For graduating seniors looking to jumpstart their professional career, skipping college is often a tempting choice.
Many students believe that by diving straight into the workforce and bypassing four more years of education, they can achieve success faster.
While this belief may seem logical at first, research proves that college is absolutely necessary for economic stability and financial success.
“There’s no better investment on a return than college, not even close. Long-standing economic analyses have shown that people who earn a bachelor’s degree – on average – make considerably more money over their lifetime than those with a high school diploma”, Brandon Busteed, education writer for Forbes Magazine said.
According to a Georgetown University study, college graduates receive 57% more job opportunities than non college graduates.
Today’s evolving job market is increasingly competitive and more jobs require a bachelor’s degree than ever.
Individuals with bachelor degrees are able to apply for a wide variety of jobs that are not accessible to mere high school graduates. By qualifying for a plethora of job opportunities, college graduates have more flexibility when choosing their career.
College has proven to be more than just an educational institution because of the network college graduates create. Attending a specific college bonds students to all the alumni and industry leaders connected to that university.
The network a student creates in college can open doors that lead to a successful career.
According to the U.S Department of Education, 70% of jobs will require a college degree by 2027.
Employers don’t require a college degree simply to be unfair, but to ensure that they are hiring the most qualified applicants.
The skills students learn in college equips them with the knowledge to succeed in their work environment. Employers are looking to advance their company and recognize that applicants holding a degree make the most valuable additions to their company by bringing knowledge.
The cost of a college education is the biggest turn off about college for most students. The idea of living in debt due to student loans can be scary.
Studies disprove this idea of college graduates living a life trapped in debt. Research demonstrates that graduates typically pay off their student debt by the age of 34.
While the cost of college may be high, it is still not higher than the cost of not having a college degree. Individuals without a college degree are three times more likely to be living in poverty than college graduates.
It is often argued that the best investment one can make is on themselves. By investing in college, students ensure a successful and financially abundant future rooted in higher education. While the cost of college may be high, it is still not higher than the cost of not having a college degree.