Is college a scam?
Introduction
From a purely biblical standpoint, education is not a scam; the pursuit of knowledge is an act of worship. God is the source of all truth, and learning about His creation (through science, history, arts) and His revelation (theology) is commanded. The entire university system, in fact, was originally founded by Christian institutions (like Harvard and Yale) for the purpose of training clergy and teaching a holistic, faith-based worldview.
The "scam" critique is directed at the modern execution of the university system, which often violates core Christian ethical principles.
Main: Three Christian Ethical Flaws in Modern College
The Christian must discern when higher education ceases to be an act of worship and becomes a vehicle for bad stewardship or spiritual harm.
1. The Ethical Flaw of Financial Stewardship (The Cost)
The core of the "scam" argument is the crushing financial burden placed on students.
Debt as Bondage: The Bible warns against financial bondage: “The borrower is the slave of the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). Taking on massive student loan debt for a degree with little practical return (a degree not required for a licensed profession) is considered poor stewardship and sets a young person up for years of servitude.
Cost vs. Value: For a Christian, money is a resource to be managed for the Kingdom. If a degree's cost far outweighs its practical and vocational value, it is an ethically questionable use of God-given resources. The Christian should always seek the most affordable, debt-free, or vocational-focused path (e.g., trade schools, apprenticeships, community colleges) if a four-year degree is not professionally required.
2. The Ethical Flaw of Vocation (The Utility)
The Christian is called to work diligently as an act of service to God.
Work as Worship: Paul commands us: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). College should ideally equip a person with skills to perform excellent, productive work.
The Utilitarian Gap: The scam critique is valid when colleges fail to teach marketable skills (writing, critical thinking, logic) that employers need, leading graduates to be unprepared for the workforce. When a four-year degree does not translate into a job that can service the debt, it is a failure of educational purpose. The degree must prepare the Christian for a life of competent service.
3. The Ethical Flaw of Worldview (The Ideology)
Perhaps the most significant Christian concern is the risk to a student's spiritual and intellectual formation.
The Iron Law of Education: The ethical principle is that “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). Students assimilate the worldview of their instructors and the culture of the institution.
Risk to Faith: Many secular universities are openly hostile to Christian faith and biblical values. If a Christian student enters such an environment without a mature, solid faith and intellectual preparation, they risk having their worldview undermined and their faith corrupted by vain philosophies (Colossians 2:8).
Conclusion
Is college a scam? The idea of higher education is not a scam, as the pursuit of wisdom is a godly goal. However, the modern college system often acts like a scam due to the economic exploitation (debt) and the potential for spiritual and intellectual corruption.
The Christian ethical duty is one of extreme discernment:
Is the degree required for my calling (vocation)? (e.g., doctor, engineer, lawyer, pastor).
Can I afford this without crippling debt (stewardship)?
Will this environment strengthen or damage my Christian worldview (wisdom)?
Choose the path that maximizes wisdom and skill while minimizing debt and spiritual compromise.
