How can some people struggle when they have a degree from a quality institution, while others can succeed without a degree or in a field unrelated to their degree? In my opinion it's because a college education doesn't guarantee success. Success depends on many other factors that college often doesn't teach. I believe that certification tests would be a better substitute for the BA, because they would separate students with will and determination from those who are simply progressing through their courses. Having other forms of means, such as certification tests, would allow employers to have important resources to determine whether or not applicants for a particular job position have the best qualifications. Students currently enrolling in college courses in pursuit of a Bachelor of Arts degree are wasting time and effort. When it comes down to what a degree means, it's simply a certification. In simple terms, a degree is simply a piece of paper that certifies that you have achieved a certain level of academic achievement, but what happens in the classroom doesn't always translate into the real world. University degrees don't always guarantee a good salary or job. There are many high-paying degrees, but for every high-paying degree, there are two low-paying degrees. There are also degrees that have a limited market. Just having a college degree doesn't guarantee you'll get the job, nor should it. Employees must bring to the table skills, as well as the ability to continue to learn, grow and provide value to their employers. I'm not saying that people who pick low-income stocks aren't successful, either. Many people choose degrees based on what makes them happy,… middle of paper… college is too expensive and is growing at a rate higher than inflation (Kantrowitz). There are many great jobs out there that don't require a college degree and pay well, as does on-the-job training. The truth that many people are unwilling to admit is that getting a college degree will also lead people to better careers. People don't need a college degree to be successful, but having an education is important, along with a desire to continue learning, working hard, and adapting. Works cited "The College Dropouts Hall of Fame". The College Dropouts Hall of Fame: Famous college dropouts, successful college dropouts, and wealthy college dropouts. Bloomberg, 2011. Web. April 27, 2011. Kantrowitz, Mark. "FinAid | Saving for college | Tuition fee inflation." FinAid! Financial aid, college scholarships and student loans. The Intelligent Student Guide, 2011. Web. 27 April. 2011.