Before I carefully navigate my way through the financial discussion, I will start with the basics of my stance. The first, and most important factor in your career decision should always be the likelihood of long term happiness. I know, it is cliche, but it is very true. I know far too many people who seem to just barely hang on until the end of the week! Anybody that looks at a Facebook news feed on a Wednesday or Thursday can attest to this phenomena. People are not meant to sit for 8 hours a day, staring at something (computer screen). This is why blue collar work can be very satisfying. There is something uniquely rewarding about being able to see the work you have done at the end of the day.
There is also little dispute that all people learn in different ways. Not everybody is the classroom type. I know quite a few people that would not enjoy playing a game of trivia with me, but would take great delight in fixing a busted hydraulic line on a skid-steer, replacing the blower motor of their furnace, and adding a tankless water heater for in floor heat in their basement. These are not things you learn in school. You learn them on the farm, on the job and in the real world.
The financial side of this is a little more murky, with a lot of variables, and I will not go too deep here. Everybody knows the ever increasing cost of tuition, that is a no-brainer. Tuition is rapidly outpacing the rate of inflation. It can be a very heavy burden to enter the work force with no guarantee of a good job and a pile of debt. http://www.smartonmoney.com/controversial-statement-of-the-day-not-everyone-should-go-to-college/ The earning potential gap disappears when you compare college grads to holders of certificates or licenses such as welders, metal fabrication, die makers, electricians, HVAC and mechanics.
Again, I am not saying college is a bad idea. I am just saying NOT going to college is not necessarily a bad idea either. There are many viable options out there in vocational and trade schools, as well as apprenticeships. The percentage of skilled tradesmen is decreasing every year, and this may pose a very serious problem in years to come. Having a trade is also a very powerful hedge in an economic downturn. Yes, I write this after having been laid off a while back, but I was also able to start my own company with the skills I had acquired over the years.
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