Is College for Everyone?
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Education is often viewed as the key to success, and for good reason. Attending college can lead to personal growth, increased job opportunities, and valuable soft skills. However, the decision to attend college is not one to be taken lightly. It requires careful consideration of various factors, such as cost and your personal and career goals.
Whether you’re a high school student preparing for the next step or an adult considering a career change, the choice to attend college should be a well-informed and deliberate one.
We’ll explore reasons why attending college may be a wise decision for you, as well as some potential challenges you may face along the way.
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3 Reasons Why You Should Go to College
If you love learning, are interested in a career that requires a degree, or want to increase your overall hireability, you should consider attending college.
You’re Passionate About School
If you’re someone who thrives in an academic environment, college can be a fulfilling experience. Students who are passionate about their studies may be more likely to succeed and earn higher grades.
Even if you don’t consider yourself “passionate” about school, exploring different majors or courses of interest can be exciting and help you develop your interests and study skills.
Many Careers Require a College Degree
Many companies require applicants to possess a bachelor’s degree for entry-level roles, including the highest-paying occupations, making college crucial for diverse job opportunities.
A college degree can also enhance your appeal to potential employers by demonstrating your commitment, ambition, and eagerness to learn and evolve.
No matter what degree level you achieve, education often pays. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), those who have an associate degree or even attended a year or two of college without graduating earned about $100 more per week than those with only a high school diploma in 2020. Bachelor’s degree holders make $600 more per week than workers with only a high school education.
Skills Learned in College Offer Job Security
Per the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2022 Student Survey, job stability is a top concern for college graduates when exploring their career options.
Many fields that require workers to have a college degree are stable or growing. These include healthcare, data science, and information security, according to the BLS. A college education can also help you build soft skills such as creativity, communication, and leadership, which are transferable between many industries and specific positions.
3 Reasons Why You Should Not Go to College
Not everyone needs to go to college to achieve a successful career. If you’re still figuring out your career goals or are wary of the cost of higher education, you might consider alternatives.
You’re Still Figuring out Your Goals
If you’re still unsure about your career goals, it might be worth taking some time to figure things out before diving into a college program. Establishing career objectives before college can help you choose the right program and land the right internships, should you decide higher education is the right path for you.
While a college education can provide career advantages, it’s crucial to also remember that not all jobs require a degree. Your career goals might better align with a different path, such as trade school.
College Is a High-Risk Investment
College can be a significant investment of time and money, and for some, it may not pay off. The financial gain from earning a college degree can significantly vary depending on factors such as your school, your major, and your access to financial aid.
The cost of college has risen substantially over time and continues to grow, making higher education less accessible for many, even with scholarships and grants. The economic landscape has also grown more unpredictable in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic leading to student loan repayment issues and an uncertain job market. It’s important to weigh these risks before deciding to attend college.
Not All Degrees Pay Well
Your choice of major can have a big impact on the financial benefit of going to college. Degrees in fields like theology, social services, performing arts, education, and leisure and hospitality are often associated with lower salaries.
For example, preschool teachers must possess at least an associate degree but earned a median salary of under $40,000 per year in 2022, according to the BLS.
So Should You Go to College?
Whether you should go to college depends on your career goals, financial situation, and desire to learn in a rigorous environment.
The high price of attending college can make higher education a gamble, but it may be worth the risk if you generally like school or wish to pursue a career that requires a degree.
Otherwise, consider other postsecondary options, such as community college, vocational schools, and online programs — all of which can offer career training at a lower cost.
Ultimately, the decision to attend college is a personal one and should be based on your individual goals, circumstances, and aspirations.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 21, 2024.
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