Does ChatGPT and the raising cost of University education change how we learn?

Is Going to University Still Worth It in the era of OpenAi?

In the age of OpenAI and an increasing number of online resources and courses, is going to university still worth it? This is a question that many students and those wanting to do masters and PhD’s are asking themselves in 2023. With rising tuition costs and no guarantee of a job after graduation and an ever changing and uncertain job landscape, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. This decision becomes increasingly important given a looming recession on the horizon (although one has technically started there is still division over if we are in a recession).

The main argument for attending university has always been that it opens up opportunities for better careers, particularly in terms of salary. Studies have shown that college graduates earn more than those without degrees over their lifetime. Additionally, having a degree can give you access to higher-level positions and more competitive salaries. With Google, Apple, IBM, Bank of America and a number of other companies hiring school leavers who attend their online training courses is this really the case anymore? Link: 14 companies that no longer require employees to have a college degree (cnbc.com)

However, there are some drawbacks to attending university. The cost of tuition has been steadily rising over the past few years, leaving many students with large amounts of debt upon graduation (please see the new changes coming into student loans in United Kingdom for instance - Student finance England: 3 changes you need to know about now (thetimes.co.uk)). Furthermore, there is no guarantee that you will find a job after graduating from university. In fact, recent studies have found that most high-paid jobs still require a college degree but this does not necessarily mean that everyone who goes to university will get one of these jobs. The question I often get asked by my followers too is, how can anyone choose what is the right degree right now when the jobs that will be in demand in the future are so unclear?

Another factor to consider when deciding whether or not to attend university is the availability of online resources and courses. There are now numerous websites offering free or low-cost courses on various topics such as coding, business management, marketing and more. These can be great alternatives for those who cannot afford the cost of traditional universities or do not have the time or desire to commit to four years at an institution. Additionally, OpenAI has made artificial intelligence accessible to anyone with an internet connection which could potentially open up new career paths for those who choose not to go down the traditional route of attending university.

When covid hit most universities pivoted to online learning. In my opinion this, although it was forced upon traditional universities, was a shot in the foot and shun the light on the power of online learning and thus supporting the argument that perhaps going to an online university or just studying through online courses might be just as valuable. Many universities we understood this have now pivoted to support students through more online learning resources, this may be the best way to go to provide a hybrid learning ecosystem for students.

Ultimately, whether or not going to university is worth it depends on your individual circumstances and goals. If you are looking for higher-paying jobs or want access to certain opportunities then attending university may be beneficial for you. However, if you are looking for more flexibility or cannot afford the cost then exploring other options such as online courses may be more suitable for you in the long run with companies such as Coursera, Udemy and Linkedin Learning to name a few.

To wrap it up

Going to university can provide access to better careers and higher salaries but it also comes with its own set of drawbacks such as rising tuition costs and no guarantee of finding a job after graduation to name just one of the uncertainties. Additionally, there are now numerous online resources and courses available which could provide alternative routes into certain careers without having to attend traditional universities. Ultimately, whether or not going to university is worth it depends on your individual circumstances and goals so make sure you weigh all your options before making a decision!

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