The women’s rights movement has been great, right?

In many ways, yes. In many ways women are much closer to equal income and in some college programs there are more women that men. All in all, women have been making strides over the years. But this isn’t the case for all women. While rich and middle-class women have been climbing all sorts of ladders, less fortunate women have the same amount of equality as back in the 1970s.

Economic Professor Nancy Folbre wrote for the New York Times’ blog, Economix, that 18 percent of women with only a high school diploma are granted paid maternity leave. This is in contrast to the 66 percent of women with a college degree, and just up from the 1970s when 16 per cent of high school grads received paid mat leave.

You probably haven’t given it much thought yet, but having children is especially expensive for women. What I’m talking about is childcare. If you don’t have the luxury of paid maternity leave and need to go back to work to pay rent, there’s a high cost associated with someone else watching your kids.

Folbre points out that in most other developed countries, paid family leave (often for either parent) is a universal entitlement. Childcare and early childhood education is also more heavily subsidized elsewhere. While in my own country (Canada) things are more funded by the government, there is still progress that needs to be made when it comes to affordable childcare.

So when you’re watching the Republican primaries and heading to the ballot box in 2012 it’s something to think about. Yeah, you might be okay with your higher education, but what about all the other women who have been left behind?

Leah is on the final lap of her Bachelor of Journalism at Ryerson University in Toronto. She spent the summer interning at a radio station in Ghana. Follow her @ElleandBee! 

Dale Stephens, a 19-year-old self-proclaimed “education expert” who’s been featured on CNN, Tech Crunch and the New York Times (just to name a few), begs to question the significance of a degree in today’s entrepreneurial economy. Along with his colleagues Erich Sparks and David Mattingly, Stephens has developed Uncollege, a program that promises a full college experience that requires no tuition, textbooks, classes or dorm rooms.

So what’s the catch? That little sheet of paper we all dream of: a degree.

Now, I can relate to Stephens because I, too, was skeptical about buying into the college system. I was scared by mountains of debt and the narrowing job market. I applied last-minute to a state school  and I can honestly say I’m proud of my decision. Yes, I sometimes feel like I’m not learning anything in some of my classes. Yes, I’m going to graduate with a considerable amount of debt. Yes, there have been moments when I’m worried I’m wasting my time and that I’ll never get my dream job, but there’s one thing I don’t worry about: the amount of respect I get as someone working towards a degree and the amount of respect I’ll receive as someone that has a degree.

Like Stephens, I wanted to take time to explore the world, meet new people, start my own business and prove to the world that I could be just as successful- if not, MORE successful- than someone who went through all the trouble of trying to get a degree, but when I told my friends and family about my plan, I went from being the motivated girl with major potential to the girl that “just gave up.” The lack of respect was heartbreaking.

According to the official UnCollege “curriculum,”participants are required to write bucket lists, read texts of foreign philosophers and scholars you’re unfamiliar with, study abroad, learn a second language, attend a conference, become a mentor, volunteer at a non-profit organization, among tons of other activities that will give you the college experience without the tuition bill. But looking back at that list- aren’t those all things that most of us do at college anyway? Sure, we might not be able to cover the whole list, but we all know that college isn’t JUST about getting a degree- it’s about opening doors and creating pathways to your future.

I get where Stephens is coming from with all of this. The experiences you have outside of class and outside of your campus will build your character and improve your resume, but let’s be honest- your resume is going to be looked down upon and compared to other people’s in a negative matter no matter how many times you volunteered, or how much you learned about yourself while spending a “semester” in India.

Moral of the story? That little piece of paper, although hard to get and way too overpriced, is your proof that you put in the work and made huge sacrifices in order to build a positive future for yourself. I don’t know about you, but I don’t ever want to be know as “the girl who just gave up” ever, EVER again.

I was brought up believing that the world consisted of two groups: people with degrees and people without degrees. I went through life thinking that the people with degrees ran the big businesses and drove fancy cars, and that the people without degrees worked at McDonald’s (unless they got lucky and invented Apple computers or Google instead). I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that I was brought up to believe that having a college degree meant you’d succeed in this world.

The only problem? No one told me- or ANY of us- that the economy would crash and that our government would be trillions of dollars in debt. The jobs that were open and ready to hire five years ago are gone now and thousands of people are getting laid off every day. The promise of a bright future and dream career have become more of a fairytale than a guarantee. When graduation day comes, will any of us really have those advantages and benefits that we were always told would set us apart from everyone else?

It doesn’t seem that way, and now even the people at the top are starting to wonder if our higher education system is working, or worth anything, anymore.

Nancy Zimpher of the State University of New York says that “we should be worried” and that the college system “needs to evolve.” Aside from rising tuition costs, college presidents are also very concerned with the increased competition in the industrial world. With so many young people opting for a higher education, it’s becoming harder and harder to an individual to stand out and get hired.

So, if it’s gotten to the point where even college presidents are concerned with the college system and the graduates in the next few years, where does that leave people like me: hardworking college students who have agreed to the debt in hopes of making something of ourselves? If we drop out, we’ll have to assume the stereotypical “college dropout” role society gives us and end up with nothing, but if we stay, we might still end up with nothing.

What should we do now?

Sparknotes is the best study tool in the world

Campus fashion

How to save money on campus

Letter from your friend at a warmer school

College degree only guarantees one thing

How to make amazing drunk nachoes

What are the worst theme party ideas ever?

Dealing with over the top party pals

Should there be an anti-bullying law?

Apparently not all of you agree with us, though.  The Wall Street Journal is reporting that only 63.5% of those aged 18-29 believes college is a good investment. Somewhat more shocking is that 61.5% of those over 65 agree that college is a worthwhile experience.  These numbers have dropped significantly since 2009- from 76.7% and 82.1% respectively.

Given the current economy, it’s not difficult to see why young people regret or want to avoid strapping themselves with hefty student loans.  But for people who went to college over forty years ago, have they not enjoyed receiving a significantly higher paycheck?  Or working in a field that requires a degree?  Do they think that spending four years among other educated young people, sharing ideas and growing together as a generation, isn’t important?

I know we often talk about the more lighthearted highs and lows of campus life, but the truth of the matter is that colleges genuinely benefit those who graduate from their hallowed halls.  Between tailgating and hooking up, five days a week you’re sitting in a classroom actually learning something and working towards a degree that will help you earn almost double what you would with only a high school diploma.  Prior to reading this study, I would’ve felt this is the point at which you’d all be shouting “Duh!”, but I question that now.

College is considered an investment for a reason.  While you may be feeling the financial strain of debt now, know that down the road you’ll make out better than your non-degree-toting counterparts.  The jobs you receive will likely include a more complete package of health benefits, your salary will be higher, and frankly you won’t be working at Baby Gap until you’re able to retire at 75.

I realize college isn’t for everyone, and I’m not suggesting you force it to suit your lifestyle.  But if the reason you’re reconsidering four years of bunk beds and communal bathrooms is because of the bleak job market we’re dealing with now, perhaps you need to think again.

I think many (myself included) kind of just wind up at college somehow with little thought in advance as to why we’re there in the first place. There’s elementary school, middle school, high school… college is just kind of the next step in the education process. An expectation for some; a requirement for others. The reason why college is so paramount to parents is because they equate four-year degrees with success and large figure salaries to come in the future. But now, a number of economists, academics, and policy analysts are challenging all this. And experts have some pretty convincing evidence as to why two-year or technical training schools could be a better option for some Americans.

The main argument is that there are just too many people going to college in the first place–many who are unqualified. There is also a large amount of overqualified degree-holders in today’s struggling job market. But there are other major issues dealing with the current state of the economy. Before deciding to imprison yourself in one of these four-year institution, there are factors to take into consideration like rising student debt, stagnant graduation rates and, of course, the high unemployment rate among college graduates.

However some (like concerned parents) argue undergraduate schools provide a wider variety of opportunities and eye-opening experiences that help you become a more worldly, well-rounded person than trade schools. I mean, I think we can all agree that a large part of what we learn in college does not happen in the classroom; it is our environment and our experiences – both that are unique to four-year universities – that teach us many of our life lessons. Others also bring the money factor into the equation, such that college graduates may have the chance at obtaining higher salaries.

But do they? With the economy in the dumps and unemployment rates the highest they’ve been in recent history, does a 4-year degree really mean a more successful future? Maybe not.

What do you think? Do you agree that trade schools might be a better option? Do you think you are getting more out of your traditional, four-year college program?

Maybe that single dad show will happen, after all.

Screech’s tell-all is out!

Is that college degree really necessary?

Tyson Beckford has the hots for Obama.

Live large with these giant accessories.

LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian get serious.

Many colleges are now considering implementing a degree program that would allow students to graduate in three years.  This could provide some students with access to higher education that they may not have otherwise have had, saving them time and money.  But what are they losing (if anything)?

When I think back to my freshman year, I remember a time of mass confusion. I tried three different majors before I found my place. I dabbled in tons of different departments to figure out where I belonged. Would I have been able to do that and graduate at the end of my junior year? Hell no. Would I have been prepared to enter the real world at the age of 20? Um, I’m not even sure how I’ll handle it next year!

And what about the other stuff – the life lessons? The post-21 partying? The road trips, the friendships, and all the other stuff that comes with a 4 year college degree. Ok, so maybe that’s not the really “important” stuff, but it is the stuff that makes us who we are as adults.  Would a three year program take away from the entire college package?

There is no set three year model in mind. Some schools might just lower the credit requirement for a degree, other schools might require you to attend summer classes.  General education requirements would still be in place (they are, after all, the hallmark of the American education system…unfortunately), but it’s unclear how they would fit in with the new streamlined degree requirements. Most likely: really long days… and no 4 day weeks.

Obviously, with all the details up in the air, this is an issue that needs some attention, and who better to decide what is best for college students than college students? Tell us what you think: is a shorter program worth it, or is three years not enough to get a true college experience and education?

I, like you, went to high school. When I was in high school, I already knew that I wanted to be a musician and a writer when I grew up. Even though neither of those professions require a degree, I was made to believe that I had to go to college to be successful in life. And so I packed my nervous bags and made way to New York by way of Ohio. I apprehensively took my place among thousands of other students at my school and I felt out of place immediately.

You see, I was always a ‘good’ student. I graduated high school with nearly a 4.0. I aced tests and papers without wincing and was in every club. Kids like me were supposed to go to college. Period. But I never wanted to.

I went because my parents wanted me to.

I dragged myself through four and a half years of college. I transferred schools. I worked 2 jobs (yes, 60+ hours a week) on top of being a full time student. I was miserable. I was utterly, thoroughly, entirely, unexplainably miserable until I decided not to go back to college. I was only a semester or so shy of my degree and I woke up and decided I was done. I made a decision for myself and not for my parents. Finally, I took control of my life and my happiness and I have never looked back since.

College wasn’t for me and it wasn’t for what I wanted to do. I am sure it is the right place for some people (or most people), but that didn’t mean it was right for me. I have not only enjoyed life more than ever since I made my decision, but my career finally fell into place upon making it, too.

I don’t work ‘side’ jobs now; my music and writing are my main jobs now. I took a chance, yes, but here’s my point:

If your passion doesn’t require a degree, don’t convince yourself you need one. Of course there is something to be said for things learned in college, and I hate it when people tell me that I wasted money and time in college -that’s ridiculous. I have four and a half years of college education and experience; I learned, I grew, I thrived, I starved, and, eventually, I moved on. But even with all of that, college just isn’t right for some people.

If college IS for you, that’s great! But before you assume that you are college bound (particularly because someone else told you to be college bound), sit down and ask yourself: Is college for you or not?

(Hint: There is no wrong answer.)

[Photo courtesy of www.gla.ac.uk]

Remember when that meant a night of Full House and Family Matters? Now it just means a night of heavy drinking followed by a day of serious sleeping. And I still love it just as much.

This week was a long one. We lost Estelle Getty. Our boyfriend, Christian Bale, was arrested for yelling at his mother. And we found out that all the not-so-hard work we are putting into college isn’t worth crap anymore. Awesome.

But even though another week has passed, crazy girls are still around, we are still too picky when it comes to picking boys, and freaky guys are still all about peeing on us in bed. WTF?

Maybe we should stick to being single? It is far too hard to find a tall guy anyway. And getting into a relationship only means adding another ex to the list…who you will never be able to avoid thanks to our generation’s problem with oversharing.

Ugh. I need a shot.

At least boys are starting to appreciate more comfortable undies. I’ll keep that thought close to my heart as I enjoy yet another awesome summer weekend.