Is Higher Education Worth the Cost?

With college tuition costs rapidly increasing, more andNumerous studies have shown that college graduates
more students are questioning whether it is worth it toenjoy better health and quality of life, and they pass
pursue higher education. As it turns out, a collegethese advantages onto their children.
education is still a wise investment. Here's why.Compared to people with just a high school education,
Increased Earning Potentialcollege graduates have longer life spans, better diet
It's estimated that for every dollar a person invests inand health, better access to healthcare, greater
higher education, they will enjoy over $30 in increasedeconomic stability and security, more prestigious
lifetime income! That's a return on investment thatemployment, better job satisfaction, more
anyone on Wall Street would envy.self-confidence, more savings, and more hobbies and
Similarly, people with a bachelor's degree earn anleisure activities. College also tends to make people
average of $1.6 more over their lifetime than thosemore rational, open-minded, consistent, and cultured.
with only a high school diploma, according to theIn addition, the children of college graduates are
Postsecondary Education Opportunity Researchhealthier, perform better in school, and are more likely
Letter. Meanwhile, the average incomes of those withto attend college, compared to the children of high
a high school education are sinking. Given thisschool graduates.
atmosphere, you can't afford not to go to college.Lastly, we can't overlook that college can - and should
Improved Job Prospects and Benefitsbe - fun! Attending college presents amazing
College graduates aren't just more prosperous - theyopportunities to meet new people, develop new skills,
have a wider array of careers to choose from.and explore your areas of interest.
The number of jobs that require a college degree isCollege is also a great setting in which to grow
increasing. Some jobs require a specialized collegepersonally, culturally, and intellectually. College students
degree; other employers simply value collegeoften have the opportunity to study abroad or to
graduates because they have the skills andparticipate in other exciting learning experiences. In
knowledge base that high school graduates lack.addition, the college environment invites students to
In addition, the process of attending college frequentlyexplore academic disciplines, join student organizations,
makes students aware of subjects and fields theyconnect with professors, share ideas in a safe setting,
wouldn't have otherwise considered - opening doorsand grapple with difficult problems. All of these
for lucrative, rewarding careers.activities prepare students to be productive citizens in
Having a college degree is an advantage, regardlesstoday's world.
of your major and the industry you wish to enter. AndConclusion
in some cases, if you desire a job that doesn't actuallyAre you wondering how you're going to afford
require a college degree, your education is likely to netcollege? Maybe you should be wondering if you can
you better pay and benefits than a person with lessafford not to go, given all the advantages of a college
education.education.
Lastly, careers restricted to college graduates areWith grants, scholarships, and financial aid available,
more prestigious, pay better, and offer great benefitscollege is accessible to nearly anyone. And with
such as health insurance, life insurance, and retirementtoday's distance learning programs, such as the
benefits. These benefits are necessary to achieveUniversity of Phoenix's respected online degree
financial security and stability, especially if you have aprogram, you can earn your degree while working
family.full-time.
Better Quality of Life