The Value of Higher Education: The Reasons to Attend College

There has always been a long going debate arguing if college is worth the cost and in this paper I will give my reasons to why it’s worth to attend college. Don’t get me wrong college tuition numbers can be pretty big, but it provides you with great opportunities and personal skills that will give you nothing but success. Over 48% of college students surveyed said paying off their college debt has been harder than other bills. Going along with that, 27% said debt had an impact on their career path chosen and 25% said it made it much harder to buy a house. Enrollment in colleges has reached record high levels in the past few years, but why do many young adults still do not attend? The financial struggle. Over 2/3 of people ages 18 to 34 said they don’t continue college because the need to support their family. Also 57% of those same people said they’d prefer to make money and work rather than attending more school, and 48% said they still could not afford it.

A high 97% of parents said they except their child to attend college. Co-founder of the booming PayPal, Peter Theil made his own fellowship asking young adults to not attend college for two years. Peter himself told the article, “I expect many people to turn it down.” Later stating, “I probably wouldn’t have applied for it either.” A strong 86% of people who graduated from any college have said it’s been a good investment. Only 75% of people said it was too expensive. The Hamilton Project bade from a group in Washington compared college with other investments. They noticed that in recent decades college tuition has brought a higher annual return over 15%. That is higher than historical return and stocks combined. Looking at the cost of college, it can be toned down a little. Once students consider financial aid to help net tuition for some is only 2,000, making it very affordable. Just under 50% of people said that the main reason for college is to teach work related skills and knowledge. While 39% say its purpose is to help students grow personally and develop high intellect.

The remaining 11% believe both sides are equally correct. A survey asking, what it takes to gain success in the world in the world the majority, only by 3% (61%) said, “good work ethic.” Just behind that was 57% who had said knowing how to get along with people will bring success. Then 42% said the same about college. Adults who have graduated from a four-year college have thought to make about 20,000 dollars more in one year than they would have without a college degree. These beliefs were found truthful by the U.S. Census Burea in 2010. People who worked full time and had their bachelor’s degree made on average 40% more money than people who did not attend college and that number has continued to grow to 83% over the past few years. So whether you go to a big four year university or a small town two year college; you’re bound to be provided with numerous opportunities and ethical skills. Making the transition to your career very easy and efficient. Therefore, that is why I think college is worth it.