Are university degrees overrated?

I probably was in middle school (1980s) when I first heard (from a teacher) that "not everyone should try to get a university degree." His arguments were (if memory serves me well) similar to the ones that I hear nowadays (2025):

1. Too expensive
2. Many will not graduate
3. Even if you graduate, you might not find work in your field
4. There is a need for good carpenters, plumbers, welders, nurses (university degrees were not required for them at the time), secretaries, mechanics, and other "blue-collar" workers, and they make good money faster!

I did not follow that advice. Following my parents' advice, based on their friends' experiences and unfulfilled aspirations (none of my ancestors had even pursued formal education beyond elementary school), I did go to college and earned a Bachelor of Science (Computer Engineering), a Master of Business Administration (international concentration), and a Doctorate (Ph.D. in Management). Intriguingly, the four arguments above seem even more true now than they were back in the 20th Century! 

• I went to one of Mexico's most expensive universities (thanks to generous scholarships and loans), Monterrey Tec (tec.mx/en); for the first few years, I wondered why I didn't choose a state university instead, but the opportunities I was able to seize there now make me glad about those choices! 
• I saw many fellow students drop out before finishing their studies. 
• I have used the knowledge I acquired, but haven't worked as a computer engineer "properly."
• The last time I paid a plumber, I was well-impressed by his work ethic (even though it was the third time I had called him for the same problem). The studies I have been exposed to give me confidence that specialization is the way to go: I do my job, they do theirs, and each of us charges a market-based price for our services.

Beyond my personal experience, I have set out to compile evidence that my experience is not unique. I have good friends who are advising their children to get a trade-school education instead of going to college. I can see their best intentions. When it comes to my children, I cannot give that advice. If it were up to me, I would encourage every one of my children, my nieces, my nephews, godchildren, and anyone willing to listen to GO TO COLLEGE and EARN THE HIGHEST DEGREE YOU CAN!

Why? Here is some of the evidence supporting my advice:

• Education is highly correlated with income and (negatively) with unemployment. If you search "BLS education pays," you will find the latest link to the following infographic (https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2025/data-on-display/education-pays.htm): 

• It follows that education may be directly linked to wealth (which is different from income), such as retirement savings. For example, Gallup recently published this figure (https://app.e.gallup.com/e/es?s=831949997&e=3981266&elqTrackId=efd74c1a1b7a40299e524d6e5aa03bea&elq=72212bfdebd7464093a464e8f61c5540&elqaid=15279&elqat=1&elqak=8AF5771A933B3CC341659AEB009DBC1466EE4E2B91DF6C79629EBEEACDFBC5C04086):

...and many other indicators, such as philanthropy, marriage stability, children's academic success, and so on. I intend to bring together here more arguments that, expensive as it may be, higher education is worth the investment.

Thank you for reading!

Clarion's HRM major aligns with Society for Human Resource Management guidelines

The Society for Human Resource Management has acknowledged that Clarion University’s human resources degree is renewed for alignment with SHRM’s “HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates.” Throughout the world, 308 programs in 232 educational institutions have been acknowledged by SHRM as being in alignment with its suggested guides and templates.

The “HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates” were developed by SHRM to define the minimum HR content areas that should be studied by HR students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The guidelines, created in 2006 and revalidated in 2010 and 2013, are part of SHRM’s Academic Initiative to define HR education standards taught in university business schools and help universities develop degree programs that follow these standards.

SRHM is the world’s largest association devoted to human resource management. Representing more than 250,000 members in over 140 countries, the Society serves the needs of HR professionals and advances the interests of the HR profession.

This recognition involved a conscientious study of courses offered for this major. Administrative Science professors Gustavo Barboza, Ning Chen, Tony Johns, Miguel Olivas-Luján and Chad Smith, and Economics professor and chairperson Rod Roehsler, verified that the coursework required of HRM majors included all the guidelines and recommendations made by SHRM's Academic Initiative. The Academic Initiative defines human resources education standards taught in university business schools and helps universities develop degree programs that follow these standards. SHRM confirmed the recognition that will be valid until December 2016.

The recognition is important for both students and employers interested in personnel management. Clarion's HRM majors learn about professional management of employees and how to maintain compliance with company stakeholders. Companies in need of well-trained HR professionals can be reassured that Clarion's students exceed the minimum content areas recommended by SHRM. Professors in the Administrative Science department are able to identify the students with the highest potential for these positions.

To provide opportunities to enhance leadership and administrative abilities, Clarion University invites students of any major to join its SHRM student chapter, where they can serve as an officer and participate in local, regional and national events. Student chapter members have access to most of the services that professional SHRM membership provides, for a fraction of the cost. To join, email Dr. Miguel R. Olivas-Luján, chapter advisor at Clarion and a long-time member of the society who has served in its Global HR Expertise Panel and other international bodies. Senior HRM student, Tabatha McCormick is President.

SHRM, formerly called the American Society for Personnel Administration, was founded in 1948. It has more than 575 affiliated chapters within the United States and subsidiary offices in China and India.

Clarion University College of Business Administration master's and bachelor's degree programs are also accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).

Clarion University is the high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience.