Benefits Of A College Education: Essay

In the United States, the expansion of an individual’s education is highly significant for those who have the option. There are many benefits to having a college education. Many people go to college to be able to find a better paying job or because they want a better life for themselves.

Many people go to college throughout the country to attain a better education after high school. Most times, the economic return of going to college will highly outweigh the cost. In 2007, the U.S. Census Bureau stated that college graduates earn, on average, about $55,000 per year. This can be compared to $30,000 or less on average for individuals who have only received a high school diploma or the equivalent (Cunningham, 2009.)

Not only do the individuals who have gone to college benefit from their education, but most of our society does too. Those who have a college degree tend to rely less on government programs, pay more taxes on their higher incomes, are healthier, are less likely to be incarcerated and are more likely to be involved with civic engagement (Brand, 2010.)

Along with earning a higher income, those with a post-secondary education are found to have more free time, a greater life expectancy, and healthier children. Those who seek better jobs are usually found to have health insurance that is provided by their employer. Most will also receive more benefits towards retirement than workers without a college education. Most are in great health because they have better access to preventative health care. This reduces public spending, which lowers the cost of government funded programs (Cunningham. 2009.)

Many college students are prone to engage themselves in bettering the community through civic engagement. This will carry with them even after graduation. Both private and public colleges aim to include civic education in their missions. One of the greatest goals they carry for their students is being able to offer a very broad education due to the ever-changing international world (Abel, 2014.)

In 2004, 36 percent of individuals who are 25 years old or older that have attained a bachelor’s degree have engaged in volunteer work. This can be compared to 21 percent of people who have only received a high school diploma to have engaged in volunteering. With the rapid change in technology and the way the framework of our society has changed in recent years, higher education is now needed to keep on producing civically engaged individuals (Cunningham, 2009.)

There are many other positive outcomes of a college education. College graduates are more likely to gain motivation to be involved with activities that influence society. They will engage themselves in more intellectual conversations and have a broader range of academic skills. They also find that they have the resources to lead a more engaged and productive lifestyle (Brand, 2010.)

A lot of individuals who are interested in pursuing college are also looking to have a better future for themselves. They might also be thinking of the future of their family, even if they have not already started one. Children who come from parents who have received a college degree are more likely to go to earn a college degree as well. They will also do better socially and economically in their own lives (Brand, 2010.)

College graduates are also more likely to find a job that they feel satisfied in. Most of us will spend our lives working 40 hours or more a week, so finding a job that we find enjoyable, even in the slightest, is very important. Individuals who have earned a college degree can find higher paying jobs with more advanced placements (Cunningham, 2009.)

With a college degree, one will also find better job stability. When employers need to cut jobs, they normally will cut jobs that are towards the bottom of the line (Brand, 2010.) The rate of unemployment among college graduates is much lower than individuals with only high school diplomas (Lambermont, 2018.)