For some students, going to college is a no-brainer. But before you start filling out applications and taking college tours, answer this simple question: Why should you go to college in the first place?
If you’ve never considered your reasons for pursuing higher education, answering that question may be more complicated than it first appears.
One of the most compelling reasons to attend college is to earn more money. Over a lifetime, a higher salary can add up to millions more dollars in the bank. Graduating with a college degree typically leads to more job security, which means you’re less likely to face unemployment. According to BLS data from December 2021, the unemployment rate for workers with a college degree was 2.1%, compared to 4.6% for workers with only a high school education.
What’s more, you may be better equipped to weather periods of economic turmoil if you have a college degree. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, those with high school diplomas suffered greater declines in workforce participation than college grads.
College-educated women have a nearly 80% chance of remaining married for at least 20 years, while women with a high school education or less have a 40% probability. Men follow similar trends; about 65% of men with a bachelor’s degree can expect their marriage to last 20 years or longer, compared with 50% of men with a high school diploma or less.
There are many reasons that higher education correlates with better health. Those with college degrees have greater access to health insurance, which can lead to more preventative screenings. The higher salaries that often accompany college degrees can also lead to safer housing, better access to healthy foods, less exposure to pollutants, and greater access to green spaces.
A college degree isn’t just about earning more money or finding a good job. College can also be a place to pursue new passions and expand your worldview.
When you attend college, you can take classes outside of your major that expose you to new ideas and topics of study. You’ll learn new skills and develop interests that could be difficult to cultivate outside of that environment.
Being in college gives you access to experienced professors and talented classmates who can broaden your mind. You can learn from people at the top of their fields—people you might never otherwise have the opportunity to collaborate with.
Even though attending college can offer numerous financial, health, and social benefits, no degree can guarantee these things. Not all college grads will find success, just as many people who never attend college go on to achieve happy, prosperous lives.
There are many ways to build a solid career, including attending trade school, getting an online certificate, or starting your own business. If a four-year degree isn’t an option, an associate’s degree can help open more doors without requiring the same time and financial investment as a bachelor’s degree.
With so many ways to teach yourself useful skills, you don’t have to attend college to have a successful career—but it may make things easier. If you’re not sure what you want to study or what career path to follow, take some time to explore your interests before deciding on a plan of action.
The value of college lies not in the degree you receive at the end, but in everything you do to increase your knowledge, hone your abilities, and position yourself for a bright future. Your experience will be unique because, today, there are countless colleges offering a wide range of programs, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. No one has to fit into a single mold. As long as you’re dedicated and willing to put in the effort, you’ll discover a path that aligns with your passions and aspirations.
So plan your future!!