"ACT officials said the numbers are encouraging but still show too few students are prepared for college-level work. Only 21 percent of test-takers scored the benchmark indicating they are likely to succeed in college on each of the four exams -- math, English, reading and science. More than two-thirds hit the benchmark score in English, but barely one-quarter did in science.
"This doesn't mean they won't be successful and graduate from college, but it does increase the likelihood they will struggle or need remediation along the way," Ferguson said."
My theory is that a lot of students are going to college who maybe shouldn't be going to college. Too many of these colleges are worthless, but kids and parents want a college degree, period. So NNU can let them attend for four years, charge a small prince's ransom, hand them a piece of paper, and on they go .. no better educated than before.
Too many people I know have gone that route ... instead, we might look into some really fine vocational schools with real live practical uses for the training. AND at considerably less expense.
Does that makes sense?
I agree completely with the vocational school approach. They used to be a great alternative for those that didn't want to go to college (or couldn't afford it, or couldn't get it). I think we have gone too far in encouraging every kid to get a college degree. College isn't for everyone.
With that being said, I think most 4 year universities are issuing real degrees, and requiring pretty substantial work. There are many people that start college and never finish. I think it is a big jump to assume that college degrees aren't worth anything. Businesses would be screaming about it if that were the case.