10 Reasons Why a College Education is Important

College provides numerous opportunities and advantages that cannot be found anywhere else. A college education can provide you with new skills and knowledge, open up doors to a better career, and finally improve your financial stability.

With more and more jobs requiring advanced education, not having a college degree can actually put you at a disadvantage when competing for employment.

Generally, earning a college degree could help you:

1. Earn More on Average

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020, workers with a bachelor’s degree earned $1,305 per week on average, compared to $781 for those with only a high school diploma. In addition, the unemployment rate for bachelor’s degree holders was 5.5%, compared to 9.0% for individuals with only a high school diploma.

2. Enjoy More Job Opportunities and Security

In today’s economy, having a college degree is essential to getting a good job. In fact, many jobs that used to be available to those without a college degree are now being filled by college graduates.

For example, jobs in the fields of healthcare, technology, and business are now requiring employees to have at least a bachelor’s degree. Even some jobs that have traditionally been filled by high school graduates, such as secretaries and administrative assistants, are now requiring employees to have at least some college experience.

In addition to opening up more job opportunities, a college degree can also lead to greater job security. College graduates are less likely to be laid off during tough economic times than those without a degree. They are also more likely to receive promotions and raises.

3. Increase Your Happiness

According to UtahState University, College graduates are more likely to be happy with their life in general than those without a degree. Also, college graduates are more likely to be satisfied with their marriage, relationship with their family, health, personal finances, and job.

4. Be a Better Citizen

College graduates are more likely to vote and participate in other forms of civic engagement than those without a degree. In the 2016 presidential election, for example, 59% of eligible voters with a college degree cast a ballot, compared to only 48% of eligible voters without a college degree.

The same is true for other forms of civic engagement, such as volunteering, attending cultural events, and belonging to community organizations.

5. Afford to Buy a House

In most parts of the country, a college degree is now necessary to earn enough money to afford a decent home. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, the median income for home buyers with a college degree is nearly $85,000, while the median income for home buyers without a college degree is only about $54,000.

The difference in income levels is even more pronounced when you consider the fact that home prices have been rising steadily for the past few years, while wages have remained relatively stagnant.

6. Get Married and Stay Married

College graduates are more likely to get married than those without a degree. They are also more likely to stay married. In fact, the divorce rate for college-educated couples is only about half the national average.

There are a number of reasons why college-educated couples are more likely to stay married. For one thing, they tend to have more stable jobs and higher incomes than those without a degree. They are also more likely to share similar values and life goals.

7. Benefit from Better Health and a Longer Life

College graduates tend to enjoy better health and live longer than those without a degree. They are less likely to smoke, more likely to exercise regularly, and more likely to eat a healthy diet. College graduates are more likely to enjoy better health than those without a degree. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Higher education is one key to better health. 

8. Improve Your Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

A college education can help you develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential in both your personal and professional life.

In addition, research has shown that college graduates are more likely to vote, volunteer in their community, and participate in other civic activities than those without a degree.

9. Increase Your Earning Potential

While there is no guarantee that you will become a millionaire simply by earning a college degree, it is true that your earning potential will increase. In fact, the median earnings for workers with a bachelor’s degree are nearly twice as high as the median earnings for those without a degree.

In addition, college graduates are more likely to be employed full-time and to have health insurance and retirement benefits than those without a degree.

10. Prepare for a Successful Career

A college education can help you prepare for a successful career in a number of ways.

First, by taking challenging coursework, you will develop the skills and knowledge that are necessary for success in the workforce. In addition, by participating in internships and other experiential learning opportunities, you will gain valuable real-world experience.

Meanwhile, by building a network of contacts through your classmates, professors, and others, you will be better positioned to find a job after graduation.

Final Thought

While there are no guarantees in life, earning a college degree is one of the best ways to improve your chances of success. Whether you want to earn more money, enjoy greater job security, or simply lead a healthier and longer life, a college education can help you achieve your goals. 

So If you are thinking about going to college, there is no reason not to do it. It will undoubtedly pay off in the long run.