THE ONLINE HOME FOR CO 4713 DIGITAL COMMUNICATION II
editor in chief / instructor of record : wendy roussin, mfa
Team 3: Story 2: Alternative Secondary Educations
For decades, the “American Dream” has followed a clear path: graduate high school, go to a four-year college, earn a degree, and land a stable, well-paying job. This traditional route has been viewed as the best way to achieve success, and for many years, it worked well. A college degree was seen as a golden ticket—proof of intelligence, ambition, and readiness for the workforce. Parents, teachers, and counselors encouraged students to pursue this path, often with little discussion of other options. But over time, things have changed, and today’s students are rethinking what success really looks like.
The cost of college is one of the biggest reasons for this shift. In the last few decades, tuition prices have increased dramatically. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of college in the United States—including tuition, fees, and room and board—can range from $25,000 to over $55,000 per year depending on the school. For many students, this means
taking on tens of thousands of dollars in student loan debt, with no guarantee of a high-paying job after graduation. As student debt climbs past $1.7 trillion nationwide, more young people are asking: Is it really worth it?
This growing concern has opened the door for conversations about non-traditional education paths. In today’s economy, having a college degree no longer guarantees job security or financial stability. In fact, some employers are starting to care more about what someone can actually do rather than what’s written on their diploma. According to a Forbes article by Mark C. Perna, the line between “white-collar” and “blue-collar” jobs is starting to blur. Jobs in skilled trades like plumbing, welding, and HVAC repair are in high demand and often pay well—without requiring a four-year degree or massive student loans (Perna, 2024). These jobs offer real-world experience, steady work, and strong salaries, making them smart options for students looking for alternatives.
It’s also important to look at how education has evolved alongside technology. With the rise of the internet and digital platforms, online learning has become more accessible than ever. Schools and training programs can now offer flexible, affordable courses that students can complete from home and on their own schedule. This is especially helpful for people who work full-time, have families, or can’t afford to move away for school. The University of the People, a tuition-free online university, is one example of how online education is making higher learning more inclusive. Their article, Do You Have to Go to College to Be Successful?, points out that success looks different for everyone, and that traditional college isn’t always the best fit (University of the People, n.d.).
In the past, many people believed that not going to college meant you weren’t ambitious or smart. But that stereotype is quickly becoming outdated. Now, alternative credentials—like certificates, apprenticeships, and industry-specific training—are gaining respect from both employers and educators. A story from Stand Together titled Do You Need a College Degree? highlights how these credentials can open doors to solid careers, especially in industries like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. These programs focus on teaching the exact skills needed in the workplace, cutting out unnecessary coursework and allowing students to get trained faster and start earning sooner (Stand Together, n.d.).
This shift in thinking reflects a larger change in how we view education and success. Instead of assuming that college is the only path, more students and families are starting to explore different routes. Some choose community college for its lower tuition and smaller class sizes. Others enroll in trade schools, which often offer hands-on training and direct job placement. Online programs, coding bootcamps, and certification courses are also becoming more popular, especially for people looking to enter fields like IT, digital marketing, or business.
To understand how this trend has grown, it helps to look at some key moments in history. In the 20th century, especially after World War II, college became more accessible through programs like the GI Bill. A degree became a symbol of upward mobility, and for many families, sending a child to college was a major goal. Over time, however, as more people went to
college, the job market grew more competitive. Employers began requiring degrees even for entry-level jobs, which led to “degree inflation”—the idea that a job that once only required a high school diploma now required a bachelor’s degree, and sometimes even more.
Meanwhile, trade jobs and vocational programs were often pushed to the side. They were seen as “less than” compared to college degrees. But now, the job market is facing a shortage of skilled workers, especially in fields like construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. Many of these jobs are essential to our economy and pay very well. Today, the demand for people with real, hands-on skills is higher than ever.
This is where local institutions like East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) come in. Located just minutes from Starkville, EMCC provides affordable, high-quality training in areas like cosmetology, welding, nursing, and lineman work. Programs like these give students the chance to gain practical experience and earn certifications in a short amount of time—often one or two years. This model helps students start their careers quickly and without the heavy burden of student loans. It also allows them to stay close to home, live in a college town, and still enjoy a full college experience.
Overall, the history of education in America is complex and always changing. While college will always be a valuable option for many, it’s no longer the only path to success. The growing interest in non-traditional education is not just about saving money—it’s about finding the right fit. Whether it’s a trade school, online course, or community college, today’s students are looking for flexible, practical solutions that match their goals, their budgets, and their lives.
The rise of alternative education paths is more than a trend—it’s a shift in how we define opportunity, career success, and the American Dream itself. By learning from the past and embracing new options, students can take control of their futures in ways that make sense for them.
For a long time, the idea of success in America felt pretty one-size-fits-all: finish high school, go straight to a four-year university, get a degree, and step into a high-paying job. But if you ask students today, many would say that version of the American Dream feels more like a fantasy than a guarantee. With college costs at an all-time high and student debt ballooning past $1.7 trillion (Education Data Initiative, 2024), a lot of us are starting to ask a very real question: Is this even worth it?
That question has pushed students across the country—including right here in Starkville—to rethink what success really looks like. The truth is, a four-year degree is no longer the only—or even the best—option for everyone. Our group decided to take a closer look at the growing trend of non-traditional education, including trade schools, online programs, community colleges, and certificate training. We wanted to understand why more students are choosing these routes and what it really means for the future of education, especially in communities like ours.
One of the biggest driving forces behind this shift is cost. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average annual cost of attending a four-year college—including tuition, fees, and housing—can range from $25,000 to over $55,000 depending on the school. That means a student could graduate with over $100,000 in debt, and there’s no guarantee that a degree will lead to a job that pays enough to cover it.
That’s where non-traditional paths start to shine. Places like East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), located just minutes from Starkville, offer career-focused programs in welding, cosmetology, nursing, and more—all at a fraction of the cost of a traditional university. Many of these programs can be completed in under two years, with students walking out into well-paying jobs and little to no student loan debt. It’s a model that’s not just financially smart—it’s changing lives.
As the job market shifts and employers put more value on what someone can do rather than just what’s written on their diploma, alternative credentials are getting a lot more attention. A Forbes article by Mark C. Perna notes that the line between white-collar and blue-collar jobs is starting to blur. Skilled trades like plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work are not only in demand—they pay well and often don’t require a four-year degree (Perna, 2024).
That’s not to say traditional college is bad or pointless. For many careers, like teaching or engineering, a bachelor’s degree is still essential. But what’s changing is the idea that college is the only way to be successful. Now, students are realizing there are many paths that can lead to fulfilling, high-paying careers—paths that don’t leave them drowning in debt or stuck in a job they don’t love.
Another key factor in this shift is flexibility. Online programs and certificate courses have exploded in popularity, especially after the pandemic showed us how much can be done from home. Schools like University of the People—a tuition-free, fully online university—are making higher education more accessible to people who work full time, have families, or can’t relocate (University of the People, n.d.). These programs offer real degrees, practical skills, and more control over your own schedule.
The social pressure to go to college is also changing. Not long ago, choosing a trade school or online program might have been seen as “settling” or “not trying hard enough.” But now, it’s
being seen for what it really is—a smart, practical choice. An article from Stand Together points out how alternative credentials, like apprenticeships and certifications, are being recognized in industries like healthcare, IT, and business (Stand Together, n.d.). These programs focus on hands-on, job-specific training, which helps people get into the workforce faster and with the exact skills they need.
Students today are prioritizing experience over prestige, value over tradition, and results over assumptions. They’re building futures that match their goals, not someone else’s definition of success. And while that might look different for everyone, it’s no less valid.
Here in Starkville, the impact of this shift is especially real. EMCC offers students a chance to stay local, live in a college town, and still get a meaningful education without the overwhelming financial burden. They can join clubs, make friends, and feel like part of a campus community—just without the massive tuition bill. And for a lot of students, that balance between affordability, flexibility, and quality is exactly what they need.
As more students choose paths that fit their lives—not just the path they were told to take—it’s clear that non-traditional education is more than a backup plan. It’s a smart, effective route to personal and professional success. By embracing these options, students are redefining what it means to be successful in today’s world. They’re showing that the road to success isn’t a straight line—it’s whatever path gets you where you want to go, on your own terms.
As college students ourselves, it’s hard to ignore the growing wave of skepticism that surrounds the traditional route to higher education. Growing up, many of us were taught that attending a university was the key to success. It was the golden ticket to a bright future, with the promise of a degree, a steady career, and financial stability. But over time, as we’ve watched tuition prices soar and student debt climb higher, we’ve started to wonder: Is that traditional route still the best choice? And perhaps more importantly, is it the best choice for us?
For many students in our community, especially here in Starkville, the idea of going to a four-year university isn’t just about education—it’s about experiences, connections, and opportunities that we believe are unique to a college town. But with the rising costs of university education, many of us are beginning to look at alternatives that provide similar benefits without the overwhelming financial strain. This is where community colleges like East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) come into play, offering a more affordable way to get a solid education and still be part of a vibrant, college-centered environment.
The University Experience Without the Hefty Price Tag
Starkville is home to Mississippi State University (MSU), a well-regarded university that attracts students from all over the country. It’s a town that thrives on its student population, with sports
events, social gatherings, and a variety of clubs and activities. As students at MSU, we get to experience this in full force: the football games, the campus traditions, and the sense of community that comes with living in a college town. However, not everyone can or wants to bear the financial burden of attending MSU, where out-of-state tuition can exceed $30,000 per year.
For some of us, the thought of paying such a high price for a degree that might not immediately guarantee a high-paying job seems like a risky gamble. While MSU offers excellent academic programs, it's clear that a similar college experience could be achieved with less financial strain through a nearby community college like EMCC. Not only does EMCC offer lower tuition fees, but it also provides practical, career-focused programs in areas like welding, nursing, and cosmetology. Many of these programs can be completed in one or two years, allowing students to enter the workforce quickly and start earning without the crushing weight of student loan debt. For students like us, it’s the perfect balance of affordability, flexibility, and local living.
Staying Local: The Power of Community and Convenience
Living in a college town doesn’t have to mean attending a four-year university. One of the biggest draws of a place like Starkville is its tight-knit community. The people here are friendly, the pace of life is manageable, and there’s a real sense of camaraderie. For students attending MSU, this sense of belonging is a huge part of the college experience. But what if we could stay in the same town, enjoy the community atmosphere, and still feel like we’re getting an authentic college experience without the massive tuition fees?
EMCC offers the perfect solution. Just a short drive from MSU, the community college provides students the chance to live in the same college town, participate in extracurricular activities, and experience that same local sense of pride—just without the staggering tuition costs. Whether it’s joining clubs, attending local events, or even living in campus housing, EMCC allows students to engage in the same social opportunities that MSU students enjoy, while still saving thousands of dollars each year. It’s a more affordable route that still gives students the chance to feel like they’re a part of the local academic community.
What makes this option even more appealing is the flexibility that EMCC offers. Many students find themselves juggling jobs, family responsibilities, or other commitments, and being able to attend a community college close to home makes balancing these obligations easier. Living in the same town also allows for more consistent connections with family and friends, as well as less stress over living arrangements and off-campus housing, which can often be a hassle when attending a larger university.
Saving Money and Reducing Debt: A Smart Financial Decision
While some might argue that community college doesn’t offer the same prestige or opportunities as a large, traditional university, we’ve found that the benefits of attending EMCC far outweigh any perceived downsides. When we think about the financial pressure that comes with student loans, the idea of graduating with little to no debt is incredibly appealing.
According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of attending a four-year public university—including tuition, room, and board—can total over $25,000 a year. With a program at EMCC, students can expect to pay less than half of that—often under $10,000 a year,
depending on residency and other factors (Education Data Initiative, 2024). The savings are undeniable. Not only does this drastically reduce the financial burden on students, but it also allows graduates to start their careers without the looming threat of student loan repayments. This financial freedom opens up options that many students at traditional universities might not have, like buying a home, starting a business, or traveling.
Additionally, EMCC’s shorter, career-focused programs provide students with the skills they need to enter the workforce quickly. As Mark C. Perna discusses in his Forbes article, many employers today are more focused on skills than on traditional degrees (Perna, 2024). This is especially true in fields like welding, nursing, and HVAC, which can pay well and don’t necessarily require a four-year degree. By attending a community college, we can get the hands-on experience and certifications that employers want, and we can do it much faster than we would at a university. This direct pathway from school to career is another reason why more and more students are choosing community colleges as their route to success.
The Value of a Non-Traditional Path
Choosing a community college over a four-year university is often seen as “settling” or “not aiming high enough.” But for many of us, the opposite is true. It’s a smart, intentional decision that takes into account our personal goals, financial realities, and the changing nature of the workforce. While a four-year university may be the best fit for some, it’s no longer the only route to success. As we look at alternatives like EMCC, we see a path that offers practical experience, career readiness, and a real sense of accomplishment.
According to Stand Together, alternative credentials like certifications and apprenticeships are gaining recognition and respect in the workforce (Stand Together, n.d.). These credentials provide students with the exact skills they need to succeed in today’s job market, and they often offer better financial returns than a traditional degree. In fact, many people in high-demand industries like technology, healthcare, and skilled trades are skipping college altogether in favor of these more efficient, cost-effective alternatives.
For us, attending a community college close to home allows us to get the education we need without sacrificing the social and community experiences that make college so special. We still get to live in a college town, make connections, and develop our skills, but without the crushing debt that can follow traditional college students for years—if not decades.
Conclusion: Making Education Work for Us
In the end, our decision to consider community college as a viable option reflects the changing landscape of higher education. Today, more students are realizing that success isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about finding the path that makes sense for you—one that aligns with your personal goals, your financial situation, and your vision for the future.
For students in Starkville, East Mississippi Community College provides a unique opportunity to stay local, save money, and still get a meaningful education. As we continue to redefine what success looks like, we see that there are many roads to a fulfilling and prosperous life. For some of us, that road leads through a community college, where we can gain valuable skills, enter the
workforce quickly, and start our careers with confidence—without the weight of student debt holding us back.
Email the team at nkr66@msstate.edu with any questions
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