Replies

Brian Williams in wikipedia:

Alma mater George Washington University
The Catholic University of America

After high school Williams attended Brookdale Community College, after which he transferred to The Catholic University of America, and then The George Washington University. He did not graduate, and instead interned with the administration of President Jimmy Carter. He later called leaving college one of his “great regrets”

Scott Walker in wikipedia:

Alma mater Marquette University (left before graduation)
Walker discontinued his studies at Marquette in the spring of 1990, leaving in good standing with a 2.59/4.0 grade point average, but without obtaining a degree (in his senior year).

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What we are not told is that, according to MRC Newsbusters, is that Williams attended three different colleges but left without a degree after completing a total of 18 credits.

For those in Rio Linda, 18 credits is a few more than most students earn in ONE semester. (Personally I never took fewer than 18 credits per semester and as many as 21).

I was the first person in my high school class of 1966 to graduate from university in 1969; 3 years for a four year degree. I did so by taking 18 credit hours a semester and going to school year round, starting in summer school two weeks after graduating high school. I did so because I lived within a mile of the campus, so it was convenient and my father worked on the staff (not the faculty) at the college, so it was inexpensive with the discounted tuition.

I have to say that my business degree helped me some in of my career(s) but I learned most of what I used to make a living, from on-the-job skills and experience in varying employment opportunities. I spent the last 20 years of my work career as a self-employed owner of my own business. Could I have done it without a college degree? Maybe. But back in the era (45 years ago) when I got out of the military and starting my work career, having a college degree gave me many opportunities I would not have otherwise have had. Today, with the internet and technology, I am not sure that is true. Smarts, initiative, motivation, dedication, hard work and some luck, I think young people today may be able to be successful in their careers without a college degree. We all know people who have done well without degrees.

I think that the time for young people to get their education is when they are young, before their real lives intervene. And it gives them the discipline to accomplish something that society recognizes as important. But is a university degree required to be successful? I don't think so.