid school if loans are needed to attend. My time spent with my kiddos makes them smart because they learn “walk around sense” along with trade skills in building our own houses, repairing and constructing our own machinery, and professional skills from my former attorney days to understand the business of successful clients and the mistakes made by my unsuccessful clients. My goal for them: they will not be indentured to any lenders of credit. Thanks to Dave for honing my focus with his practical counsel.

Agreed on the subject of college, Dave. What everyone ought to learn is how to negotiate their salary for their first job out of college.

I’m 22 years old , I have no college education and I’m making 120 K a year and is just the beginning. I have over 650 K on debt , but my debt creates income .I think the secret of my wealth come from invest my money in real estate early in life. Every one have their own way to success same formula may not apply for you ... follow your heart and talent and money will follow ❤️

I just feel most people go to college just out of obligation on the stigma. They feel like they have to go. Yet when there’s a decent job for them that doesn’t need a degree.

Love this video. One of his best.

It depends on what school you went to, your final grades, the economy at the time, and what you majored in.

College is really about getting that "in" at the end of that degree and it really only applies to certain fields like engineering or medical. Getting that degree helps you get into the circles that are full of people looking for people to work for them. There are some other paths like law where you need to be able to study and be mentored, but yeah degrees are not the end all be all to a path of success. I don't think they are needed. Sometimes all you need is a certification and knowledge in the field. That grit Dave speaks of does do wonders. Successful people know how to finish the job and not get stuck spinning their wheels in the mud. There are just so many intangibles that college does not teach and you are kind of stuck figuring them out yourself.

I disagree! My 21 year old son decided to not go to college after high school and from age 18 till 21 he worked for a company and has worked his way up to Customer Service Manager making 40k at 21 years of age. My daughter did the same and she is now a manager of a restaurant and brings in 45k plus bonus at age 24. I think if you are a hard worker and a go getter you can achieve greatness without a college degree.

I agree, a second issue is that the large majority of employers require that the receptionist has a bachelor's degree! This is how I ended up with student loans...if you apply for most jobs with good benefits they ask for a graduate degree. It's insane. I live in NYC.

"Learning stuff is a smart thing." Love it.👌😄

But instead of laughing at them (and at the statistics) why not help them? Suggesting that the parents need to intervene was the best thing he said!!! One of the Dave Ramsey personalities should be a career and parenting coach to help these parents because many of them AREN'T ABLE TO PREPARE THEIR KIDS, AS THEY TOO MAY NOT KNOW ANY DIFFERENT!!!

Im not against college. It can be a great investment if it's done right, but people should go for the right reasons.

Woowwww!this is so true.I am just starting to see what I am working for since I graduted in 2010.

Great thoughts!

"They were ruined long before they got to college. College just exposed that they were twits". I love it!!!!

I would of loved hearing him talking to his kids about their future 😂

I went the trade school route and became a union electrician. One of the best decisions I’ve ver made in my life. I’m 25 and we make $47.85/ hr here in Portland, Oregon which comes out to just about $95,000/ year. When you add our benefit package it comes out to about $140,000/ year. No student loans or debt of any kind. I highly recommend going this route to anyone who is interested.

This is good advice

That's exactly why I joined the Army for the GI bill. It's just great!

if you didn't know any better, you would think that the only form of education is college by listening to Dave Ramsey

How? That cant be true I did bachelors in chemical engineering . no scholarships no grants 2 years county college not more than 10k which i paid cash while i worked simple 12$/hr job 2.5 years at university is 40k total. Got a job within a month out of college for 70k a year Paid loan in 16 months and still have tons of money to live Now at 29( 7 years after graduation) . job pays 130k as a management level with bonus And not stressful at all. So 8-9 years ROI is no way.

One thing I love about college for example, is if a family is low income and lacks education, they are severely limited in the opportunities they can provide their child. And when the child goes to college, they can meet great peers, learn to be on their own and get massively exposed to opportunities like research, creating relationships with world class professors, leading student groups, learning how to study, building confidence etc. Great video, Dave!

It depends. In 2008 I couldn't even apply for most jobs as I didn't have a degree. I'd get to the second page of the application and couldn't get to the next page without filling in degree subject, grade, uni, etc. I went back and got a degree and in 2012 started getting interviews. I didn't need the actual content of the degree to do the job, but just having those letters after my name made all the difference in getting someone to agree to even meet me. Every company I've worked for since has advertised jobs specifically to 'graduates'. They don't always care about the subject or uni, but the people upstairs just want the 'graduate' tag for some reason. It sucks that this is how employment works now, but it was a neccessary evil for me and others I know if we wanted to be even considered for a job.

Community college for 12k and a bachelor's for 23k. That's 35k. I make 110k/year. Wife, 40k student loans. She makes 70k/year. Just make sure you dont spend too much on college!

I love this so much.

The ending is brilliant!!!

I had no college degree and made 75k a year. Pluses a side business that made just as much. So I suppose it depends in my opinion. Having a skill is what makes you money and skills can be taught at other places besides college

Paid 30k for a biochemistry degree at a private college. I transferred after two years from community college to the private college. I was able to cash flow the whole thing and got married my senior year. Our household income is 100500 and I am about to graduate. Not bragging but college is good if you shop around and choose a good degree. I learned that hard work, ability to sell oneself, and a solid degree is good as long as you dont take loans. Or if you have to take loans, nothing over a crazy amount.

I think you are right Dave, I would have not studied music if it wasn't my calling, in my case I don't think university was necesary, yet it was a way of focusing my efforts in one direction. I worked weekends and holidays with the family and paid all my debts from degree through masters a couple months after completion. That was tough but nothing hanged on. Thanks for helping me out to think with a spending filter.

Yeah my parents barely finished elementary and weren't really able to guide me and the only thing they supported me was financially and they claim that was more than enough and the rest I had to figure out my self. I'm a college dropout with no insensitive for a career whatsoever, very few friends and no responsibilities beside a job and chores but I'm to that point of admitting that I guess they're right. It's on me. No one else to blame other than myself. If I ended up like my parents did (without a career or a better life) IT'S ALL ON ME. The blame and guilt keeps me down from moving on and this is a way I can talk it out cz no one knows me. Thank you for your time. Such an embarrassing "reason" to talk it out in person with ppl I know.

I agree with everything except about the part that college teaches kids how to succeed and act properly IN the work place. HA.

I've found that an Associates degree is the best route. I was easily able to work full time to pay for my Associates degree making $9/Hour while living at home and making $16/ Hour living on my own. I'm not rich, but I live a very nice, comfortable life. Hard work will take you places...

I love Dave 😂

We have a great alternative to college in Germany where you do a 3-year apprenticeship at a company. You alternate between school and work and already receive a salary. For most jobs, this form of education is perfectly adequate.

Study something that gives you a real world SKILL!! When s#%t hits the fan, the people who know how to build and fix stuff will be the most valuable members of society.

The real money comes from Technical college and it only cost about 4k-12k and you make 20k-50k. And you only go to school for 4 months or 15 months. Stupid degrees that don't pay are useless and stupid to pay. Think about the yearly salary before you go to that career.

THE KEY TO ALL SUCCESS IS DEDICATION AND HARD WORK.

I went to a private college with a great reputation, worked hard to cover my rent during school, earned a bachelor's in mechanical engineering, and landed a good job when I got done. I still found myself with >$100k in debt because of the loans I took to attend the prestigious school; basically, as a young kid when I started, I had no concept of any substantial debt and what paying it off felt like, so I wasn't concerned with the loans I was racking up. I had purchased cars with cash since I started driving and never used a credit card until I was talked into a 'college card' toward the end of school (I wish now that I would've stayed away from it, but the banker made it sound like a good idea at the time). Now I am kicking myself because I'm working alongside people that went to public universities and came out with much less debt and landed in similar jobs. Yeah, I do feel I received a substantially better education than my peers, but I have a very hard time believing the cost was worth it. I am currently scrambling to figure out what to do to get my life underway like I planned to do after graduation.

College is only worth it if you're prepared and know exactly what you're getting yourself into. There are too many people dragging their feet through it with a "C's get degrees" attitude.

I took "a year off" after High school in 2002. Turned into my never going to College. Never underestimate the power of hard work. No student loan debt, making 103/yr. ALSO, don't turn your nose up at working with your hands and learning a trade...plumbers making over 100k, too. Best wishes to everyone.

Need more Dave's rants

I must say as a young woman (20) the way a person shakes hands is very important. It tells about the person's character a bit. My father and grandfather as well as many family occasions where my uncles and great uncles shook hands with a little 3 year old me always took time to tell me which hand and to squeeze a little and later in life it has been a small but great thing to know when going to job interviews.