Is College Worth It?
By Karly Dooley
More and more often, we see skepticism about whether or not a college degree is worth it. It is easy to be intimidated by large dollar figures related to tuition, dorm fees, books, and more when you begin researching potential places to study, but the answer is still a resounding “YES” when it comes to the value of a college education – for so many reasons! Research by the Social Security Administration reported substantial differences in lifetime earnings by educational attainment. “Men with bachelor’s degrees earn approximately $900,000 more in median lifetime earnings than high school graduates. Women with bachelor’s degrees earn $630,000 more” Source: Social Security Administration, Research, Statistics & Policy Analysis 2015.
Financial
Studies consistently show that full-time workers with a Bachelor’s degree earn as much as $20,000 per year more than full-time workers who stopped their education in high school. We also see a consistently lower unemployment rate among those who hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher. These financial reasons why college is worth it apply even to those who used student loans to cover college expenses, especially when loan borrowing is handled in a responsible manner. Investing in yourself by earning a degree is an investment in your future! BLS.ORG
Social & Societal
Higher education degrees are worth it because they provide students with intangible benefits such as development of social skills, critical thinking, speaking and writing skills, and so much more. Students are also able to practice essential qualities beneficial for their future careers such as mock job interviews, giving presentations, conflict resolution, and networking. The work put into earning a degree is worth it because having a degree is empowering! It is also a benefit to our society as a whole to have educated individuals in our communities and families.
Pursuing Your Passion
Higher education opens so many doors that may otherwise be hard to access for many individuals. The time in college also allows students flexibility to explore different career opportunities. Increased access to resources, information, and opportunities is something that goes hand in hand with higher education. Job candidates with a Bachelor’s degree will always stand out versus those without.
So is college worth it? YES! Especially when pursued with financial responsibility. Because of the monetary, societal, and career benefits that come with a college degree, everyone benefits, from the student to their family to our society as a whole!
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