Eight Reasons That A College Education Is Necessary

It has never been more expensive to get a college education in America; here’s why:

1. The average yearly income of an adult high school graduate is $31,000 per year, little more than half that of someone with a four-year college degree earning an average of $57,000 according to the U.S. Statistical Abstract. Those who don’t finish high school fare even worse, earning an average of just $20,000 per year. People who earn advanced degrees earn much more than four-year college grads.

2. Unemployment is higher for people with less education. The unemployment rate for college graduates was about 60% lower in 2011 than for those who had not finished here high school and almost 50% lower than for high school graduates.

3. The world is under a surplus of unskilled labor. There are billions of people in the world who lack a college education and who are willing to work together. Many are prepared to work hard for shockingly little but do it in order to feed their families. Work that can be taken by unskilled labor abroad puts greater pressure wage rates even in the United States because of globalization.

4. The world is under the age of a shortage of engineers. Around the world, schools are ramping up to educate engineers of all types as demand for this type of skill set is especially penetrating.

5. College degrees in any field remain valuable. Regardless of your field, a college degree will set you apart from people who do not have any college degree. If you need a job—any job—and you’re competing for a job in retail and you have a four-year degree in political science or psychology against someone without a college degree, the odds are on your favor.

6. You just might learn a lesson. There is actually a lot to refer to the intrinsic value of knowledge. Much of what you can learn in college you can learn elsewhere, but just think about this: how many people who didn’t go to college have learned as much about their field as someone who did? You’ll recognize that very few people ever learn as much outside of college as they would with it.

7. College is fun. Really and truly, college is a great experience for most people. Those who don’t like it would almost certainly have enjoyed a unique college experience had they found it. Seek out thoughtfully the true college experience for you!

8. It’s never too late. If you are more important than 50, it may be too late to get much financial return on a college education, but virtually all of the additional benefits may still apply.

Before you exit the bank, to get a college education, consider a few things. Some colleges and universities are extremely expensive. Some are exceptionally modest and will not change your income potential. Most Americans, however, have access to relatively affordable college tuition at state schools. Community colleges are often downright cheap, offer quality education that prepares students well to finish a four-year degree at a university.