College has changed and evolved in correlation to the world economy, but is making the economic commitment of going to college really worth it?
The Pros
A Better Career: Exiting college with a degree can lead you to have a substantially more successful career. According to Megan Scott in the Knox Magazine, “On average, college graduates earn $1 million more over their lifetimes than high school graduates. A recent study by the Brookings Institution further shows that college graduates ultimately lead healthier, longer lives.” Although paying for college is quite expensive, the return on investment is substantial enough to merit the price tag.
Preparation for Graduate Studies: For those interested in pursuing advanced degrees (like a master’s or doctorate), a college education serves as the foundation. Many professions require ongoing education beyond the bachelor’s degree.
Personal Growth and Relationships: Not only are colleges good for making more money in the future, they are a place where you can find genuine passions and learn new careers that can stimulate you both mentally and financially. According to Forbes.com, “Academic support and advising services help with course selections and career planning, while mentoring programs and peer networks provide valuable connections for personal growth and mental health.” Having more career earnings, career opportunities, skill development, and overall positive impacts on your mental health and social relations are the primary reasons for going to college.
Access to Resources: Colleges offer a wealth of resources that can help students succeed during and after college. Libraries, career counseling, research opportunities, internships, extracurricular activities, and support services are all accessible to students.
But what are the cons of going to college?
The Cons
High Cost: College tuition and fees continue to rise, leading many students to take on large amounts of student debt. Beyond tuition, there’s also the cost of textbooks, housing, and other living expenses.
Student Loan Debt: As a result of rising tuition costs, many students graduate with substantial debt, which can take years or even decades to pay off. This can delay financial independence and home-ownership, and in some cases, affect career choices.
Time Commitment: A traditional college degree takes about four years to complete, and this time could be spent gaining real-world work experience, developing a business, or exploring other non-college paths. For some, this delay in entering the workforce feels like a disadvantage.
Social Pressure and Stress: College life can be stressful, having to juggle academics, social life, potential part-time jobs, and even personal issues can be incredibly difficult . This can lead to possible mental burnouts, deteriorating mental health struggles, and feelings of being overwhelmed.
