Due to the current economic status, the necessity of a higher level of education has become an even hotter topic. Many successful jobs do not require college degrees, and the ability to succeed is not hindered by the absence of a college education. Many might find it surprising that some of the richest people in the world never attended college. However, some continue to debate that college allows more of a chance for financial success. The argument remains of utmost concern in the current, fiscally environment in which the youth are bent on achieving financial security immediately upon graduating from high school.
    An old German proverb states that, "Those who get lost on the way to school will never find their way through life." This proverb suggests that even as a young child, your actions reflect your future. In a way, the lessons school instills in a child, might mold a person into having valuable traits such as responsibility, which can correlate directly toward success later in life. Some may argue that college continues to provide helpful tools and supportive insight which will be useful in the future. Nevertheless, it is misleading to believe that the lack of a college degree means a total lack of determination and a goal-oriented attitude. 
    After graduating with a high school diploma, your main objective will most likely be to obtain some sort of work in the future. Many may find an interesting job which does not require a college degree. The assumption that the only way to receive a job opportunity with a high paying salary is with a college education is an inaccurate assessment. There are countless jobs available for those who choose to not attempt a college education. According to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and CBSalary.com, adults without degrees can obtain salaries up to $102,000 working in jobs such as an air traffic controller, funeral director, or operations manager. 
    Take a look at any list of the current richest self-made millionaires who had no college experience. Some include Steve Job, the founder of Apple, Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, casino/real estate developer Sheldon Adelson, high school dropout David Murdock, buyer of the successful Castle and Cooke and the Dole food company. In the past, Abraham Lincoln, Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, Harry Truman, and Benjamin Franklin all were examples of people who did not have any sort of college degree, yet had a significant impact on mankind. Other fantastic men and woman such as Bach, Picasso, Davinci, Mozart, and Shakespeare possessed talent without traditional schooling. A less conventional approach, although evidentially more risky, driven to an inner passion combined with talent, allows for less schooling and more time for developing artistic expressions. These examples establish that the priority of going to college is not needed. 
    As a result of today’s economic turmoil, labor economists continue to expect the unemployment rate for workers with bachelor or higher degrees to be reaching an all time high. In February, for instance, the rate reached 3.1%, a number experts speculate to be more accurately 4%. This figure is at a startling all-time high. In contrast, for those with only college degrees, the figures reached an 8.2%, equal to the national average at that time. These statistics recognize the curve college degree holders may have over simple high school graduates, yet having a college degree does not necessarily signify you will receive a job at all. As a side note, college costs are rapidly increasing and currently range from anywhere between less than $9,000 to even the daunting $35,000 or more for a single year. Despite the possibility that it may be difficult, with hard work and determination, a person can very easily choose a career pathway without excessive schooling fees. Do not feel restricted to acquiring a career requiring a college degree. Although often considered to be beneficial in the long run, the necessity of the time and cash to be consumed by a higher education is not necessarily for everyone. There are many other alternatives to gaining prosperity. Choose your career carefully by exploring all available options, keeping in mind what is personally desired for a good portion of the rest of your adult life to follow.