Rethinking College: A Guide to Thriving Without a Degree

You don’t have to go to college.

There’s a big and growing disconnect in America. For years, we've been told that a bachelor’s degree is the only path to success. But not everyone needs a four-year college degree or is better off with one. Award-winning journalist Karin Klein has written a groundbreaking book that sets out a new path for our country’s future and helps students and families navigate alternative paths, including white-collar apprenticeships, certificate programs, entrepreneurship, creative careers, residential public-service work, and more.

Through practical advice and real-world examples that show exactly how others have succeeded, Klein examines why the traditional college-for-all model has been overhyped and is growing less relevant in the post-pandemic world. She guides readers through the broad range of exciting and often well-paid careers that don’t require a degree, including ones where most people are college graduates.

With careers ranging from pilots, costume designers, influencers, writers, computer programmers, corporate headhunters, film editors, and so many more, the possibilities are seemingly endless for those who choose to not pursue a four-year degree.

Whether you're a high school student unsure of your next steps, a parent seeking guidance for your child, a school counselor who wants to offer your students more and better options, or an adult looking to pivot careers, No College Required is a must-read for anyone seeking an alternative to the traditional college path. Don’t go to college because everyone says to—find the path that's right for you.