Is College Worth It?

Article Written By: MichaelB

With the slump in the American economy and the rising cost of college tuition, many people are asking the same question: is college worthwhile? Getting a college degree may seem daunting in terms of the academic responsibility, tuition, fees, and time commitments involved. But there are many ways in which a college degree can be a worthwhile investment; including enhancing the quality of your life in many ways.

Several studies have shown that a college education can lead to long-term monetary returns. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, bachelor s degree holders earn an average of $520 per week more than high school graduates. The Pew Research Center reports that on an average, adults who graduate from undergraduate degree programs believe that they earn $20,000 more every year thanks to their college education, while people who do not have college degrees believe that they are earning $20,000 less because they did not pursue a college degree.

A report released by CollegeBoard states that even student loan debt should not be a deterrent to a college degree; the investment made in terms of tuition, loan debt, non-working college years, and interest rates is generally recovered within 11 years, with income to spare for living expenses. Furthermore, the benefits of college degrees are applicable even during a recession; the unemployment rate for college graduates in 2009 was 4.6 percent, compared to the unemployment rate for those without college degrees, at 9.7 percent.

There are many social benefits to college degrees as well; the same report by CollegeBoard illustrates that college graduates tend to be more contributive members to society: bachelor s degree holders are more likely to vote and to volunteer. Graduates are also more likely to exercise, receive a pension, and possess health insurance, and the incidence of obesity and nicotine addiction is also significantly lower among college graduates. As illustrated by a Pew Research Center chart, those who graduate from degree programs tend to live happier, more fulfilling lives.

However, the value of your college degree ultimately depends on the effort you put into it, the college you choose, and the program you opt for. It is of utmost importance that you complete your degree at an accredited college; the time, money, and effort invested will mean nothing otherwise. When it comes to degree programs, some areas of study are likely to render better employment and financial prospects than others.

Healthcare degrees, for example, are more likely to offer the possibility of professional success, because the healthcare field is predicted to generate more than 3.2 million new jobs by 2018—most of which will require a college degree. And according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, computer science is the highest-paying non-engineering major out there today.

But no matter what statistics say, it is also important to pursue a degree that will engage your interest; otherwise you will not be able to perform your best in college or in your career. The key is finding a balance in which your degree is both practically viable and engaging.

The value of a college degree all comes down to your own motivation to succeed, so make the effort to find the right college and degree program for you.

About the Author

California College San Diego (CCSD) also provides college degree programs that can be completed in faster-than-traditional time with its FastFlex option.

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