Why Do High Schools Push College?

In the United States and many other countries, high schools place significant emphasis on preparing students for college. From college prep courses to guidance counselors focused on academic planning, the message is clear: attending college is the preferred path after high school. But why do high schools push college so strongly, and is this approach appropriate for every student?

This article explores the reasons behind the push for college, the benefits and criticisms of this approach, and how schools can better support students by recognizing alternative career paths.

Table of Contents

Why High Schools Push College

1. Higher Earning Potential

One of the primary reasons high schools encourage students to attend college is the belief that a college degree leads to higher earning potential. Research consistently shows that, on average, people with a college degree earn more over their lifetimes than those without one.

Example: According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median weekly earnings for workers with a bachelor’s degree are significantly higher than those with only a high school diploma.

High schools often frame college as the best way to secure a stable job and achieve financial success, which can be especially appealing in a competitive job market.

2. Job Market Demands

The modern job market increasingly demands higher levels of education and specialized skills, many of which require post-secondary education. High schools push college because they want to prepare students for careers that require these qualifications.

Example: Fields such as technology, healthcare, and engineering often require at least a bachelor’s degree or higher to enter the profession.

By steering students toward college, schools aim to give them the qualifications they need to remain competitive in industries where a college degree is often a minimum requirement for entry-level positions.

3. Social Mobility

For many students, especially those from low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds, college is seen as a path to social mobility. High schools view college as a way for students to break cycles of poverty, gain access to better job opportunities, and improve their quality of life.

Example: First-generation college students—those whose parents did not attend college—are often encouraged to pursue higher education as a way to access opportunities that their families may not have had.

High schools may push college as a way to provide students with the education and credentials needed to uplift their socioeconomic status.

4. Cultural Expectations

In many communities, attending college is simply the expected next step after high school. Cultural norms and societal expectations often promote the idea that going to college is a rite of passage and the natural progression after graduation. This expectation is reinforced by parents, teachers, and even peers.

Example: In some families, attending college is a long-standing tradition, and students feel pressure to follow in the footsteps of their parents or older siblings.

High schools may push college not only because of the economic benefits but also because it aligns with cultural values around education and success.

5. School Accountability and Funding

In some cases, high schools are evaluated based on their college enrollment rates. Schools with higher percentages of students attending college may receive better rankings, funding, or recognition. This can create an institutional incentive for schools to push college as the primary goal after graduation.

Example: Some school districts promote college-going rates as a measure of success when reporting to parents and the community, which can influence how much emphasis is placed on college preparation.

Because schools are often judged on how many students go on to pursue higher education, they may focus heavily on college as the perceived end goal of high school education.

Challenges and Criticisms of Pushing College for All

While there are valid reasons for promoting college, there are also challenges and criticisms associated with the idea that all students should follow this path. Not every student is best served by attending college, and some may thrive in alternative career paths that do not require a college degree.

1. College Isn’t the Only Path to Success

One of the major criticisms of the “college-for-all” approach is the assumption that college is the only path to success. In reality, there are many fulfilling and well-paying careers that do not require a four-year degree. Trade schools, apprenticeships, certification programs, and military service are all viable alternatives that can lead to stable, rewarding careers.

Example: Skilled trades such as plumbing, electrical work, and welding offer competitive salaries and job security without requiring a traditional college degree.

High schools that focus too much on college may overlook students who would excel in these fields or who may not be interested in pursuing a college education.

2. College Costs and Student Debt

Another criticism of pushing college is the financial burden that comes with it. The cost of attending college has risen dramatically over the past few decades, and many students graduate with significant student loan debt. For some students, the financial strain of paying for college may outweigh the long-term benefits, especially if they struggle to find high-paying jobs after graduation.

Example: According to the Federal Reserve, the average student loan debt in the U.S. is over $30,000, and many graduates face difficulty repaying their loans.

High schools that emphasize college as the only option may not fully prepare students for the financial realities of attending college or offer adequate guidance on scholarships, grants, and financial planning.

3. Not All Students Want or Need College

Not every student wants or needs to go to college to achieve their personal or professional goals. Some students may have different talents, interests, or career aspirations that don’t align with a college education. Forcing all students into a college-bound track can lead to disengagement, frustration, and even academic failure if they don’t feel motivated or supported in their chosen path.

Example: A student with a passion for entrepreneurship may choose to start their own business or enter the workforce directly rather than pursue a college degree.

Recognizing that students have unique strengths and goals is essential for schools to provide well-rounded guidance that includes both college and non-college options.

4. The Skills Gap

While there is a strong push for college, some industries are facing a skills gap due to a shortage of workers in trades and technical fields. Many of these jobs require specialized skills but not necessarily a four-year degree. High schools that focus solely on college preparation may inadvertently contribute to this gap by not promoting alternative pathways.

Example: Fields like manufacturing, construction, and healthcare often have unfilled positions because there aren’t enough workers with the necessary technical skills.

By encouraging students to consider vocational training or certificate programs, schools can help address the skills gap and prepare students for in-demand careers.

How High Schools Can Support All Students

While college is an excellent choice for many students, high schools should take a more holistic approach to post-graduation planning that acknowledges the diverse interests and needs of all students. Here are a few ways high schools can better support all students:

1. Offer Career Exploration Opportunities

High schools should provide students with opportunities to explore a wide range of careers—not just those that require a college degree. This could include offering career fairs, job shadowing programs, and internships in both professional and technical fields.

Example: A high school might partner with local businesses to offer internships in fields like healthcare, skilled trades, or technology, allowing students to gain hands-on experience.

2. Expand Vocational and Technical Education (CTE) Programs

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs can provide students with practical skills that prepare them for the workforce immediately after high school. By expanding CTE offerings, high schools can ensure that students have access to training in fields like automotive technology, healthcare, culinary arts, and information technology.

Example: A high school might offer a CTE program in welding or electrical work, allowing students to graduate with a certification that qualifies them for high-paying jobs.

3. Provide Financial Literacy Education

High schools should educate students about the financial realities of attending college, including the cost of tuition, student loans, and financial aid options. Offering courses in financial literacy can help students make informed decisions about their education and career paths.

Example: A financial literacy class might cover topics like student loan repayment, budgeting, and scholarships, helping students understand the long-term financial impact of their choices.

4. Promote Individualized Guidance

Instead of promoting a one-size-fits-all approach to college, high schools should offer individualized guidance that helps each student identify their strengths, interests, and goals. Guidance counselors should help students explore both college and non-college options based on their unique aspirations.

Example: A guidance counselor might help a student interested in becoming a chef explore culinary school, while helping another student apply to a four-year university for a degree in engineering.

Conclusion

While high schools push college for many valid reasons—such as higher earning potential and job market demands—it’s important to recognize that college is not the only path to success. Students have diverse talents and interests, and many rewarding careers do not require a four-year degree. By offering a more holistic approach to post-secondary planning, high schools can better prepare students for a variety of career paths, whether that involves college, vocational training, or entering the workforce directly.

Ultimately, the goal should be to empower students to make informed decisions about their futures based on their individual strengths, goals, and financial realities.