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Should everyone go to college? To listen to some people, a young person will be condemned to a lifetime of utter failure if they do not complete a four-year degree. Is that really true?

There are people who can look at a machine and understand how it works or look at an architectural plan and understand how to make it a building. They know how to fix things and make tools work, but may not be interested in sitting in a classroom. The world needs them – how else will anything get done?

If your teen isn’t interested in attending college, perhaps he or she would be better suited to another type of training. Where do you start looking for training? Proprietary (private) schools are available, but there are more affordable options.

Community college can be a great, inexpensive alternative. Some community colleges have classes in automotive repair, meat cutting, restaurant management, and computer repair. They also have classes in small business management, for anyone interested in starting their own business.

Many careers that pay well do not require a college degree. Think of all the essential items in your life that need to be manufactured, repaired, or replaced. We need someone to do that – and we will pay.

Your dentist may be a lovely person and certainly has had a lot of education. When was the last time you were happy to see him or her? Now think of the last time the plumber or the heating/air conditioning repair truck pulled into the yard when you really need them. How happy were you to write that check?