Is college necessary?

After reading the essay in Chapter 9; The Case Against College. I wonder if pushing for my kids to go to college is really necessary. I'm not saying I don't want them to go but maybe going to a Technical school or a local college can be just as rewarding as an Ivy league college.

I joined the Military after high school because I knew I wasn't college material. I wanted an adventure, not more schooling. Besides, I didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up anyway. I spent three years in the Army and was granted an early-out because I didn't like my new job.

It wasn't until I had my first child that I realized I needed more than a minimum wage job. I needed something that would get me in to the work force sooner than a traditional college would. So I went to a Technical college where I spent 18 months learning how to be a Surgical Tech. It was the right choice for me because taking classes that have nothing to with the job seemed useless and was not cost effective. I received my Associates Degree and got a really good job making enough money to take care of my son.

Now I'm back in school for another Associates degree in HIT (Health Information Technology), I don't mind the classes that actually teach me the necessary information for the job. But having to repeat English, General Psych and some of the other elective courses are ridiculous! I enjoy taking classes because I'm learning something new, but only the ones that I know will help me in my career field.

My husband and I want our kids to strive for a college degree in hopes that they will have a successful future. I hope when that time comes we will be able to help encourage them to do what's right for them. To help guide them in the direction that would best suit them whether it's a 4 year college, a Technical trade school, or joining the Military, we what them to be happy and enjoy discovering all that the world has to offer.