Although college is debated on and on whether it is as beneficial as just heading straight into the workforce after high school, the value of a college education is not only beneficial from an economic standpoint, but it also benefits social aspects as well. Many argue that the financial burden caused by high college tuition is not worth the outcome and also there are numerous fields of work needing to be filled that do not need a college degree, but when the facts are presented, it is clear college is worth the time and money.
To begin, college education helps to “shape our economy and culture”, thus benefiting social structures. Students who obtain a college degree often find themselves in “leadership positions in politics, culture, and the economy” compared to people who never attended college (Source B). This portrays the importance of a college education not only because it makes the possibility of obtaining status in economy and culture, but because it also brings the opportunity of success much closer. Although many people who have not pursued a college degree have made successful life choices, the possibility of achieving as much success as someone such as Steve Jobs (who dropped out of college to nurture his company, named Apple) or other wealthy businessmen or women is highly unlikely.
College also benefits those who attend as they have the advantage when it comes to job applications and those who graduated college often live healthier and happier lives. In many fields of work, a college degree may not be required, however studies show that people in those careers make significantly more money than those who skipped out on college. Many people who oppose this opinion point out the fact that although workers may make more money they still find themselves paying off student loan debt. Although with financial aid taken into account, the average cost of tuition only adds up to about two-thousand dollars. Not only that, but college graduates make eighty-three percent more than high school graduates.
Moving back to social benefits, many people who attended college agree that it prepared them for the years after. College helps to prepare people for work-related skills and knowledge and helps people grow personally and intellectually. A large majority of graduates claim that those skills ended up helping them in their jobs or careers. Now, if each one of those college graduates never attended college, the lack of development of their intellect and personal growth could have inhibited their success and preparedness for the future.
Lastly, many argue against the worthiness of college as society needs people to actually “do things”. There has been a rise in the necessity for workers in mechanics, plumbing, and construction. Therefore, if people are concerned with working in a cubicle after college, those fields, which are necessary for the success and growth of society, will die out. To that, a statistic calculated proves only about thirty-three percent of high school students go on to get a four-year degree. Even so, like stated prior, there are many benefits of having a college degree and working in those fields.
In summary, there are many benefits to going to college: more money can be earned, it prepares students for working life, and leadership roles are more viable and in reach, and it makes it, even just a miniscule amount, easier to obtain a job. Even though it is argued it is not propitious for one’s success in the working field, it is better to have a college degree under your belt than not have one at all.
