Based on my personal experience I agree with this statement. In the company I currently work for it is nigh-near impossible to advance beyond the level above me (with a salary cap of ~$16/hr.) if you do not have a college degree. In the last round of promotions to that level at least 50% of people promoted had college degrees, and another 25% were actively working on one.

Although a college degree is a key to get you in the door, I think more emphasis needs to be placed on what qualities you need after you get through the door. For example, in-depth knowledge of something technical and well-developed social and networking skills.

And in my field, a master’s degree is looked at with no difference to it than a bachelor’s degree (and heaven FORBID you have a bachelor’s of arts rather than a bachelor’s of science!!).

I think kids today KNOW that college is important, and in many cases don’t question whether or not they should go but what type of college they should go TO. My sister is 15, and I think she’s always KNOWN that she WILL be goin to college – but I have a feeling she’ll be doing the small community college type gig. But that is simply because of economics. (I was lucky enough to be blessed with a full ride scholarship, she won’t have that luxury).

Great topic as well. I was an elementary school teacher for 27 years (now retired) and i always worried that we did not press the importance of college education (or financial education) as much as we should have.

I think your right that the person behind the degree really is the key factor, but there are also the cases of individuals that cheated or slid through college, got passing grades and ended up with a prestigious degree and great job that they are no good in because they never really tried. In those cases, the degree is worth more than the person I think.

Have fun at the wedding!