Dissatisfied Grad Tries To Sell Diploma On eBay

Recently graduated, in debt and without a steady job, Purdue University alum Nick Enlow decided to sell his diploma on eBay, listing it for $36,000 plus $3.50 shipping and handling.

The Journal Courier reports:

The eBay sale is part stunt and part hopeful act of desperation that an "eccentric millionaire" will pick up the tab. Either way, the Indianapolis native is serious about kick-starting conversations on the worth of a college education and how it can be paid off.

"The universities are handing out too many degrees that have zero real-world application," Enlow said. "It seems to me, almost any major in the humanities or liberal arts will not gain you employment with a bachelor's degree."

eBay, however, determined that Enlow's auction violated its terms of service and removed it from its listings. In a letter to Enlow, the website stated that diplomas could not be sold "due to the sensitivity and nature of the item."

Enlow, who has a degree from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis' School of Science, told the Journal Courier that he would not relist his diploma. "The dialogue has been started," he said. "What's done is done."

In response to the listing, a Purdue spokesperson said that no degree guarantees a job.

Enlow, who graduated in 2008, currently lives with his girlfriend in Florida and works as a substitute teacher.

What do you think of this stunt? Tell us below.

Comments

[angrypatriot22]

02:22 PM on 07/22/2010

When I was attending Portland State University and living in student housing, there was a leak in my ceiling above the toilet. They lied about the source (we came to find out that feces and urine were coming through). They failed to address the problem for 45 days when I was away on December break and not staying there at the time. Upon returning, my bathroom was mold infested, and I became ill the next day. My doctor said to get the hell out. I did, but they wouldn't release me from the contract even though they were clearly in violation of the terms (their only responsibility was to maintain a habitable environment). After paying rent on two places for three months, selling my only means of transportation, and basically falling into financial oblivion, I had to sieze my enrollment and attend another school I could actually afford. I had to sue them two years and many panic attacks (one that hospitalized me) later, only to realize that true justice does not exist in this country. Eventually I had to move home, and wouldn't you know, none of my credits transfered. Basically, its either start over, or stop going to school and pay back the loans that were taken fraudulently. I have been so disenchanted by this situation, and it has had such an impact on my mental wellbeing that I have no desire to continue school. I want to get into politics and fix this broken system!

[AbeMartin]

08:37 AM on 06/10/2010

90% of American graduates end their college careers in debt and without a job. Mr. Enlow has a Purdue University degree (IUPUI issues diplomas from either Indiana University of Purdue) --a school that has a very good track record in helping alumni get their first jobs.

Enlow blames the institution rather than accept any responsibility for his predicament. Does he have a generalist degree or did he major in Chemistry or Physics or pre-Engineering? Did he amp up his attractiveness by developing math and writing skills. As an undergraduate did he apply for any internships that would have given him an opportunity to a) learn what is expected of him in a company and b) demonstrate to an employer what is his potential to the firm? What were his grades? Was his GPA at least 3.3/4.0 or did he spend his evenings in Indianapolis at the Slippery Noodle Inn or Broad Ripple's bars?

This sniveling weasel has opportunities. If he lacks guts to pursue full-time work, let'm volunteer for service in the Peace or Ameri Corps. Two years working with people who have limited or no education or prospects for a better life help him grow up.

[KriTiKiT]

04:46 AM on 05/31/2010

you can sell your virginity on e-bay but not your diploma!

[princeleron]

09:52 AM on 05/30/2010

That's why you don't major in liberal arts or humanities. I understand that you want to major in something you enjoy but you have to also look into the future.

[tones]

01:02 PM on 05/31/2010

To bad the school and society tell kids that any type of BA is good even though its a blatant lie. University are nothing more than a money making scheme now.

[Nicholas Price]

02:25 AM on 06/01/2010

Not entirely true. I'll be using mine to start a small company soon mostly by applying principles I learned in finance during undergrad. I agree the humanities are a poor choice if you want a job immediately after undergrad. But someone of the street would have a difficult time doing what my degree allows me to do. I also found that most people barely take advantage of the resources a school offers, so i can see why there may be that impression that they are a waste of money. But again i think that is not entirely true.

[SeeDaddy]

10:26 PM on 05/29/2010

The guy can't be too bright. The diploma has his name printed on it. It's not like someone could buy it and put their name on it

[Courtenay Jones]

12:15 AM on 05/30/2010

It was a gesture.

[SeeDaddy]

02:57 PM on 05/30/2010

A futile one at that.

[zzcat]

01:27 AM on 05/30/2010

It was a statement.

[SeeDaddy]

10:25 PM on 05/29/2010

The guy can't be too bright. The diploma has his name printed on it. It's not someone could buy it and put their name on it.

[Poicelle]

06:58 PM on 05/29/2010

I think this is just one way that recent grads are expressing their frustration at the current job market. It's a scary place out there - it used to be that you go to college, get a job, start paying off loans and saving money and progressing with your life. I graduated just as the economy started going south, couldn't find a full-time job with my degree, and I'm now back in school (law school) still struggling to find employers even as a summer intern! My boyfriend has a degree in criminal justice and has been out looking for a law enforcement job for the last year - he's still stuck in retail.

Liberal arts degrees may not be as practical as a trade degree, but the truth is that it used to still provide at least some options, some jobs. Now, with the economy tanking, it feels worthless. I feel for this man, and all of the other recent grads out there who went to college to give themselves a better life and a better career and are now struggling to make loan payments, and to find a way to move out on their own.

[antiTrope]

06:39 PM on 05/29/2010

How can you get through college and not realize a liberal arts degree is not a trade degree? DUH! omg. Some are better than others. My first degree was in geography and I had a decent career in urban planning before bolting to something else.

[redstateblues69]

06:31 PM on 05/29/2010

Liberal Arts degrees expand the horizons but aren't practical in the job market. They also exhibit to a future employer the ability to complete a task. The degrees in art, drama, music should include a practical curriculum that includes marketing yourself as an artist. Degrees in specialized fields like accounting, nursing, social work, city planning, computer science, criminal justice, teaching, engineering, et al are marketable skills that will land you a job after college. College is a good place for kids to grow up before they meet the real world.

[MonsterMash42]

01:53 PM on 05/29/2010

I got my 1st degree in Theatre. I can't give this thing away

[redstateblues69]

06:14 PM on 05/29/2010

Hahahaha. I have my bachelors in drama. My parents framed it. When I was doing a yard sale I thought about selling it to the highest bidder.

[NYC-CatLover]

11:48 AM on 05/29/2010

I have a BA in English from a prestigous New England liberal arts college, and I'll let it go for the bargain basement price of $50 cash and a large dunkin donuts ice coffee. It's useful for getting into law school or a master's program to teach (although I wouldn't recommend wasting your money on a masters in teaching right now). It's possible that this degree helped me get a spot in a competitive nursing school, simply by making me look different from the sea of other applicants. But I'm not 100% sure that was the case, this degree may not have been a factor at all. But if you need to get a useful degree and want a useless one at a bargain basement price just to help you get into a school for a real job, then please contact me!

[healthanalyst]

12:00 PM on 05/29/2010

While working on a PhD, I gave both of my cats at the time a doctorate. Dr. Seuss, meet, Dr. Spock.

Hmm. One of my later cats we took in at the behest of the country sheriff, we named Bandit. Thinking of it, she needs a Doctorate too. Maybe Criminal Justice or a JD. Probably a JD with her name....

[redstateblues69]

06:16 PM on 05/29/2010

I have a minor in English Lit. I'm looking for a $50 masters in English Lit. I could teach at a jr. college.

[MyrtleJune]

11:41 AM on 05/29/2010

What people are learning in college, they should have been learning in High School..... for free. High School seems to be a total pass for these last years.

[farmilyman]

05:39 AM on 05/30/2010

It does make you wonder what is being taught in public school when the colleges all require prerequisites before you can learn what you are paying for.

[jcd8822]

10:24 AM on 05/29/2010

A Purdue spokesperson saying that no degree guarantees a job is correct.. Taking into consideration the economy, the need for individual in a specific field, especially in just one area of the country, the personality of the individual applying and the quality of their resume are just part of the quotient. One of the things I have noticed the younger generation lacking in is common sense and the willingness to start is some menial position and working their way up. Now days most want to start at the top in the top income bracket. Obviously the real world has not changed that must to be offering that.

[zzcat]

01:24 AM on 05/30/2010

It seems to me some people decide to work their way up, and some people decide to learn their way up. Both are needed.

[jcd8822]

05:02 PM on 05/30/2010

True. I did a little of both. That worked out pretty well for me. fanned

[farmilyman]

06:48 AM on 05/29/2010

That's part of the problem. Students aren't learning in college. They just party through to get the diploma thinking that's all they need for a job. The athletes are even worse.

[antiTrope]

11:37 PM on 05/29/2010

that's a pretty gross generalization.

[zzcat]

01:27 AM on 05/30/2010

I worked and studied non stop while getting my degrees. 7 days a week. 6 Am to 11 Pm. 4 years. Sorry kids, can't go to the park with you right now, have to study or work. Sorry, have a test Monday, have to study. Sorry, have homework to do. I am thankful for everything I learned. Will be really thankful when I can use it for something useful.

[tkenn04]

03:03 AM on 05/29/2010

The main problem is that many view colleges/ universities only in terms of getting a job and making money. Last time I checked, the purpose of colleges and universities was to provide education, NOT a job. Those who are not interested in learning and only want to get their degree to make their resume look better are most likely wasting their time, as well as other students' time. Another issue I think no one mentions, is that many choose to study a subject that they are simply not good at (I really enjoyed sitting in class and listening to my classmates complain about how difficult intro accounting is... and it's for an MBA program).
My main point is that while this trend is very unfortunate, it may help everyone understand that the point of getting a degree is to receive an education, and not simply get a job.