The Value of a College Education
Why is it important to achieve a college degree, certificate or diploma? Generally speaking, what is the importance of having a college education? This is a question that I have been debating and fighting with myself for the past five years. Is it because with a college education a person can get a better job, earn more money and ensure himself of a better life? Or is the whole concept of college a fraud and a scam to manipulate individuals in feeling inferior without it? In this paper, I am going to enlighten you of the pros and cons of having a valid college education and what it means to me.
Senator John Kerry said in a 2004 presidential debate that “Our college students represent only 20 percent
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I believe that college graduates are also the ones whose children are inspired to earn a valid education. College graduates generally have better jobs, earn more money than their average peers which simply results in them enjoying a better quality of life.
On the negative or less optimistic side, it seems to be universally accepted that college education is a good thing; however, thousands of colleges and millions of students spend vast amounts of time and money chasing some sort of degree, diploma or certificate. But what is the value of these qualifications? Most college students (me included) gets brainwashed or sidetracked by administrators of education. They make it seems as though having a college education is the only way doors will open for students. Certificates, diplomas, and degrees are held up as a status symbol and the key to money, power and success. However, the truly powerful are not those with degrees, but people who stand back and look at what is really important in life. These people are found in every part of society. Take my present boss for instance, Carol Levine. Carol never attended college; she actually was a high school drop out who eventually went on to receiving her GED. Today she is the general manager for a fortune 500 company which is also one of Florida’s number one title insurance
Many people believe that a college education is a worthy investment. The ability to become a college graduate will result in making more money. There are more jobs in today’s society that require college degrees. College graduates develop more and better employment opportunities within earning a degree. Self-discipline is a major element in becoming a successful graduate. Also, college graduates are healthier and live longer. Adults-young and old, male and female-who have a bachelor’s degree or higher have twice the annual median income than someone with only a high school degree ("Do college graduates," 2014).
When it comes to the topic of attaining a college degree, most will readily agree that it is essential to securing a successful career post-graduation. Whereas some are convinced that a college degree does not guarantee entry into a career in one 's field of study nor does it determine success in one 's career, others maintain that a higher education is, in fact, the way to job security and financial success. What comes into question is whether the investment in a college education is truly worth it or not in order to accomplish a student 's goals of success. I think it could be said for most prospective college students that the reason for going to college is to gain the credentials required for most jobs today. What many of those potential students may not realize is the substantial percentage of graduates who do not acquire a job related to their majors, how much debt they will incur, and just how many students don 't graduate at all for reasons such as an overwhelming workload and a poor work/ life balance.
In the essay “College Value Goes Deeper Than the Degree” author Eric Hoover claims a college education is important to one 's well-being so they can get a job and be productive in other parts of life. Promoters of higher education have long emphasized how beneficial college’s value and its purpose. Many believe the notion that colleges teach students are life skills to apply anywhere, they also work hard to earn a degree and learn specific marketable skills which they can use to get a good job. Though obtaining a college education and a degree is helpful in countless of ways, it is not necessary to pursue a college degree in world where a college degree is seen different now, people without turn out fine, the growing average of debt that students who attend college have to pay off and people without a degree can obtain many jobs that do not require college degrees.
According to Lundberg (2003), “adult students are one of the most rapidly growing segments of today’s college student population, making up approximately 40% of all college students” (665).
Growing up, we are all told to go to college and get a degree. This is simply because of the power and value a college degree holds. Having a college degree is a ticket that can help you get any kind of job you want. In Class Matters, there are people with different thoughts about a college degree. “The aluminum factory could get him into middle-class security quicker than a bachelors degree could” (Egan, Timothy 108). This was quoted from a man in the book named Mark McClellan, a pest controller. He feels that he doesn’t need a degree because he can just work for the same amount of money that a degree can help you get. He might be right but without a college degree you will be limited to what kind of jobs you can get, if any will hire you at all. With a college degree, “The world is yours,” you can get any job you want. A degree seems like it is nothing but a piece of paper
Why is college so important? Why would anyone want or need to spend so much time or more money than they could ever afford to receive a piece of paper saying they attended college for the last four years of there life and that they are somehow more important than the ones who didn’t? Why be in debt for countless years after graduation, having to spend a large portion of your valuable life paying off your loans and whatever the university in which you attended consumed from you? Is the education you’re getting out of everything all worth it? Crazy as it may seem, the answer is simple. Yes.
People in the past did not stress value of receiving a higher education because it was not as indispensable as it is today. Now, people perceive others not only by their appearances, but by their accomplishments. Employers always hire people with the most education and experience. The majority of students are concerned about getting a higher education throughout the years. Nevertheless, some people question the purposes of getting educated, and consider it meaningless. The concept of education has a significant meaning. It enables one to take control of knowledge and apply it. It is education what prepares the mind to comprehend and learn important ideas. A higher education is very important for an individual's success in
In today’s society, the idea of receiving a college education has been pondered quite a bit as to whether or not it is actually worth it. According to Michelle Adam, many people “…today believe that getting a good education is key to success in our society, this revealed surprising issues that challenge the notion of higher education being worth its price tag” (59). Naturally, many high school graduates apply for college right before or after graduation. Others decide to go into the work force, armed forces, or simply remain unemployed. The question that many people debate about is, is a college education worth it in the long run? Though some people believe a college education will benefit ones’ career, others believe it will cause a mass
Is college really worth it? This is the question many students are starting to ask themselves as the college cost increases and the benefits of a degree are falling. 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 a higher education in order to succeed. Although some may argue that a college education can provide better career opportunities and lead students to higher-paying jobs, this is not true for everyone. Research today suggests that a college degree does not always guarantee employment and that many college graduates end up burdened by the vast amount
College is a great place for many to experience new things and to further education. However, college is not for everyone. According to the film Ivory Tower, college teaches people valuable skills such as networking with peers and extensive knowledge. College also provides students, upon graduation, with a degree and proper credentials. Based on a survey done by the Pew Research Center; the article “The Rising Cost of Not going to College,” states that “economic analysis consistently find that college graduates regardless of generation are doing better than those with less education,” this shows that there is a reasonable gap between a college degree and a high school diploma. On the other hand, it may not be worth the rising costs. Carolina Bird, author of “Where College Fails Us,” mentions in her article “in the current slowdown it has become evident that there were never, and probably never will be, enough jobs requiring higher education to go around,” (59-60) this shows some people's job outlook may not be aligned with their major. Jeffrey Selingo’s article “Is College Worth the Cost? Many Recent Graduates Don’t Think So,” says that “nearly half of college graduates in their 20s are underemployed, meaning the jobs they have do not require a bachelor’s degree,” this brings up the possibility of college not being beneficial to many. College can be needed because of higher salaries after graduation and providing people with the tools to succeed. On the contrary, going to
Beginning at an early age, children who are encouraged academically by their parents, educators, and coaches will grow up with the realization that a thorough education will provide for them—financially and professionally—in the future. One of the first things that we are taught is that if we graduate with a degree from college, then we will have a better job and more opportunities in the future. There are many instances where this rings true. According to Brookings Institution publication “an individual with a college degree is nearly nine times more likely to make over $100,000 than someone with only a high school diploma and 13 times more likely to make more
Why go to college is a question many people debate with. The majority of people are not aware of the substantial benefits of attending college. With the rapid shift in today’s economy having a college degree is a major key. According to article written by Fatou Faal, “The United States has been transformed from manufacturing-based economy to an economy based on knowledge, and the importance of a college education can be compared to that of a high school diploma education forty years ago.” The benefits of college prepare and shape you for today’s world.
Dr. Bresciani’s article on the value of higher education is right on the mark. Obtaining a degree from a college or university can virtually guarantee that you will have an opportunity to be successful and financial stable. He also highlights that the education is not strictly limited to job training, but also for gaining overall knowledge.
A higher education has many benefits and it is important to recognize the fact that it is indeed worth one’s time, effort, and money. It has never been more important and valuable to carry a college degree under one’s name. Once you have that degree a feeling of self-pride and achievement will boost one’s confidence to take on the world of employment. As the job market becomes more competitive a college degree will give a person a step ahead of everyone else (Baum, 2010). President Barack Obama stated “At a time when the unemployment rate for individuals with at least a college degree is about half that of the national average, higher education has never been more important.” Hearing how important secondary schooling is from the leader of the free world should be enough motivation for anyone to discipline themselves and earn a degree is possible. This country is built upon the driving force of higher education, which translates into power, wealth, and prosperity.
Why is college so important? A few years ago, most people only obtained their high school diploma and would receive any job in the market, but colleges have become the twenty-first century key to success. Jobs are now being given to those who are more educated and college provides this extra education. It is not the same as high school. High school education consists of a more general knowledge, which is a small amount of information about all the topics, but college is focused on the major. College graduates have more comprehension in their area than those with a high school diploma. As President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car; but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad.” (Chicago Tribute). His point is that the more educated a person is; the higher goals they can obtain. College is the best way to succeed because it provides more education about deeper knowledge and moral value. It also opens up more job opportunities, and practical knowledge about the discipline and enlightened understanding.