(PCM+) September Future Ed: Thoughts on Higher Ed

by Stephen Scott

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As an engineer, every one of my projects is justified by a standard term used in business or government: ROI, which is short for “Return on Investment.” It did not matter if the project was on the job at Conoco with a proposal to improve field communications, or with the government to upgrade security at an embassy, consulate, or a classified weapons facility. I had to justify my proposal to the “purse-string holders” demonstrating the benefits, and how the change it implemented would pay for itself. The normal, expected time frame for ROI was 10 years. I had one project that went so smoothly the ROI was less than 11months. Always, when funding was approved, the fun (or pressure) would start as it was time to “step up to the plate” and prove myself to the “powers that be.” 

To predict ROI requires the ability to project actions into the future and how they will “pay off.” Believe it or not, when you started school as a child, you were looking at around 12-13 years of commitment to reach the “pay off” of obtaining a high school diploma. But, at that point in life, a person should at least consider the “ROI” of extending their educational endeavor to include a college degree. Compared to 13 years of grade school, another 4 years is a minor investment of time. When you take into consideration that this decision affects your ability and potential standard of living for rest of your life, one can see just how important this deliberation can be!

A recent article by Chris Adams in “Go Banking” reported the results of a study of 30,000 bachelor’s degrees by the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity. Adams extracted data from the report to arrive at the ROI for the six most popular majors:

·      Engineering: $949,255

·      Computer Science: $652,391

·      Nursing: $618,709

·      Economics: $548,594

·      Business and Finance: $257,991

·      Fine Arts: -$88,505    

These figures are the difference in earned income, over a career, for an average person with a degree as compared to working a job that does not require one. Also, these figures are based upon going straight into college from high school, finishing the degree within four years, and having a planned retirement at the age of 68. The study reported that most college degrees have some level of ROI, but there is a large minority of degrees that never pay off.

On a side note, the study showed many 2-year Associate’s Degrees have no ROI, and 43% of Master’s Degrees actually leave the recipient worse off financially. However, pursuit of an advanced degree in law, medicine or dentistry can prove to be very lucrative. Finally, the report noted that people who graduated with a certificate from a trade school can often make more money than many people holding a Bachelor’s Degree, and they graduate must faster. A Vo-Tech education should never be a discounted option!

“Return on Investment” is only one factor for consideration when planning your life’s path. It should never be the only factor, as the overall goal should always lead to a job that is personally fulfilling.

The goal of the University Center in Ponca City is to help you find your path forward. The staff is there all year to assist, research and determine if college is the right fit for your personal goals. And when you are ready, the UC will be there to support the journey. Remember: At the University Center of Ponca City, your future starts here!          

At the University Center, our commitment is to develop high levels of quality relationships with our students. Our support staff works tirelessly to make sure that student needs are met and that our professors have the tools necessary to provide a high-quality education. 

We hope you will stop by the University Center and speak with us about the opportunities available to you. We have a dedicated staff ready to provide you with the tools to start your journey to earn a degree in higher education. The University Center is committed to bringing degree programs to Ponca City that our students need to be effective in a global economy.  We have a strong desire to see each of our students succeed and be ready to make a positive economic impact in our region.

We encourage you to begin today, and let us be the first to say, “Welcome to your future.” Please enjoy your visit to the University Center at Ponca City. To find out more about our programs, visit us online at www.ucponcacity.com