Going to College Going to college has always been part of my plans, especially growing up with a mother like mine. She wanted nothing but the best for her children, she wanted us to do what she couldn’t. I understand it isn’t for everybody and isn’t something that everybody plans on doing. It can definitely be expensive and time consuming, and of course it means a few more years of schooling after high school. But college can make a hugh impact on your life, financially and How much more money do you really make with a college degree? The Bureau states that workers with bachelor’s degrees in 2008 earned about $26,000 more on average than workers with a high school diploma. In a beginning level job somebody without a degree earns an average of $28,350, while a person with a bachelor’s degree or higher earns an average of $51,250. (LeClair ) Thats a $22,900 difference in a year! Of course, the difference in salary increases the more experience and the better job you have. In a mid-level job a person without a degree will average $47,200 a year, while a person with a Bachelors Degree or higher will average $85,300 a year. That’s a $38,100 yearly salary difference. In a top level job, a person with no college degree will average about $79,150. While a person w/ bachelors degree or higher will average $130,600, a $51,450 yearly salary difference. That alone can make a HUGE impact on the way a person lives. The average American worker with a four-year degree will earn over one million dollars more than their non-degreed counterparts during their career. (LeClair ) Not only does your yearly salary increase by choosing to go to college, but your chance in finding a job at all is greatly increased. It opens doors for many more opportunities in your future. This is obvious, seeing that in the last couple of years the unemployment rate has gone sky high. According to Gallupeconomy.com, the unemployment rate is 8.3%, nearly a one-point increase over October's rate, that was only a little over a month ago. According to Jaschik, the unemployment rate for recent college grads is about 7% while high school graduates have a nearly 25% unemployment rate. Which means high school students are almost 3 times more likely to be out of a job. Employers are more likely going to hire somebody with a college degree rather than somebody who doesn’t have one. (Wilson ) Put yourself in their shoes: If you were an employer, wouldn’t you rather hire a person who has a college degree over a person who doesn’t. A college degree shows that a person is dedicated and diligent, two very desirable traits by employers. Additionally, College is an experience that you wouldn’t want to miss out on. It teaches students to be more independent, to live on their own and to learn what the real world is really all about. You are surrounded by other students who are going through the same struggles you may be going through. (Wilson ) It helps to have people there for you that are going through the same problems. It’s also a chance to leave your parents house and enjoy life. College also makes you a more rounded person in general. It shapes your communication skills, expands your knowledge base, makes you methodical and organized, and exposes you to a whole new world of learning. College can help you qualify and train you in the field or fields you are interested in. It can give you the hands on experience you need, as well as show you the rights and wrongs of things. Going to college is something everybody should consider, and there are many facts and reason as to why. You can make up to a million dollars more in your career than you would if you didn’t earn a college degree. Your chances on getting hired by an employer increases greatly for you. It’s also a great life to experience and it makes you a more rounded person inside and out. Remember, they can never take your degree away once you earned it, it’s something you will have forever. Clearly going to college is a wise decision, hopefully you make the right one.
Works Cited
LeClair, Jane. College Degree. Elite Venture Media, 2011. Web. . (LeClair )
Wilson, Paul. "10 Reasons to Go to College ." Ezine. n. page. Web. 9 Dec. 2012. . (Wilson )