The traditional view, that gaining a degree will provide long-term employment security, has been questioned. The traditional story goes that to get ahead in society, one must spend three to four years and, in most cases, accumulate debt along the way. To leave school with no further education is to gain an unsatisfying career with little potential. However, it can be questioned whether this pattern provides a valid representation of contemporary society. With the rise of tuition fees, the average student debt is at an all time high. In addition, there is even greater competition for graduate jobs.