New York: The billionaire Elon Musk said that value of college education is overrated, because it leads many students to debt without acquiring ‘useful skills’, according to NDTV.
Musk, who holds degrees in physics and economics, declared at a Donald Trump support event in Philadelphia that success does not depend on a four-year college degree.
Known to be possessing a net worth of $242 billion, Musk advocated that skilled workers like electricians, plumbers, and carpenters are playing more important roles in career development than academic degrees.
‘I think the value of a college education is somewhat overweighted. Too many people spend four years, accumulate a ton of debt and often don't have useful skills that they can apply afterwards,’ Musk was quoted as saying.
Musk further said that he had great respect for people working with their hands, adding electricians and plumbers and carpenters are more important than ‘incremental political science majors’.
In 2019 Musk triggered debate announcing that to work at his automotive company Tesla does not require a college degree.
Stressing his aversion towards college education, Musk told the 2020 Satellite Conference that college is not necessary for learning as information is now freely available.
‘You don't need college to learn stuff. Everything is available basically for free,’ he was quoted as saying.
He said benefit of college is ‘basically for fun’ and they are not for ‘learning’.
Musk’s statement has triggered a conversation on the importance of traditional education with one user on platform X saying ‘college degrees have their place, but college isn’t for everyone’.
Another person said there was nothing wrong with a 4-year degree, urging that it should not cost so much, adding inexpensive but quality online degrees are the way combined with hands-on experience from internships.
Others to support Musk’s view include Tim Cook and Sundar Pichai.
Sundar Pichai reportedly prioritises hands-on experience over conventional academic credentials.