At 40, I finally recognize the worth of a university degree

People at a graduation ceremony. Illustration photo by Pexels

I am puzzled that the debate over the value of university education still persists. Those who deem university unnecessary might encourage their children to exit academic schooling early or to opt for vocational training instead. Personally, as someone born into poverty in the 1980s, my university degree enabled me to purchase an apartment in Ho Chi Minh City within a decade and settle my family’s debts. Consequently, I firmly plan to guide my descendants toward obtaining university education.

University education primarily molds one’s thinking for the professional world, not merely equipping them with job-specific skills. Hence, I believe it is essential for everyone to undergo higher education. It equips an 18-year-old with a robust mindset after four years, readying them for continuous learning throughout their career.

Statistical evidence shows a correlation between a country’s development and its rate of university education. Notably, the OECD’s 2018 data lists the top ten most educated countries as Canada, Japan, Israel, South Korea, the U.K., the U.S., Australia, Finland, Norway, and Luxembourg. This ranking reflects the proportion of residents aged 25-64 in each country who have attained some level of tertiary education.

Thus, education fundamentally underpins any society, and if Vietnam aims to progress, we must prioritize fostering a well-educated populace capable of driving national advancement.

Countries that have flourished post-World War II, starting from conditions akin to Vietnam’s, such as South Korea, China, Singapore, and Japan, have consistently prioritized education in their national policies. Addressing how to make higher education accessible to all citizens is a challenge that requires a concerted effort from both society and the government.

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2022 revealed that individuals with a bachelor’s degree earned 56.6% more than those with an associate degree. Meanwhile, associate degree holders made 14.6% more than those with only a high school diploma, who in turn earned 25% more than unskilled laborers.

The General Statistics Office of Vietnam reported that in 2023, the university and college enrollment rate was 28.6%, merely half of the global average, positioning Vietnam among Southeast Asian nations with the lowest rates of higher education enrollment. In 2020, just 11.1% of Vietnam’s workforce had a university degree, a stark contrast to the leading countries in Southeast Asia. Research indicates that without an increase in these rates, Vietnam will lag in the 4.0 industrial revolution, essential for breaking free from the middle-income trap.

Growing up in poverty, my family and I had to borrow money for my education, while 80% - 90% of my peers from my hometown discontinued their studies after middle or high school. After a decade, those investments in education paid dividends.

For me, a university degree marked a pivotal turning point that led to better job opportunities, a positive environment, and enriching relationships. Unless financial or academic challenges are prohibitive, completing one’s education should be a priority. For young individuals not facing such obstacles, fully pursuing education is invaluable. Knowledge is pivotal for a developing nation like Vietnam to transition into a developed one.

We should not trivialize the pursuit of proper education with flimsy excuses. This society thrives on the expertise of the qualified. A review of the educational qualifications of major corporate leaders reveals a commonality: few lack at least a bachelor’s degree, let alone advanced degrees like doctorates or professorships. The comforts and utilities we enjoy in modern society are the fruits of labor from countless engineers and scientists. It’s time we cease underestimating the importance of education and degrees for Vietnam’s future prosperity.

What are your thoughts on my perspective?