<p>Well, I disagree with a lot of the sentiments here. I am a firm believer in the value of a strong liberal arts education at the college level, even in our current economy. When I think of the most successful individuals I know (high level positions, major bucks), they are not those that majored in engineering, accounting, business, or some other more job-oriented major. They are the liberal arts grads. Also, I am more concerned with longer term success (and job satisfaction!) than first job out of college success. A more ‘practical’ major may allow a graduate to land their first job a little sooner but 5 years out, I foresee little difference, and 10 or 20 years out, I think the liberal arts majors often have an edge on the corporate ladder in terms of communication and reasoning skills. I will encourage my children to follow their interests not whatever degree currently results in the highest starting salary. Some of our kids will eventually work in jobs we know nothing about or that haven’t been invented yet. 4 years of undergraduate education won’t be sufficient to compete going forward and most will continue their education and received advanced degrees where they can get more specific regarding their interests. I think it is unfair to expect most 18 year olds to really understand their options and interests. That’s what college starts to help them understand. Go on any college tour and you’re likely to find a good 1/3 or more of prospective students saying their plan is to major in biology. Then, ask admissions staff how many will declare themselves as biology majors by the end of their sophomore year. It’s usual only a fraction.</p>
<p>To add on, state universities are cutting back so much that it can often take a student more than 4 years to complete their education or they are in huge lecture halls getting taught by TAs. Not the education I want for my kids.</p>