The Importance Of College Education

During their high school career, students may begin to question the importance of a college education. They might find themselves asking, “Why is it important to go to college?” The answer is that, more than ever, attending college provides opportunities for graduates which are not as widespread to those who have not received a higher education.

Is a college education worth it? Students that go to college spend several years and thousands of dollars for an education, but will that education really help them with their future lives and careers? Sure, a college education might give you more opportunities with higher paying jobs and it might be the big challenge that you completed on your path to attaining the “American Dream,” and yes, a college education does help you obtain interpersonal communication skills with your peers to build social skills. But, many college graduates don’t even get into jobs that require college degrees, many students don’t even graduate from college and spend more money for an education they aren’t even getting, and student loans are creating a financial crisis. A college education isn’t the right choice for everyone, as many students graduate with a large amount of debt and limited job opportunities.

High school seniors have many choices to make. One important choice is whether or not to go to college. Harvard as the first college founded in 1636. At this point only 4% of young people attended college (Anderberg, Jeremy. “Is College for Everyone?). As of 2013 there are about 14 million students enrolled in a 4 year institutions, and that number is expected to jump to around 20 million in the next few years (Anderberg, Jeremy. “Is College for Everyone?). College is hard and is not for everybody, but is it worth it? A college education is worth it in many ways it will lead you to success, way easier than a high school diploma. A college education gets you better financial success, gives you a much healthier life and greater success, and college graduates have more and better employment opportunities.

Higher education can be very beneficial to the individual and to the broader community. The common conception that higher education would mean higher pay is proven to be true. Not only is college beneficial to the individuals, but in the long-run, it helps their communities as well. College-graduates can provide their communities with new businesses and a better skilled work-force. Therefore, it would be an advantageous for people to attend college as it will promise a brighter future.

There are roughly 4,140 colleges/institutions in the United States today as confirmed by infoplease.com and job options are endless. These institutions offer people a “gateway” to achieve long term success. In today’s society, there is the ongoing debate on whether or not college is worth it. Various valid points are brought up from each side. These points are what make this topic so debatable. Although there is a debate on whether a college education is worth it or not, in my opinion the answer is clear. College education is the start to a pathway which leads to a successful career and ultimately, a happier life.

4. with a college education young adults are more likely to make more money or have better pay jobs than those without a higher education. In the article, “More Students Getting Graduate Degrees” writer Cecilia Capuzzi states that “in every academic major group, more education resulted in more money(2). With this said the more Knowledge and education a person gains the more likely they are to be financially successful. A person with an associates, bachelors, or master’s degree will be more financially successful than those without a higher education. In fact, only 14 percent of people with a high school diploma earn more than the median worker with a college degree (Halton 1). The chances are of becoming financially successful are less likely to happen to those who have only graduated from high school. College graduates even tend to earn more if they take the same job as someone with only a high school education (Halton 2).

Albio Sires, a New Jersey congressman, said that “Middle-class families are struggling to send their sons and daughters to school. For many Americans, a college education is essential to future success.” His statement taps into one of the biggest issues in America. While education is a strong value in this country, after high school, the percentage of people getting an education dramatically drops. Although many people choose to not go to college, there are also many people who do not go simply because they cannot afford it. Without the skill set that one acquires during these crucial years of education, many Americans then lack the skills necessary to maintain a stable middle-class job. Through the play The Death of a Salesman, Arthur

College had always been the long-term goal for me, eventually. I think careers favor the educated in two capacities. I think it's used as a direct avenue to place one another in a social hiearchy; saying they we capable to do one thing or another. I also think that it is used to determine the level at which you can communicate with someone. It's fascinting to me that people are so enthralled with a person once they gain intel on their level of education. Frankly, people treat one another differently, based off what they feel is a person's level of intelligence. It's a prejudice that is commonly accepted, so we carry on. I have also realized that a college education makes you so much more reputable. I know the average person reading this would say, "That is common sense." Truth be told I knew this of course, but I never understood the weight it carried. Until you are out there foraging the job market and seeing what is available, you never quite understand why college is the direction to go. That old saying from generations of parents across the spectrum stating, "Stay in school" and "An education can take you places that your mind never dreamt it could." Well these phrases are speaking the truth on a multitude of levels. When you understand that going to college is a great way to change your life, there wil be no distactions. The thought of revamping yourself as an individual will get you motivated for life altering circumstances and adventurous journeys.

I believe getting a college education is important. It’s worth while in the long run to get a college degree. It is also a good reason to attend college because more opportunities will be available to you than to people with only a high school education. There is also the money factor. College graduates make more money each year than people who just went to high school. There are more well paying job opportunities that are open to someone with a college degree than people who don’t have a college degree. College is also a choice, which means that if you go to college you will be surrounded by people that also want to be there to learn.

Education was never a priority or something I placed much value in personally. However, within the past few years, my perspective has shifted from one of negativity and doubt to a genuine desire to learn, and embrace the opportunity to pursue an undergraduate degree. Being homeschooled from kindergarten to graduation I was not exposed to a formal classroom setting, and felt robbed of the experience of learning with others and knowing where I stood on an intellectual level with my peers. I also struggled throughout all of school, with an attitude of doubt, and a paralyzing fear of failure. Because I was never interested in school, and felt like I was stupid--especially in comparison to my older siblings and friends who excelled intellectually--I truly believed that I would never pursue a college education; I had made up my mind that I could not succeed in a classroom.

Having leadership, facing adversity, and setting goals for myself have all helped me through life and have played major roles. I have faced several challenges and have had many upsetting times. Working hard to stay positive and achieve something great is what is mainly important to me as a person. I aspire to reach numerous goals and leave a footprint on the earth of positivity and kindness to all. The thing that stands out to me and is the most important thing to me is to set a goal and never give up on it.

Why do we need a college education? A college education is a very big step in having a successful career/life. There are many options after you graduate like: Trade school, traveling, work and many more. All of these options are important, but, college is an educational step that lets one take control of someone’s future and even have more opportunities. A college education is valuable because an individual can earn more money, have better health and most likely to change others around you.

As a student from an inner-city school, my experiences have bred a type of yearning and appreciation for the potential of a good, college education. I held the values of a family and community who taught me that whatever I sought after, I could achieve. These values that were instilled in me, have gone on to render me an active community member, as well as a strong, influential African American female who made selfless acts.

The importance of a college degree is centered around society views on telling students that it is the right way to go. The biggest reason college is not an option for some people because of debt. “As of June 2016, about 42 million Americans owed $1.3 trillion in student debt,” (Is a College Education). Also, the debt can cause students to go out and waste their college degrees. For example, when students graduate they live with their parents and also delay relationships. On the account of debt that college brings, going to college is worth the cost because you would learn new skills, will have financial and career benefits, and the ability to self-improve.

There are a handful of achievements one unlocks during their quest through life, whether it be starting a new job, getting married, or having a child. One of the most significant of them is graduating from college. When an individual walks across the stage and is handed the key to life, they are able to open the doors of many opportunities. Not only do students leave college with an education, but with other hidden skills. For instance, college graduates become more employable individuals, are exposed to a diverse environment, and are subjected to extra support and guidance from people who will help them achieve their goals. Leaving college with more than one went for, in itself, is a reason a college education is worth it.