HIGHER EDUCATION?

College Graduation Rates Lag Behind World

According to the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, even though 35 percent of high school students go on to college, only 17 percent complete requirements for a degree. The US ranks 16^th among the 27 countries studied (members of Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development) despite being 5^th in college participation rates. Side note: The likelihood of a 9^th grader going to college has decreased to less than 40 percent.

For comparison, Australia has 31 percent participation and 23 percent completion; Germany is 23%/13%; and Korea is 48%/18%. (source: USA Today, 9/7/06)

College has become an expensive way to keep the unemployment numbers down. Parents pay for several more years of education even though their child may not have a focus or desire to participate in higher education. But, since there are no jobs offering a fair wage with just a high school diploma, kids go off to college to “kill a couple of years” having fun and pretending to be engaged. Hence, the high participation rate with no degree payoff.

Higher education needs to reconsider its mission: is it a business or an opportunity to pursue scholarly activity with experts in their respective fields? Is it really necessary to send twice as many students into the halls of education for a result of 50 percent (or less) graduates? Why not toughen the standards and only admit those with the skills and desire to compete?

There was a time not too long ago when a doctorate was something very special and “rare”; a master’s degree was a significant achievement and a lot of work; and a bachelor’s degree meant a high paying professional job. Now with degree inflation, only a terminal degree offers the highest wages; somewhere in the future, a college will begin to offer the “super-PhD” that will create a new “arms race” in education. There’s no doubt that there will be a demand.

There was a time in our history when a “B” student graduating from a US college was considered highly educated by world standards. The higher education system has so cheapened itself that “B” should be considered “failing” by the new world standard.

The US does have highly talented and smart students. It is a disservice to them that higher education caters to everyone simply for the money.

Prison: The New Welfare

Much has been written lately about welfare reform removing millions from federal and state support. Here’s where they are going: prison. In 2005, the number of sentenced inmates per 100,000 US residents was 488. That number represents the 5^th consecutive year of increases. In 2001, the number was 470 and in 2003, it was 482.

You don’t have to hurt anyone to go to jail, just do something stupid to get sentenced to a few years. While you are there, you can enjoy more benefits than you’ll get as a free person. For example, you’ll have a bed with clean sheets and be warm in the winter. You’ll get regular meals; have access to a workout facility; behavioral counseling; and possibly, college credits. As a working poor person, you get none of these benefits (unfortunately, you probably make too much money to qualify for whatever social programs are left that may assist you).

Going to jail is an extreme solution to being poor with no alternatives. But, considering quality food and the new skill you’ll learn, maybe it is worth considering. (BTW: the facts are real the suggestions are satirical.)

Odds and Ends

According to the US Census, there are 78.2 million baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964). In 2006, the oldest are turning 60. It looks like the AARP’s membership should be growing by significant numbers and having an impact throughout society, especially government. The US is in for an overhaul of thinking as these new “oldsters” will be much different than their predecessors. Remember, this is the group that coined the phrase “50 is the new 40.”

Finally, regarding minimum wage, here’s a thought: instead of raising the hourly wage to $7.25, why not keep it at $5.15 and waive all taxes and entitlement deductions? The real take-home at $7.25 won’t be $14,790; it will be minus Medicare, Social Security, state and local taxes, entitlement deductions such as unemployment, healthcare deductions and anything else that states want to dream up such as higher occupational privilege taxes. Isn’t that the ultimate slap in the face for poor people? Paying taxes for the privilege of working!

Unfortunately, the higher wages will result in lost jobs and the new wages won’t create any less dependency.

Higher minimum wage is not about eliminating poverty; it’s about more government revenue. If tax cuts for the rich are strengthening the economy, image what tax elimination for the poor will do to stimulate spending!

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