Neil deGrasse Tyson on Whether It's Worth It to Go to College or Not (Part 31)

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In this clip, Neil deGrasse Tyson weighed in on whether or not college is worth it. While he admitted that college may not be for everyone, Neil described the best possible outcome of a college education is to teach students to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. At its most basic function, college should equip students with some type of vocational knowledge that they’d have to continue updating due to the rapid rate at which technology is developed.

[Windmill]

College isn't for everyone but everyone should have the opportunity to go to college. College costs need to be fixed though.

[branflakee]

I agree. The more math courses, physics courses, and research papers I did, the more I learned how to think things through and look at real world problems in a different way. You also learn how to network with people who will become leaders in their respective place.

[brucebunch]

HIS RESPONSE IS THE BEST IVE EVER HEARD IN REFERENCE TO THE PURPOSE OF COLLEGE. ONE OF OUR GREATEST THINKERS. HONOR THAT MAN!

[jasonawycoff]

I was always told, college merely shows you have the ability to learn or be trained. Advance degrees beyond a Bachelor’s degree show you have the ability to be an expert in a particular area.

[jabariksmith]

Neil is a great example for why college is still important.

[makaveli]

Just like anything in life, college is what YOU make it. It can be the most transformative educational experience of your life or it can be a complete waste of your money and time. It is up to YOU and what you do with your time in college, the relationships you form, the time you spend studying and learning

[MissRachiePooh]

Finally someone said it! School, at ALL levels, teaches you how to think and how to deal with other people you don’t know/are not related to. Sure, you can learn and specialize in different subjects, but the main goal is teaching you how to think, how to solve problems, people and social skills, etc. It also teaches you that in life, sometimes you’re going to have to do things you don’t want to do. There are people you’re going to have to deal with. There are subject matters and classes that are boring or difficult or whatever, but you still have to take them. But your learn how to think and how to persevere and how to deal with people.

[natedogg]

So I agree with Niel and Vlad in this case, I got a degree in Economics and now have a pretty successful business. Is all this due to the degree? No, but it taught me how to think critically and analyze opportunities. The problem is the high cost of getting a degree, I went to school in Canada and still had to pay off 45k plus in debt, I can't imagine how rough it must be for people in the States

[vinivola]

The best thing I've ever heard this man say and he has said many a great thing but the way he phrased what the college experience should be.

[Cassius-mv]

Neil has mastered the ART of patience having a conversation with someone who isn’t mentally on his level .
You don’t get where he is without that patience, something I struggle with Daily.
I love how he lets Glad speak his peace & is like “😒😑” “Yeah-OK” “So….”

[ramboslice]

I love that someone as educated and accomplished as Neil can appreciate the value of community college. Most ppl of his social status tend to look down on community college but it’s still some really good life skills to learn from and great courses that can lead to many in-demand industries from an associates degree, especially for young ppl who can’t afford to go to traditional super expensive universities. It’s good to hear someone like Neil respects that.

[marcushopkins]

My biggest regret is not finishing college. As a small business owner, most of my competitors are 15 years younger than me and have accomplished what I have in half the time.

[redcarpetfly]

I absolutely agree with Neil. College is so much more than learning a particular subject or field. It's about being a thinker, being exposed to different cultures and people, leaning life skills and time management skills. Going to college and getting my bachelors and then continuing on to get my graduate degree have been the best decisions of my life. I feel like undergrad better prepared me to be an adult. However, like Neil said, college isn't for everyone, I also feel like going into the military can also prepare you to become an adult. Whatever you choose, I do think there needs to be something kids do other than work (if possible) between graduating high school and becoming a young adult. That is a pivotal time and really becomes the foundation for your adult life.

[Sturdywell]

I went to school for an Accouting degree. Graduated in 07 to an empty economy. I became a professional Tailor, and work with all my old college friends turned clients. So its tricky for everyone, but you can adapt.

[rolio]

And while we're at it, let's not forget that college is a great networking experience... A lot of the people you meet in college will either be your lifelong friends or can and will assist you in whatever field you decide to go into.

[WarrenG-fvij]

BEST ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION BY FAR..WISH I HEARD IT BEFORE I WENT TO COLLEGE.

[The.omegafit]

Didn’t go to college joined the military. Treated the ppl I met individually and humbly. Those connections catapulted me into a private sector logistics job after 12 years of serving. It’s about network, work ethic, and chance as well. Only thing college guarantees the avg person is debt. No knocks just my perspective

[SLABSITY]

Prison has taught me how to think and deal with other people not college

[terrencetysor]

I learned this after college and now I don't do anything in my field of study. BA in psychology and philosophy but I'm making more by doing real estate. Crazy how after 18 years after college I've studied on my own about science and physics that I wished that would have been my major. Have a book about to drop too

[edwinjones]

I graduated ISU in 1973. It cost me $12, 000 for 4 years. I sang in a band and worked a part-time. I had 1 $3, 000 loan. It's ridiculous nowadays. It takes 20 years to pay off school loans.