For those who wish to have children in the future, imagine putting aside ten dollars a week from now until you turn eighteen. That money would hardly accumulate even a portion of the costs for a single year of higher education. In the article "America's Most Overrated Product: The College Degree," a 2008 Chronicle of Higher Education essay, author Marty Nemko discusses all the aspects that should be considered before pursuing a serious interest in educational institutions. As a current student at a four-year institution, I worry not only for myself but also for my colleagues whether we are making the right decision. The costs of higher education are rising dramatically along with the amount of Americans in student loan debt. The value of a college degree is declining, and students are faced with the question: Do the benefits of a collegiate education outweigh the costs? In this article Nemko discusses the issues our modern society faces regarding higher education. Students begin college with the minimum requirements needed to learn the next level and feel disappointed when they fail in their courses. The author recognizes that the courses students take are sometimes not beneficial to life after college. Nemko states, "A 2006 study supported by the Pew Charitable Trusts found that 50 percent of senior college students scored below 'proficient' levels on a test that required them to perform basic tasks..." (525) . Students are specializing in areas of learning only to be denied work in that field and stuck with unnecessary skills. “Many college graduates are forced to take very unprofessional positions, like driving a truck or tending bar” (...... middle of paper...... dollars aside from now until your future children they will not determine whether you would like to attend college or not. It will be worth it and you will even end up paying for your college education. In the article "America's Most Overrated Product: The College Degree," author Marty Nemko informs readers about aspects which are not commonly considered when pursuing higher education, but also about the hidden downfalls you have faced as you handle loads of working and paying off debt A student should be passionate about what they are learning and even though it may not be in a classroom environment, sometimes choosing the path less traveled and not attending college can be the most rewarding experience known to man..