Letter: Many worthwhile reasons to earn college degree

Friday, May 14, 2004 | 5:38 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION

May 15 - 16, 2004

On May 11 the Sun ran a second article in eight weeks on the low number of Nevadans who have advanced degrees. And for the second time, the Sun quoted an economics professor from UNLV who stated that, based on income level and educational attainment, Nevadans are doing pretty well.

The problem with this statement is that it presupposes that the only purpose of an advanced education is to gain access to jobs that pay more money. While certainly a top priority for most students, this ignores the fact that an advanced education is also supposed to make a person a better citizen, a more critical thinker, and a generally well-rounded human being.

If most Americans view an advanced education only as a ticket to more money, and therefore shun it if they are satisfied with their income, they will end up supporting wars that make no rational sense and tax cuts that do not benefit them in the least.

SONDRA COSGROVE