Benefits of Pursuing a College Education

Wondering whether going to college is right for you? Like most things in life, it’s important to weigh out the benefits and financial costs of going to college before committing to it. Let’s take a quick glance at the main advantages that come with pursuing a college education!

Better Career Opportunities & Pay

College graduates often have a better chance of securing jobs compared to high school graduates. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that college graduates experienced a 2.1% unemployment rate, compared to the 4.3% for high school graduates in April 2018. With that said, having a college degree can lower your chances of being unemployed, and present you with better career opportunities.

According to a national report by the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association, high school graduates only earn an average of about $30,000 per year. In contrast, college graduates with at least a Bachelor’s degree earn an average of just over $50,000 per year. Those with a higher level degree like a Master’s or Doctorate may expect to make an average close to $70,000 per year. As you can see, there is quite a big pay gap between the education levels, making college education worthy of consideration!

Of course, the earning potential varies greatly depending on the field. For example, a Master’s in education most likely won’t lead to nearly as much pay as a Master’s in business. However, since education is an in-demand field, you’re likely to still get a pretty good job out of college even if it may not pay as well as a job in business.

Job Security

Job security makes the day-to-day less stressful because you are able to provide for yourself and your family. Securing a college degree under your belt may equate to higher income, and also lead to other work perks like travel, health care, retirement investment, and more. It’s much rarer to find a job offering all these perks coming out of high school.

Networking

Going to college gives you a chance to meet different people from all over the world. In addition to peers and other students, you’ll be given the opportunity to also make valuable connections with professors, teacher aids, counselors, and more! A great way to make new friends is to join groups or clubs on campus that align with your values and interests. Staying after lectures and discussions to speak with faculty one-on-one may be beneficial as well. If you’re the type to strive beyond, you might consider applying for an internship in a field of interest. Securing an internship will allow you to potentially work with professionals who may help you level up in your career, or connect you with someone who will! Finally, studying abroad is a fun way to not only meet people but also travel while studying and learn about a unique culture.

Personal Development

The final teen years transitioning into the adult years are critical for personal development. Choosing to go to college during these years may be a practical choice for those wanting to expand their knowledge in a particular field and move away from home to experience the dorm life. Along the way, you’ll learn to overcome various obstacles that you may not face if you don’t pursue higher education. Being exposed to more subjects (coursework) and a variety of people (culture) can also play a big part in helping you decide what you want to do with your future.

Life Skills

Many of life’s challenges present themselves in college, and being able to pick up valuable skills like time management, reading comprehension, effective communication, juggling multiple responsibilities, and dealing with different types of people will take you a long way!

Final Thoughts

In today’s competitive economy, employment options are becoming more limited for those who choose to enter the workforce right out of high school. In fact, a majority of high school graduates work in the service industry, which is often associated with lower pay and not as many opportunities for advancement over the years. It’s safe to think of college education as an investment for yourself and your family. Graduating from college will not only lead to increased job opportunities and more competitive pay, but it will also equip you with the necessary skills to continue moving up in your future career and life in general!