Options for college students

Two-year degrees

Regarding “Open letter to parents of 2030 college grads (Outlook, July 10): I just had an eye-opening experience after my son completed his first year of college at a major Texas university. Not happy with either his first choice in major or school, he has chosen a new path. He’s moving to Austin and enrolling in Austin Community College and pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in supply chain/logistics.

As I reviewed the course requirements for this two-year degree, I was amazed and pleased that every course required was what I’d call meat and potatoes. Every single course dealt with elements of that facet of the business world, and the requirements even included a course on English composition and ethics — both good things to have in business.

That wasn’t the only amazing and exciting part. At about $1,000 per semester at ACC for in-district tuition, all the skills needed to join this profession can be had for just $4,000 in two short years.

The only downside of this pointed and economically wise plan is the mentality that exists in most of the business world and even that of academia when it comes to recruiting and hiring those with anything less than a four-year university degree. This mentality makes about the same amount of sense as still having our academic calendar based a 19th-century agricultural society.

So, let’s raise a toast to the 2028 grads of targeted and affordable two-year degree programs. Tim Graney, Katy