by This is the fourth entry in a mini-series (first “Earth was made for man;” second “Work is essential to human nature;” third “Essence of human nature”). Again, I’m using myth here in the sense foundational stories about “the way things are” (not mythical fairy tale).
| The Myth | The story | The challenge | Current state of challenge |
| A university education is the route to “the good life.”
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To improve one’s lot in life, one must get a degree from a good school. | But in a world of increasing educational options, the university is not the only ticket. T | MOOCs generated a little excitement and perhaps opened up some thinking, but not quite enough options….yet. |
he challenge here is probably the weakest in the series of four. And, of course, I am not advocating that one not get a university education! I am suggesting that there is increased questioning about the value proposition of higher education – particularly given the growing debt burden. I’m aware that the data still suggests that it pays off – for most. It is simply less clear that getting a good education will be the ticket to “success.” It’s become a discussion rather than a given. As more non-university options become available, the discussion will intensify. Stay tuned. Andy Hines
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