[foamdino]

First define useful? I have an undergrad technical degree and yes it was useful to me. I do however have an appreciation of the arts and, if time and funds permitted, would gladly study multiple undergrad and masters courses in philosophy, economics (art or science, depends on where you go), history and linguistics.

There is a technical snobbery that demeans all 'art' as useless and elevates all technical degrees to, IMO, an unworthy height.

Your definition of useful seems to be 'produces economic value to the graduate'. Another person could have a very different definition of useful.

Taking the point back on-topic, if your view of education is something that allows you to earn more during your working life, then I can understand some people questioning it.

I enjoy learning for its own sake, not for some bauble held out in front of me - maybe that's because I'm wealthy enough (relatively speaking) to have been able to study what I like without worrying about practical issues.

I live in a country where people see education (typically business degrees and technical subjects) as a means to an end - quite rightly as often their families have sold everything they own to be able to afford to send one child to get a 'good education' and then expect that child to be able to support the family in the future.

I teach undergrad IT, so I do have a dog in this particular 'education isn't worth it' fight. /rant off

[arohner]

In no way did I imply all art is useless.

What I did strongly imply is that spending $50-100k and four years of your life is a big decision.

Please, get a degree in whatever you like, but realize that you are probably in the minority for being able to receive education "for fun". Most people do it for an improvement in their earnings.

The issue isn't "my" view of education, but the mainstream view, pushed by the US gov't and all universities. I'm sick of the lie that a degree in Russian Lit or Communications will somehow prepare you for the workplace, or provide skills that will help you earn more. I'm sick of people being told to get a degree in whatever strikes their fancy, while strongly implying that any degree is good for them.