Why College Is Worth the Money?

Why College is Worth the Money

Right now in our society a college education is no longer an option or privilege, but rather a necessity. We are practically raised and conditioned to believe that one needs higher education in order to succeed in life. There is a saying that says "if you think education is expensive, try ignorance." Nowadays, going to college is common in United States. According to the statistic, there are more than 70 percents of the student are going to college after high school graduation. After high school millions of kids get a start in life without any higher education. Going to a college or a university of some sort is one of the wisest choices a person can make. Does the time and effort that individuals put into education pay off? Economists have been investigating these questions since the late 1950s. The answer to that question is Yes! There are many reasons why you should continue your education after high school. A college education gives you choices. Whether you plan to attend a four-year college or university, community college, or technical school, you will gain knowledge and skills that will help you succeed for the rest of your life. Education beyond high school will put you in a better position to help your family, your community and give you the kind of life you dream of having. The more education you pursue, the better career options you will have. Receiving a college education can bring you knowledge, certain work conditions, and money. With a college degree you are able to go into life knowing so much more than you already know

Did you know that the lifetime income of families headed by individuals with a bachelor's degree will be about $1.6 million more than the incomes of families headed by those with a high-school diploma, according to the Postsecondary Education Opportunity Research Letter. The U.S. Census Bureau tells us that in 1999, average income for a male age 25 or over who holds a bachelor's degree was about $61,000, compared to about $32,000 for a male with a high-school diploma -- so the college graduate's income was about $29,000 more annually than the high-school grad's. And incomes of those with only a high-school education are sinking steadily lower. Now, unfortunately, women still make less money than men do, but the news for females who choose higher education is truly phenomenal: In a 1997 study, young women who had completed a bachelor's degree or higher earned 91 percent more than young women with no more than a high-school diploma or GED.

A college education is an extraordinarily profitable investment. Every dollar spent on a young man's college education produces $34.85 in increased lifetime income. Any Wall Street stockbroker would envy that kind of investment yield -- especially these days. You say you can't afford to go to college? The Postsecondary Education Opportunity Research Letter says you can't afford not to. College may be expensive, but the only thing more expensive than getting a college education is not getting one. The income differential empowers you to make choices that enrich your life.

The major reason of going to college is, of course, to get a good job. Doors of opportunity will open for you once you have a higher education. The more education you have, the more job opportunities and job security you will have. The average American worker changes jobs several times during their lifetime. Today, more and more jobs are requiring greater levels of education. A college education will give you many more options for employment. When you have options, you can focus on job satisfaction. Studies show that people with more education are less likely to be unemployed, and if they are unemployed it is for a shorter period of time than those with only a high school education. College prepares us with academic knowledge in order to succeed in the future. According to Ernest Boyner's concept of the "New American College", higher education is essential for preparation for one's future. He states that:

In spatial terms, teaching and learning may begin in a classroom, but course work also spills over into the life of the campus and the community. Students engage in experiential learning and co-curricular activities that take abstract ideas and anchor them in real-life problems. (Coye 20 [9])

As the competition to get a decent job is increasing, it is close to impossible to obtain a high paying job without at least a bachelor's degree. Many jobs that only used to want their workers to have a high school diploma now require some college education due to their extremely complicated nature.

Another way college is worth the money, however, is because it is one of the few institutions that often contains people of different ethnic and racial backgrounds. Such a situation allows one to develop their social and communicative skills because they are exposed to unfamiliar cultures. This is necessary for the fact that a person does not want to come across as ignorant towards a certain culture.

College is like a steeping stone to becoming a responsible adult because for the first time most people are practically on their own. It is completely different from high school in that not only that school has to be dealt with, but you have to juggle your personal time and financial state as well. They go away to college and face circumstances that they would most likely come across when they finally do go on their own. Bills have to be paid, time has to be managed efficiently, and deadlines have to be met, just like in the "real world."

College is also another way for students to discover themselves. It can help you make the most of yourself by exploring your talents and gifts. The more education you have, the more you will realize your potential. Explore your talents and gifts and discover side to yourself you never knew. Continuing your education beyond high school will introduce you to new ideas and new people. You'll probably travel more while you're in college, or after. You may even meet a life partner while studying in college. All of these experiences will expose you to new ideas will open up possibilities. College will give you the self-confidence to experience