Recently the rising topic on whether or not college is worth the price has made its way through the New York Times and CNN, causing students applying for the 2013 fall semester to question their plans for the future.

The cost of college rises annually, making it difficult for young adults to pay the required tuition, which can rack up as much as $100,000 dollars in debt by the time graduation rolls around.

“College is too expensive. Although there are significant benefits like job security and a “back-up” in case your real dream doesn’t work out, these days, college isn’t even enough to guarantee a job,” said senior Sydney Seabrook. “Some people are successful without college but not a lot, and personally the pressure to go to college from peers and family does outweigh the outrageous overpricing.”

“Despite the hefty tuition fees, college is completely worth the big price tag because it provides experiences and knowledge that is crucial in developing the students own personality and in the long run, their whole future,” said senior Tyler Allen. “The tuition cost can factor in on choice of college but it all winds down to what will be most beneficial for that particular student.”

Contributing to the nationwide debate is the factor of experience, and how it often overshadows a college degree.

“With my dream of becoming a business woman in the music industry, college is a definite necessity to allow me to create great opportunities to climb up the business ladder,” said sophomore McKenzie Moore. “But on the music side, I believe my passion for the art is enough to push me to learn and explore that area on my own, without the help of college.”

Although most agree that in certain situations college may be unnecessary, they always lean toward a plan “B”, which in this case is a college degree.

“For some jobs, landing internships and establishing connections are the opportunities that set you apart from your opponent. Therefore one could decide to not go to college and rather the decision hinder their career path, it would actually give them an advantage,” said senior Catherine Horton. “However not everyone can be Mark Zuckerberg and create the next big sensation, so it is wise to get a degree for a backup plan.”

“In certain fields that people choose to study, such as law or business, a college degree will help you in the future because of the background information, including internships, that it provides,” said senior Jonathan Doan. “Not going to college isn’t an option for me, but lowering tuition fees would make it more affordable will cause the debate on whether or not college is worth the debt to subside.”