The decision of going to college is one of the first big decisions a young adult has to make in their life. Many of the familiar faces and friends whom you have spent the first eighteen years of your life with are now going their separate way. This is a huge decision that has the power to change your life drastically. The choice you make can alter your life for the better or worse, depending on the choices you make. There isn’t a certain formula for success, you can find success by going to college or going straight into the workforce. But, is there a certain route that gives you a better chance of getting to your desired destination? I strongly believe so! I believe a college education gives you a better chance in thriving in today’s world.
The strongest reason why I believe college is worth it is because it is shown to increase your average annual earnings. The average annual salary of a college graduate versus a non-college graduate is significant. According to a study done in 2016 by the US Census Bureau, the average earnings of those 25 and older without a bachelor’s degree was $35,615. On the other hand, the average earnings of those that hold a bachelor’s degree was around double that at $65,482. Going to college and earning a piece of paper with your name on it will not raise your average income alone, it isn’t that simple. Students area of study is a key determinant in calculating the worth of a college degree. College is not cheap and choosing what major you would like to pursue is a huge decision. The main reason many decide go to college is to end up with a better life than they had before, people are motivated in bettering their life for themselves as well as their families. As much as I hate to say it, money has a big factor in that. That being said, this is a solid reason to study and work towards a college degree.
The next reason I believe going to college is worth it is due to better employment opportunities. In the world, and especially in todays world, employers are looking for the best of the best. What does that mean? It means that employers are looking for college graduates, students who have proven themselves with higher-education. In order to graduate college, students must go through rigorous curriculums while maintaining a good GPA. Graduating these prestigious programs prove to employers that you are ready to help them and have a positive effect on their company. A bachelor’s degree opens up the possibilities of different careers you can experience. It is clear through various statistics that degree holders fare much better in the unstable job market.
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The final reason I believe going to college is worth it is due to the societal benefits that come from obtaining a college degree. Earning a college degree benefits you, as well as your society as a whole. It has been shown that poverty rates are lower in societies where a college education is more conventional. After the 2008 Recession, many began to see the repercussions of not being a college graduate. The Recession in 2008 was the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. According to the New York Times, “… four million additional Americans found themselves in poverty in 2009, with the total reaching 44 million, or one in seven residents.” Those without a college degree can easily find themselves on the verge of poverty when the economy is sinking, just like many saw ten years ago. A college degree gives you a greater chance of being financially secure and contributing positively to your society.
Thinking about college and it’s worth has been very eye-opening to me as a freshman. Going to college was something my family just expected out of me and I completely realize why now. I read about a lot of negatives that come along with pursuing a college degree, but I believe the positives outweighed them. Attaining a college degree allows you to raise your average earnings for life, as well as leveraging you to stay employed and in work in order to live comfortable life. I have learned so much about the value of a college education and why everyone should strive to obtain a college degree.
