The decision to attend college is complex, with no single right answer. A recent experiment involved querying several chatbots, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Grok, with the prompt “Should I go to college?” to see if they could provide decent advice.
The chatbots’ responses were varied, but they all rejected the idea that everyone should attend college, instead offering answers that took into account individual circumstances. They discussed the tradeoffs and pros and cons of attending college, including the potential earnings premium and long-term advantages.
Grok, in particular, did a nice job of outlining the benefits and drawbacks of attending college. On the one hand, it noted that bachelor’s degree holders can earn up to 60 percent more than high school graduates, with a lifetime premium often exceeding $1 million. On the other hand, it highlighted the significant costs and debt associated with attending college, as well as the opportunity cost of forgone wages.
The chatbots also provided important information on the choice of major, with Grok explaining that certain fields, such as engineering and computer science, can pay back quickly, while others, such as arts and humanities, may take longer to yield a return. They suggested that individuals consider alternative paths, such as community college or trade programs, and ask themselves questions like what kind of work they want to do and what their financial situation is.
ChatGPT’s suggestions included considering what subjects or jobs interest the individual, whether cost is a major concern, and weighing the options of college, trade school, or a gap year. However, none of the chatbots directly addressed the issue of academic readiness, which is a critical factor in determining whether an individual will complete a degree.
Academic Readiness and Completion Rates
The chatbots’ failure to emphasize academic readiness is a significant omission, given that grades and test scores are strong predictors of college completion.
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Grok’s discussion of the importance of choosing a major that pays back quickly is well-taken, but it does not address the underlying issue of academic preparation. The chatbots’ suggestions for alternative paths, such as community college or trade programs, may be helpful for some individuals, but they do not provide a clear solution for those who are not academically prepared for college-level work.
ChatGPT comes closest to addressing the issue of academic readiness, but even its suggestions are limited. It notes that grades are probably not as predictive of success as they once were, given grade inflation, but it does not provide a clear solution for students who are not academically prepared for college-level work.
The data on college completion rates is stark. We know that grades and test scores quite accurately predict the chances that someone will complete college. The SAT, in particular, is a strong predictor of college completion, with students who score higher on the test more likely to complete their degree.
A writer who applied to college recalls that these paths can be legitimate and sometimes overlooked. The chatbots also suggest asking oneself questions like what kind of work one wants to do and what their financial situation is.
Addressing Academic Readiness
The case against attending college for some students is strong, with average bachelor’s debt ranging from $29,000 to $43,000 depending on the path. Total U.S. student debt is $1.77 trillion, and the opportunity cost of forgone wages adds up. Many trades and apprenticeships let students earn while learning with zero or low debt.
