Unlike technical skills that are easy to list on a resume, soft skills are picked up through coursework, group projects, and presentations. In this article, we will take a look at a list of the commonly touted advantages of going to college. But with a near-daily churn of news stories about employers struggling to fill positions, you might be wondering if its worth taking on the costs associated with going to college. If you choose not to go to college and secure a job, you will start earning. Or that student debt is crippling. A degree can help give you the financial and economic stability you are hoping for. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". But that doesnt mean you should immediately write off higher education. The choice whether to attend college is something you should take the time to weigh carefully. You can take different electives, alongside general education requirements, to explore what youd like to do with your life ahead. Make sure your answer has: There is an error in ZIP code. Carrie is a freelance copywriter at Collegis Education. Entry-level positions will often require either an associates degree or a bachelors degree. Ten physicians at the University of Kansas Medical Center have been using generative A.I. This flexibility allows you to discover your academic passions. Considering college? Inform your decision with these 11 benefits of Some need time to explore their interests, establish goals, build their skillsets, and plan a budget before committing to a university. Healthcare, education, IT, government, etc. You will need money for tuition, food, lodging, books, entertainment and many more expenses. Students get to hone a wide set of skills and competencies through the college experience. College is different from high school because you can choose many of the classes you want to take, and you arent required to take classes youre not interested in. 2.Better monetary benefits: It is believed that a college graduate earns approximately one million dollars more as compared to a high school diploma. Unlock Opportunities. This post will discuss the benefits of going to college, as well as reasons to consider waiting to go to college or pursuing alternative education. Tons of Benefits of Going to College! Students in college get to meet people from all over the world. Many high school graduates feel pressured to follow the traditional college pathway the four-year commitment, the bachelors degree, the campus living. There are numerous financial and career benefits to consider. Its not easy making big decisions. WGU is an accredited online university offering onlinebachelorsandmastersdegree programs. According to the Pew Research Center, 75% of American college grads are very satisfied with their family lives, but just 64% of those with less than a high school education say the same. Those who have a high school diploma earn an average of $37,000 per year. And those who do choose a major often change their minds! Those with college degrees have greater access to health insurance, which can lead to more preventative screenings. Those who havent attended college also have a higher rate of obesity and heavy drinking. Regardless of whether you think that is fair in practice, this matters in a job market where employers can afford to be picky. While many jobs require a bachelors degree or masters degree, even those that dont require them will likely prefer candidates who have that credential. Industries that have greater job stability typically require degrees. According to new data released Thursday, U.S. colleges and universities saw a drop of nearly 500,000 undergraduate students in the fall of 2021, continuing a historic decline that began the . I met staff and faculty who directly helped guide me towards my first full-time job that jump started my career, Thor says. Your classmates will come from all over the country and even the world. Business Administration, Human Resource Management B.S. A candidate that is a college graduate with a degree may be looked at more seriously than a candidate who doesnt have one. College opens doors for you that high school doesnt. Our admissions team can evaluate your transcript and navigate your transfer credits. College graduates tend to have higher levels of self-esteem and feelings of achievement after completing college. College also provides the chance to discover your interests, within the classroom and beyond the classroom walls. Then, finding schools with that criteria that also match your relevant qualifications is key to getting admitted. The skills you learn in college wont just be academic in nature. On the flip side, there are more high school students who reported their reason for having a job to be to get by, compared to bachelors degree holders who are likely to be building towards a career. Some of the benefits may be better jobs which means better pay compared to people that only hold GED's or a high school diploma. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. More info, By Carrie Mesrobian How to Work in Public Health (from Launching a Career to Finding Success in the Field), How to Become a Leader in Teaching and Education, Visit us online to request more information. College-educated women have a nearly 80% chance of remaining married for at least 20 years, while women with a high school education or less have a 40% probability. Thanks to all the knowledge, skills and experience youll gain in college, youll be able to adapt to a greater variety of jobs and careers. When you attend college, you can take classes outside of your major that expose you to new ideas and topics of study. Something went wrong. College is about much more than just course work. Your dream job requires a degree. Community college can also give you the opportunity to improve your skills and grade point average before applying to a university. No matter what major you end up in, every college career starts with general education courses. You will be more marketable. There is an error in email. 1. Through your frustrating school years 10 Cheap Universities in Canada for International Students. While college isnt the right choice for everyone, heres why a bachelors degree can be a smart move. Are you sure you want to rest your choices? College is expensive. For example, a math class can teach you how to use statistical software or a communications class can teach you the best way to give an effective presentation. Benefit 2: Reduce the Risk of Poverty 1. (Or, landing a merit-based scholarship that you may not have previously qualified for!). 5 Advantages of Going to College in the Suburbs - Niche Blog Rasmussen University may not prepare students for all positions featured within this content. Hard skills are job-related and tend to be technical. Not only does a college degree open doors to higher earnings and income potential, but your degree can also provide financial stability. If youve never considered your reasons for pursuing higher education, answering that question may be more complicated than it first appears. As of this writing, the average cost of attending college in the US per student per year is $35,720. How to Get Into Clemson University: Admissions Stats + Tips, How to Get Into University of Wisconsin-Madison, How to Get Into Cornell: Admissions Stats + Tips. Every degree program at WGU is tied to a high-growth, highly rewarding career path. You can learn from people at the top of their field that you might never otherwise have the opportunity to collaborate with. "Cost is certainly one of the primary reasons why someone should consider a. This number will only increase in the next 10 years. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. While it might not matter for all of the potential career paths youre currently considering, a college education is often a requirement tied to professional licensure and certification. Information represents national, averaged data for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. Current students can greatly benefit from utilizing their college experience to help them make important connections. College is a time for personal and professional growth. Specialized knowledge 13. Learn about yourself 2. We'd love to hear from you, please enter your comments. Learning how to develop apps, produce videos, and work with AI are other technical skills that can make you marketable during your job search. Therefore, don't worry about the dollars you spend on college education. Not only will you be more marketable when you have a college education and a degree, many job possibilities will open up to you when you have one. 5 Benefits of Going to College Close to Home - Rowan Online This may be because college graduates are more likely to work in industries that could quickly pivot to remote work during the pandemic. You earn money instead of spending. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. For some, they know the exact path they want to pursue. Some people want to go to college to get a high-paying job. Having a college education can actually help you live longer. Make sure your answer has: There is an error in phone number. Science Education (Secondary Biological Science) M.A. This has led many people to question: do I really need to go to college? Fulfilling these classes at a community college can be an affordable, flexible way to cross them off your list of degree requirements (as long as the credits transfer to your next college or university). Which college fits you? 1. Please see our. Indeed, many employers seek candidates who can offer up a range of skills. Find out how different WGU is about personalizing and supporting your education. Is Working Through College Worth It? Pros and Cons Unveiled All Rights Reserved. College provides personal, intellectual, and professional growth and benefits. If youre not sure what you want to study or what career path to follow, take some time to explore your interests before deciding on a plan of action. Fill out the form to receive information about: There are some errors in the form. Nursing Leadership and Management (BSN-to-MSN Program) M.S. It can signal the first time moving out or even living in a new place. Depending on the level of the position you wish to obtain, you may need a certain type of degree. Transferring course credits from a community college to a university is much easier than you might think. Here are five examples: 1. According to Pew Research Center, only 6% of bachelors degree holders live below the poverty line, while an alarming 22% of people without a college degree live in poverty. The added credential is usually beneficial for your organization, maybe even helping with compliance or regulation standards. Clearly, higher education pays. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. [accessed December 2021] https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2020/data-on-display/education-pays.htm.NCLEX is a registered trademark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.RNL is a registered trademark of Ruffalo Noel Levitz LLC. No matter where you go to college, you are bound to have an enriching experience. Since youll be tasked with a lot and will have your fair share of responsibilities Top 10 Reasons Why Is Education Important. External links provided on rasmussen.edu are for reference only. 7 Benefits of Going to College Far Away - Welcome to myOptions Or you may pick a major after taking some time to check out your options. The average savings of single people without kids and under 35 years of age is $4,003.39. Like many colleges located in rural areas, colleges in the suburbs typically offer a close-knit campus community. Earning a degree isnt only about preparing yourself for a one-time employment searchit puts you in a stronger position long term. Rasmussen University does not guarantee, approve, control, or specifically endorse the information or products available on websites linked to, and is not endorsed by website owners, authors and/or organizations referenced. Looking for Job Stability? 2023 Western Governors University WGU. Here are some of the most important benefits of going to college: 1. College can foster feelings of independence and control, as well as teach whats necessary to manage ones own time and make reasoned decisions. Just 20 years ago, the said amount was three times lower. While the decision to commit to a bachelor's program is a big one that isn't for everyone, there are plenty of valid reasons to go to college, including: 1. Community college can be a great steppingstone as it allows students the chance to stay local, take classes on a flexible schedule, and get used to the format of college coursework before diving into a college or university. Benefits of Earning a College Degree - Education Corner Personal Benefits Of Going To College | ipl.org Earning a bachelors or masters degree is a huge step in making yourself more marketable, especially in a rougher job market. 5 Financial Benefits of a College Degree | The College Puzzle And you dont have to live on campus to experience campus life. If a four-year degree isnt an option, an associates degree can help open more doors without requiring the same time and financial investment that a bachelors degree does. These traits can have lasting effects on your life as they guide you at work and in life after college. In 1980, the average cost of tuition, room and board, and other fees was $9,438. Youll also make life-long connections with your classmates that youll be thankful for later in life! Whether youve mapped out a long-term plan or you see new possibilities every day, college can help you become your future self. Networking 5. Community college offers a wonderful chance to explore your interests and career goals within the first one or two years of study. Others might need to find their groove by taking part-time college classes, before committing to a full-time credit load. It does not store any personal data. Increased job opportunities 4. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admissionand how to improve them. The best part is, most of your credits never expire! Of course, the thought of transferring from school to school can be intimidating. You can expect your life to change in the best ways when you get a degreeyoull likely see more job opportunities, be a better job candidate, have higher earning potential, and enjoy greater economic and job stability if you are college-educated. Youll learn new skills and develop interests that could be difficult to cultivate outside of that environment. 1. Send your kids. Benefit No. Working through your college brings in . There's no place like home! A degree will help give you the resume boost, as well as the specific skills you are likely to need in order to succeed in a new field. Networking, of course, involves practicing the non-technical skill of communication. You will [call] upon them again and again to get through challenging periods in your career, Hawk adds. This process is designed to equip you with knowledge right away, and get you started on the road ahead! This compensation comes from two main sources. You may be wondering, is it really worth it? But, keep in mind that if you wish to work in specific fields, such as medicine, law, or education, degrees may not transfer entirely in different countries (or even states). And less than half of college graduates work in their field of study upon leaving school. College is a large financial investment and the time commitment makes it difficult to earn a living while being a full-time student. On average, a college graduate will earn $38,792 yearly, but an individual with a bachelors degree will earn $64,896. Fields like education, health services, government, and financial activities already have more job openings than workers. One of the great things about being able to choose your own courses is that you get the opportunity to explore. In 2020, that amount jumped to $35,720. Research suggests that the more education you have, the happier you tend to be. 1. College opens doors for you that high school doesn't. And college can change you and shape you in ways that you might not imagine. 5 Financial Tips For College Students To Follow Before Moving - Forbes There are a lot of benefits of going to college later in life. Youve heard plenty of solid reasons why you shouldnt rule it outbut its on you to decide. Are you curious to find out how your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays will impact your admissions decisions? Please try again later. To illustrate, if you want to be a web developer, then a hard skill youll need to learn would be how to code. Stay up-to-date with the latest articles, student stories, and guides from WGU. Nursing Nursing Informatics (BSN-to-MSN Program) M.S. Being in college gives you access to experienced professors and talented classmates that can broaden your mind. Benefits of College: 10 Reasons to Go to College There is a lot of information out there about the benefits of a college degree, which range from higher income and better employability to job skill development and career advancement. Benefits of Going to College 1. Please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees for a list of programs offered. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Financial costs and benefits of college (article) | Khan Academy Those with at least some college education have mortality rates that are less than half of those who havent attended college. Associates Degree vs Bachelors Degree: Whats for You? Having a college degree on your resume is also important for another key reason: the increased reliance on artificial intelligence and other high-tech to sort and scan resumes. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 1. We will then complete a comprehensive review of your official transcript after you apply. Ever wonder why you should go to college? She researches and writes articles, on behalf of Rasmussen University, to help empower students to achieve their career dreams through higher education. In college, you will: College helps students develop into mature, responsible and independent adults. Career advancement 11. Should you get a college degree? If youre out of a job due to a downturn, having a college degree can help differentiate you from other job seekers who decided to forego higher education. At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, those with high school degrees suffered greater declines in workforce participation than college grads. And once you invest in yourself with academic study and effort, chances are good that youll become hooked into a lifetime of continuous learning. But that isnt to say that getting a college degree doesnt require technical know-how. Every single job I've had, including the one I have now, has been one that I learned about from someone I met in college, from friends to professors to industry experts to my advisor, Hanson reports. Rasmussen University is not regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission. It can signal the first time moving out or even living in a new place. Or that a college degree doesn't have value anymore. In a recent Georgetown University study, high school graduates earned a median of $1.6 million over their lives, compared to the $2.8 million earned by college gradsthats a 75% increase in earnings. Not all college grads will find success, just as many people who never attend college go on to achieve happy, prosperous lives. Discover 5 of the major benefits of earning a bachelors or masters degree, and why now is the perfect time to continue your education. Throughout your educational journey, its likely that youll look for sources of motivation. IT Certifications Included in WGU Degrees, See all Health & Nursing Bachelor's Degrees, View all Nursing Post-Master's Certificates, Nursing EducationPost Master's Certificate, Leadership and ManagementPost Master's Certificate, Family Nurse PractitionerPost-Master's Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerPost-Master's Certificate. Even if you graduate in a hot job market where finding work is easy, there's no guarantee those economic circumstances hold.