Do you need a university degree?

Many people believe that everyone needs a university degree, and that life without one goes downhill. But is that true? There are a lot of stereotypes around diplomas. Let's look at the most common reasons people give for going to university and what stands behind them in reality, so it's easier to decide whether it's right for you.

Good reasons to get a degree

1. A profession you can't learn on your own. This is probably the only truly objective reason. You can't become a doctor or a chemical engineer without long, specialized training, and some professions won't let you work without a diploma at all. University gives you supervised training and a base to practice your skills.
2. Learning how to learn, and a broader outlook. University teaches not only a profession but also how to find and process information, so you can master new things on your own later. That helps you adapt to change. You can learn this without a university, but studying gives you a clear time frame to do it. Programs also usually include general subjects — psychology, philosophy, economics, sociology, law. Knowing the basics won't hurt.
3. A smooth transition to adulthood. The first two reasons fit people of any age; this one is mostly for recent school graduates. Adult life is very different from school, and for many teenagers the change is hard. Student years can soften it. This reason is subjective and doesn't suit everyone, but wanting to stay a student a little longer is perfectly normal.

When a degree only seems necessary

1. "You can't get a good job without a degree." The idea that without a diploma you'll end up with nothing sticks hard. If it's the only thing pushing you to apply, stop and think — maybe talk to a therapist: it helps separate what you really want from imposed guilt. Many professions don't require a university degree but need skills and training of another kind. In the US, for example, most electricians learn the trade through a paid apprenticeship, and flight attendants are trained by the airline. Requirements depend on the country and the employer, so before deciding, look at job listings in the field that interests you. And some employers pay for an employee's studies when they're needed.
2. "You can't be a respected professional without a degree." This one, too, is more about guilt than reality. A skilled renovator, a jeweler, a chef — people value them for their work, not for a certificate.

Bad reasons to get a degree

1. Parental pressure. Listening to your parents is right. But you live your own life and decide for yourself whether to study and what. Parents can advise; the decision is yours.
2. Everyone else has a degree. Doing something just because others do it is not the best path. Studying takes years and can change your life, so base the decision on your own goals and wishes.

Higher education is a good tool that can make you a real professional. But not every profession requires it. Many humanities skills can be developed on your own: plenty of famous writers never went to university — Ivan Bunin and Ernest Hemingway, for example. It's similar with programming: many developers learn to code outside university — from online resources, books and courses — including people who have degrees.

There are many examples, and the point is the same: university is not the only way into a profession

One last thing

The decision about higher education is entirely individual. Some people can't do without it: certain professions can't be practiced without a diploma. For others it helps them reach their potential. But you can live a good life without a degree, too. So the question isn't whether a diploma is good or bad, but whether you need it. The answer depends on your goals, wishes, existing skills and resources.

Think about resources in advance. Studying — at a university, college or on courses — often costs money: tuition, books, moving, living in another city. Estimate these costs before you enroll and set money aside. In Moneon, you can create a "Study" tag and a yearly budget with that tag: every education expense will show how much is left.