The Cost Of Attending College Analysis

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.

Many jobs that one would get right out of high school are usually labor intensive or just not ideal conditions. These jobs include being the grunt worker for a construction company, working on a farm, or being a janitor. These job might not be terrible, but someone who does these would eventually become tired of their working environment. Having a college degree will typically end in having a more enjoyable job. Jobs like teaching, nursing, engineering, and accounting are all professions that require some sort of college degree and are considered nicer jobs with a better work environment. College will help students get a better job, but it will also make that student more prepared for adult

David Leonhardt in his article “Is College Really Worth It? Clearly New Data Say” goes over the biggest negatives of college that deter students and even returning adults from receiving a higher education and earning a degree. He talks about the struggles of finding work after college and the accumulated student debt. Daivd Leonhardt points out that “Americans with four-year college degrees made 98% more an hour on average in 2013 than people without a degree.” (Leonhardt). Which shows that as much as college costs, you get that back multiple times over after graduation and after you are employed. The stress and struggles that undergraduates face such as deciding a major, the issue of time commitment and large financial sacrifices are worth

If you ask students why they are going to college their answer can simply be to work my dream job, to get a raise, or for themselves. The majority go to college to have an advantage for their career choice. They think that having a degree will get them the placement they want but there is never a guarantee. Many other people could be applying for a position that one is trying to gain, making the odds of gaining a career in a field they want very slim. Even the degree type makes gaining a career harder. One can’t simply get a computer technician job with an English degree. Companies look at what students have studied and if they fit the category.

The topic of “Are Too Many People Going to College?” was presented by Charles Murray, the W.H. Brady Scholar at the American Enterprise. In today’s world college is a must due to many employers seeking educated individuals. Murray develops an interesting conversation by demonstrating that many high school graduates who are seeking to go to college do not need a degree depending on their career paths. Murray provides the analogy of a high school graduate who is looking to become an electrician but is not sure if college is the most logical decision. Murray acknowledges the fact that a B.A. does not necessarily led to a higher income than one with a degree. The logical argument of money is brought to attention and is stated “the income for the top people in a wide variety of occupations that do not require a college degree is higher than the average income for many occupations that require a B.A.” (Murray 247). Although this is his main point, he understand that it varies due to the occupation one is leaning towards. There has been individuals without a college degree that are making millions of dollars, but it varies. Murray claims that getting a B.A. is going to be the wrong economic decision for many high school graduates (Murray 246); however not everyone wants to be an electrician or any other hand held jobs that doesn’t necessarily need a degree, but if one wants to be a lawyer, doctor, or anything require a degree, college is the answer. Having a degree in a

When it comes to achieving success in the work force and finding a fulfilling and lucrative career there are few things more important that higher education. Going to college and getting a degree is essential in finding success in the work force. The problem is when the cost of gaining that degree outweighs the financial compensation the career that follows is able to supply. Very few people are able to pay for college out of pocket. The result of this is that students seeking higher education are forced to take out massive student loans. This means that they are entering the work force

Bernie Sanders, senator of the state of Vermont said, “The cost of college education today is so high that many young people are giving up their dream of going to college, while many others are graduating deeply in debt” (“Brainy Quote”). Each year students take out loans to pay for a college education. Is it really necessary? They are just going to be a statistic. I believe everyone should not go to college. College is not for everyone.

Courtney Munna, a graduate of the prestigious New York University, has found herself $100,000 in debt at age twenty six. The photographer’s assistant has a degree in Religion and Women’s Studies, a program in which the cost is high, yet the value is not. Virtually no career paths exist that would compensate for Munna’s major investment. Munna’s education costs her $700 a month, and she states her regrets of the overpriced degree, “I don't want to spend the rest of my life slaving away to pay for an education I got for four years and would happily give back." While Munna’s sizeable loss can be attributed to her poor choice in degree, the all-encompassing trouble lies in the increasing need for student

Whether you attend college or go immediately into the workforce, many recognize the amazing opportunities college has to offer its students. In high school, high school opens doors for college. In college, college unlocks opportunities for your future. Statics show that past graduates who obtain a college diploma can get a job, maintain their jobs, and they get paid more than someone who did not attend or finish school. Also, well paying jobs tend to take care of their employees. For example, higher paying jobs give their employees more benefits and vacation time: to stay healthy and well-rested. So they perform better on the job. Low paying jobs do not have to have many benefits because, they can replace employees at their leisure. Those who do not fulfill their education requirements, always have to settle for second place to someone who did spend the time to be experienced and qualified with a degree.

When not going to college you are losing a significant amount of money. Data and proven facts have shown that a numerous amount of people who chose to take the path of not going to college and going into a career directly out of high school are not as successful as people who go into college right after high school and get a degree. The number of people who decide not to go to college continues to decrease yearly which only hurts their lifelong income. By going to college and actually graduating you are guaranteeing a successful career and earnings.

That doesn’t mean it’s always in someone’s best interest to go to college. “By telling all young people that they should go to college no matter what, we are actually doing them a disservice,” wrote Stephanie Owen and Isabel Sawhill in “Should Everyone Go to College?” (Downey N. pag.). You should always consider your intended occupation. A degree doesn’t always promise to make you more money than if you only had a high school education. Recognizing tuition cost is out pacing inflation, you have to make sure your degree is worth the time, money, and effort you’re about to put into it. ‘’With fast-rising tuitions and stagnant wages, fewer of us are immune from borrowing to pay for our university education. And delaying or forgoing college while we save is a difficult option: according to the Center for American Progress, weekly earnings for workers with a bachelor’s degree were $1,066 in 2012, compared to $652 for workers with a high school diploma. Those without a degree are nearly twice as likely to be unemployed. For many, going to college, then, is simultaneously a rational economic choice and an economic disaster’’ (Clark N. pag.). Often if a four-year degree isn’t right for someone they might try a different, cheaper route such as; training certification, a trade school, or online courses (Downey N.

The cost of attending college has risen drastically over the years. Statistics show that there has been a 260% increase in tuition costs since 1980. The increase in tuition cost equates to an increase in money borrowed to fund higher education. An increase in money borrowed results in an increase in debt accumulated over time. As a result of the rising figures, the economy as a whole has also suffered because of the restricted financial space many graduates find themselves in upon completion of their degree. In this paper, we will discuss college costs, reasons why they have risen, and the best way for students to pay for it.

     It seems in the society we live in today, having a college degree is a necessity. Years ago it was the norm for people to just go right into a full time job after high school, if they even finished high school; they did this to support their families. In today’s society a person has a difficult time getting a decent job without a college degree. During an adults working life, bachelor degree graduates will earn about $2.1 million and a high school graduate can expect to earn an average of $1.2 million (Day and Newburger, 2002). This is quite a difference and it puts a college education in

Are too many people going to college? This is the question that has pondered many over the past few years. With increasing tuition and increasing attendance, college is becoming “not everything that it is cracked up to be.” Charles Murray, an author from the American Enterprise Institute, wrote an article in 2008 entitled “Are Too many People Going to College?” In the article he makes the arguments that the concept of college is slowly changing. Social norms are decimating the system, people get way too ahead of themselves with their life plans, and the system is suffering as a direct result. Murray indirectly states that too many people are going to college, sending the current system into shambles. Murray effectively states his opinion through persuasive writing, a simple structure, and notable examples that draw the audience into the essay.

Most times, students end up living a life they didn’t want after high school. With no degree, students may find themselves working at a labor or hardworking job making little money. College students are usually better off in their life with an efficient job and a healthy family.