Most of Kentucky's college-bound students are going to be shelling out more for tuition this year. That's because all but two of Kentucky's public universities increased tuition rates. This brings the average cost of a four-year degree in Kentucky to nearly $40,000. Now that's a lot of dough and an investment that many go into debt over. But we should ask: is it worth is? More precisely, do all Kentucky high school graduates need a four-year degree? The answer is no. This doesn't mean they shouldn't continue their education though. As new companies expand into Kentucky there is a need for high-tech and trade jobs that don't require a college education. But they do require skills and training to compete for 21st century jobs. We'd do well to broaden the path of success for our children by encouraging them to pursue these options.