Higher education can serve so many different purposes and sometimes it is difficult to measure the true value of getting a degree. Before trying to connect higher education to success, people have to define what success means to them. There are certainly vocational benefits to higher education but going to school is more than just about getting a particular job. Rather, education is also about personal betterment which can take the form of a more educated citizenry and a broader worldview. In general terms, here are a few thoughts on whether a higher education is the only road to success.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
As mentioned, higher education can open a number of doors that can lead to particular jobs and vocational destinations. There are certain fields that almost always require particular degrees, so if people want to pursue those types of jobs they will have to go to college. However, this does not mean that people cannot get "good" jobs if they do not pursue higher education. People can get hired into certain positions due to their particular gifts and skills. In addition, people might start their own companies and be very successful from a vocational standpoint without any type of advanced degree.
A broader look at life
Many people see education as a way to train for certain jobs. However, education is also about learning new things, broadening one's perspective, and being exposed to a variety of cultures and environments. Again, people can expose themselves to many of these opportunities without attending class. Individuals can travel or visit other places. In addition, plenty of people educate themselves simply by checking out a lot of books from the library. However, there is a certain value to the college experience that can be difficult to duplicate in other environments.
Work, work, work
Finally, there is the element of effort, which can be the great equalizer in many different environments. Even if people have the opportunity to educate themselves, they do not necessarily take full advantage of the intellectual opportunities. The success is often obtained when people are willing to put forth a sizable effort and have the perseverance to see things through. In that regard, success is often about work ethic, which is not necessarily exclusive to a higher education environment. If people want to succeed in life you have to be willing to work hard at whatever they do. Those that pursue education may have particular opportunities, but they are not the only ones who can succeed.