For generations, the post-secondary question has been framed as college vs. university. But today, the real question might be whether either traditional path makes sense. With rising tuition, shifting job markets, and alternative routes to skills and credentials, the “default” isn’t so clear anymore.
The Old Assumptions
University = prestige and higher pay.
College = practical and career-ready.
Skipping both = limited options.
But the reality has fractured. Degrees don’t always guarantee jobs, diplomas don’t always lead to stable income, and many successful careers now come from apprenticeships, certifications, or self-directed learning.
The Alternatives Emerging
Micro-credentials and bootcamps (tech, design, trades).
Apprenticeships in fields facing labour shortages.
Instead of choosing between institutions, maybe the better frame is:
What skills do I need?
How much debt can I realistically carry?
Where will I find community and mentorship?
Which path gives me both options and adaptability?
The Discussion We Need
When we ask college, university, or neither, we’re really asking: how do we design systems that validate and support all kinds of learning? And how do we reduce the stigma of choosing a path that doesn’t come with ivy-covered walls or big graduation ceremonies?
College, University, or Neither?
The Fork in the Road
For generations, the post-secondary question has been framed as college vs. university. But today, the real question might be whether either traditional path makes sense. With rising tuition, shifting job markets, and alternative routes to skills and credentials, the “default” isn’t so clear anymore.
The Old Assumptions
But the reality has fractured. Degrees don’t always guarantee jobs, diplomas don’t always lead to stable income, and many successful careers now come from apprenticeships, certifications, or self-directed learning.
The Alternatives Emerging
What Really Matters?
Instead of choosing between institutions, maybe the better frame is:
The Discussion We Need
When we ask college, university, or neither, we’re really asking: how do we design systems that validate and support all kinds of learning? And how do we reduce the stigma of choosing a path that doesn’t come with ivy-covered walls or big graduation ceremonies?