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Speaking Point: In the 1990's, the rate of people going to off to college from high school was at its highest in history. People believed that getting a college degree was a "must" for a secure financial future. It became so popular that "the college degree became the new high school diploma." You just had to have one to get a good paying job. In 2011, The Pew Research Center For Social and Demographic Trends released a report that as the rise in tuition continues and the rise in unemployment continues as well, Americans are wary about the "return on their investment." 92% of high school seniors surveyed report that a "return on their investment was an important factor in college decisions." 57% of families surveyed now feel that a college education 'does

Speaking Point: A recent New York Times article states that "Trade schools are fulfilling a vital social function, supplying job training that provides a way up the economic ladder." You see in today's world of rising costs, rising unemployment, and rising debt for those who choose the college route, people are looking for more economical ways to get into the work force, ready with on the job skills and ready to make a living.

Speaking Point: The days of looking at the value of the college experience as a life experience as well as believing that you will graduate with a leg up on the job market, are over. People cannot afford to spend $100,000 on an education and graduate competing with people who already have job related skills, or people who have been laid off and have the same degree and more years of experience.

Speaking Point: More and more in my office, I recommend that young people get trained in a field that has job opportunities and do it with as little financial and time committed to it as necessary. More and more in my office I recommend to laid off, middle aged professionals to go back and get retrained and redefine themselves in a new industry and a new field.

Speaking Point: Ultimately, we are going to find that 4 year universities will be for the wealthy and for those needing the 4 year degree to move to the Graduate level pursuit of a professional career, such a Lawyers or Doctors. For everybody else, they are going to have to look at the cost-benefit ratio of their next step after high school.

Speaking Point: I recommend that until you have clarity and direction, go get a job and do whatever to bring in income. Once you figure it out, then the effort and investment will make sense to you.

Speaking Point: I cannot tell you the many stories I have of people who went to college only to come out and find the same job at the same level as their high school or trade school graduate colleague. Now that's "edu-deflation," wouldn't you say?

Speaking Point: I can also tell you of people who focused on getting the job training necessary to be in their chosen field and are making six figure incomes without a college degree. Talk about "edu-flation!" Two years of specific job training and after a few years on the job, making more than most people in the country? It's true.

Speaking Point: If you choose a 4 year university, know why you are going there and what is ahead of you when you get out. If it's a Trade school you choose for specific job training, make sure the institution has a high placement rate. And if you have all the education in the world and they still laid you off, don't be afraid to reinvent and retrain yourself... It will be worth the investment.