by Kevin Morris

Created on: July 04, 2007   Last Updated: July 05, 2007

Isaac Asimov once remarked that "It's a hurry up world, and its getting more hurry up all the time," and those words are even truer today. The world is becoming more productive, but simultaneously more centralized, specialized and driven by science and mathematics. Furthermore, traditional "sweat methods" of earning and saving don't seem to be as effective or exciting as they used to be. With that in mind, we will examine the pros and cons of another outlet for improved your economic standing, education.

Question #1: What is college?
Answer: Most students enroll in colleges and universities to acquire one of several types of academic degrees. The most common are the Bachelor of Arts and bachelor of sciences (B.A. and B.S.). Also, there are a variety of associates degrees and professional certifications available, along with a multitude of post-graduate programs (law school, medical school, etc.).

Question #2: Which degree should I choose?
Answer: This is an important question to ask, and one that goes hand in hand with deciding whether or not to enroll in college at all. Now, Associate's degrees are often pooh-poohed, but don't necessarily write them off. A variety of certifications in medical technology, clerical work and the like, while not a step to corporate success and millions, can still establish a career in stimulating environments and at a salary far greater than say a typical job waiting tables or tending bar (or stripping!). Furthermore, a great advantage of the A.A. degree is that it can be completed in two years, is uber-practical and almost guaranteed to be cost-effective.
As for the Bachelor's degree, a lot more subtlety is involved. For example, while the A.A. is almost assuredly vocation-centered, a Bachelor's concentration can run the gamut from engineering to accountancy to European history. Needless to say, these are enormous differences and a lot must be considered in deciding. The only advice I can give you is this: granted, college is often depicted as a four-year blow-off period with little at stake, I would assure you this is very far from the truth. Four years of your life is a huge chunk of time, and the money involved can add up quickly. As such, I implore you (students, parents, guidance counselors): if possible, pursue a bachelor's degree in one of the hard sciences (mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology), the applied sciences (engineering, nursing) or in the quantitative aspects of business (accountancy, finance, actuarial studies;

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