In today’s educational landscape, instruction has many forms. A 2016 report from real estate company Zillow found that 75% of all home buyers were college-educated in that year, compared to just 11% who had a high school diploma only and 14% who attended some college but did not earn a degree. Those with advanced degrees, including master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees may earn $2.7 million, $3.3 million and $3.6 million, respectively. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. In some instances, a benefits package can be worth almost as much as an employee’s take-home pay. College degree is the most important of these factors. Not only are children of parents with a college education better off socially and economically, but studies have shown that children in households where one or both parents have a college degree are themselves more likely to earn a college degree. You'll be better able to weather adversity. in a savings account to having marketable skills and an education during an economic downturn, having a degree can come in handy when life throws you a curveball. February 20, 2018 Updated July 30, 2019. However, people underestimate the degree of personal growth that they’ll experience as they’re working through their degree. by Susana Kuehne. So, is four years of college education (at a cost of about $50,000) worth earning an extra $1 million dollars over the course of a lifetime? With the major debates in the last 10-15 years over the return on investment of a college degree, we would be surprised if you hadn’t wondered about the benefits of a college degree. The ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and persuasively with help you land the perfect job, improve your career advancement opportunities and enhance your interpersonal relationships with family members and associates. California Privacy PeopleImages / Getty. Nowadays, college degree is important to the person’s life, and it gives the person several positive things which affect their future life in a better way. So, what are credit hours, and how exactly are they determined? Is earning a college degree worth it? But Why? Why Consider Going to College? The percentage of currently required postsecondary education for 2016, according to the BLS, is as follows: A projection by the BLS for the years of 2014-2024 suggest that jobs that require a postsecondary nondegree award will grow by 11.5%, bachelor’s degree by 8.2%, master’s degrees by 13.8%, and doctoral or professional degrees by 12.2%. A College Degree Isn’t As Important As You Think, And This Is Why. Across the board, college graduates are able to find jobs with better benefits. : According to the U.S. Department of Education college graduates with a bachelor’s degree typically earn 66 percent more than those with only a high school diploma, and are also far less likely to face unemployment. According to Tara Sinclair, the chief economist at Indeed, a career path that … Earning your college degree can improve the lives of those around you, too. It can also help them fulfill their life goals and career aspirations. College-educated adults were also less likely to have used expensive forms of credit. From having more money available (see #1 in this list!) College Rankings, Posted Jul 24th, 2014 , Updated Jun 29th, 2018 by College Atlas, Historically Black Colleges & Universities, The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, Why Go to College – The 9 Biggest Benefits [INFOGRAPHIC]. The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce found that individuals who only finish high school could look forward to earning about $1.3 million over their lifetime, some college increases that lifetime earning potential to about $1.6 million. ... Why going to college is important. Southern New Hampshire University leaders shared their thoughts on why education is important and the impact it has had on their lives. You May Qualify For $6,095 in Grants! Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. And earning a degree is the best way. Having a bachelor’s degree opens up rewarding opportunities that might have otherwise been inaccessible. So why do employers place such an emphasis on you earning your degree? According to 2007 survey from the University of Chicago, some of the most satisfying occupations include that of a physical therapist, firefighter, teacher, clergy, psychologist, education administrator, operating engineer, and office supervisor. 65% of adults ages 25 and older with a bachelor's degree or more were married in 2014, compared with 53% of adults with less education, according to a 2015 Pew Research Center report. A 2008 report produced by College Board showed that roughly 70 percent of individuals with a four-year college degree received health insurance from their employer, while less than 50 percent of employees with only a high school diploma received the same benefit. College graduates are typically more satisfied with their careers for a number of reasons. A college degree is correlated to lower unemployment rates. Of all the benefits provided by earning a college degree, this is one of the most valuable. A college education can empower you in all kinds of ways to be more in control of your life's logistics. College graduates see 57 percent more job opportunities than non-graduates, and it is estimated that, by 2020, two-thirds of all jobs will require postsecondary education. We think so. The proportion of adults smoking daily falls significantly with an increase in education, the report states, from 20% of high school graduates without any college education to 5% of those with bachelor's degrees and just 3% of workers with graduate degrees. For example, a bachelor’s degree holder that works in management or engineering can sometimes earn more than someone with a master’s degree who works in education or social work. 1. First of all, the value of a college education can be taken in all different kinds of aspects. Learn More >. A 2016 study by the Lumina Foundation found that college graduates are 47 percent more likely to have health insurance and … A good education can be your way into a prosperous career. Just 2.3% of college-educated adults used pay-day and tax refund loans within the last year, compared to 9.2% of high school graduates without a college education. College education is important because you need a degree in order to get a good job or a stable career. Earn Your Associate or Bachelor’s Degree Online. College is important for many reasons, including long-term financial gain, job stability, career satisfaction and success outside of the workplace. During a recession, the unemployment rate among college graduates is substantially lower than the unemployment rate among employees with only a high school diploma. Earning a college degree enables people to make better choices the rest of their lives. Why Higher Education Is Important In general, the College Board considers the practical benefits of higher education in the 21st century to include: Economic : As the Bureau of Labor Statistics stats reveal, people with some form of higher education … For these reasons and many others, employers seek after college graduates when looking to fill job positions. Often, particular employers require a degree that is relevant to the position. In fact, high school graduates have a mortality rate that is double those with some college or a college degree, the report states. A college degree also leads to stronger job stability. And the career networking opportunities typically increase with every level of education attained (e.g. A bachelor’s degree graduate earns $17,500 more per year than a high school graduate and $15,500 more than a student with some college or a two-year degree, according to the Pew Research study. That’s right. Even if you don’t remember everything you were taught in college, most students come away with: 1) a greater ability to think analytically and theoretically, 2) a stronger ability to work in teams and groups, 3) the ability to solve a task or problem and the discipline to see it through from beginning to end, 4) a measured ability to understand aspects of certain subject matter – four very attractive qualities in a potential employee. College is important for many reasons, including long-term financial gain, job stability, career satisfaction and success outside of the workplace. Not surprisingly, college graduates are typically more satisfied with their careers than individuals with a high school diploma – and since we spend almost our entire lives working, job satisfaction can be a large factor in our overall satisfaction with life and sense of well-being. One of the most important and obvious benefits of college and reasons to earn a college degree or an advanced degree (Master’s, PhD) is to increase your earning potential. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. A person without a college degree … Who else is affected? In today's competitive job market, it's becoming more common for employers to require applicants to hold at least a bachelor's degree in order to qualify for many jobs. In addition, without a college degree you’ll hit the top wage in your profession pretty quickly, while a person with a diploma is able to seek positions in top management. In fact, for the most lucrative career paths, a college degree can be a minimum requirement just to get a job. BLS data suggests another answer to questions of why is college important: job security. John Maxfield. The data below was gathered by the United States Census Bureau and suggests a strong positive correlation between degree level earned and salary potential. A college education is important for many students because it opens the doors to opportunities they would not have otherwise; it helps young people grow into adulthood and it raises the college graduates' income throughout the rest of their lives. College Education is most important because its knowledge that can never be taken away from you and you will always have your college education to fall back on. While earnings of those with a college degree rose, the typical high school graduate’s earnings fell by more than $3,000, from $31,384 in 1965 to $28,000 in 2013. For example, if you want to be a social worker, a social work degree will open doors to potential jobs that fit your passion and interests. In addition to the potential to make more money, earning your college degree could also lead to more career stability. Moving forward in education attainment, an associate degree holder may earn around $1.7 million and a bachelor’s degree holder, about $2.3 million. Bachelor’s degrees are the most often required, being necessary for about 21.3% of all jobs in the handbook. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. _____ With more and more occupations requiring advanced education, a college degree is critical to your success in today's workforce. The Importance of a College Degree There are many things that will affect our lives. The first important reason why earning a college degree is that it provides a person with better job opportunities and a conducive environment for professional growth because it equips an individual with proper training that may be required in a particular field. Leadership, management, research and other desired positions do require university degrees. Because on average, a college graduate can expect to earn 50% more than someone with just a high school diploma. You have goals. So what are the specific benefits of a college education? In addition to the skills and knowledge acquired by earning a degree, attending college provides professional networking opportunities inaccessible to those who don’t go to college. Associate Vice President of Product Marketing, 77% of workers with a post-graduate degree, 94% of adults with a bachelor's degree or higher, 40% of working-age adults with a bachelor's degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workers with a bachelor's degree earned an average of $468 per week than workers with only a high school diploma - a higher salary that can add up over the course of your lifetime. But earning an accredited college degree can also have a significant impact on other areas of your life. While high school graduates can look forward to entry-level positions in non-skilled positions, graduates with a 4-year bachelor’s degree and even those with a 2-year associate degree, will qualify for a much greater range of higher paying entry- and upper-level career positions. Could this actually hurt your business? There are good reasons why a bachelor’s degree is more important than ever. A college degree doubles the typical person's annual income. But, like most fields, the field of education continuously evolves as we develop new technologies and new educational theories of practice to discern the most effective ways to help learners succeed. Presented information and data are subject to change. A college degree also has a very positive impact on an individual’s written and verbal communication skills. Therefore, going to college and gets a degree is important. The BLS reports that college graduates may benefit from increased job security, as individuals with college degrees have a lower average unemployment rate than those with a high school education. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. And most importantly, they’re able to work in fields and industries that interest them. I’d like to talk of some of the benefits that furthering your education can provide, and as well as the joy it can bring to each and every one of us. Earning a college degree will greatly enhance your marketability as a professional. Human Resources College Degree Required. Working-age adults with bachelor's degrees are 9.4 times more likely to have a bank account than those with a high school diploma as their highest level of education, according to a 2016 report from the Lumina Foundation. Susan Bogle is a marketing and student recruitment specialist in higher education. “Just because I don’t have a college degree doesn’t mean I am not smart!” – Emma Stone Since early childhood we hear from our family members that it’s important to have a good education. Because we value facts over opinion (and know you probably do too), here is a data-driven list of the Benefits of College and the 8 reasons why a college degree is worth the time, effort, and the cost it requires. Why is a college degree important? A college degree will substantiate your expertise in a particular career field. Technology is developing beyond our wildest dreams, and complex issues in business, environment, and politics continue to challenge our society. That being said, attending college is often a smart decision for students. Certain jobs, however, inherently have a lower unemployment rate than others. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. But I still couldn’t have done what I do without a college degree. Bill … Typically those at the bottom of the totem pole – positions requiring unskilled labor. 1. Importance of College Education People who lack college degrees are more likely to be limited to basic jobs in service, manufacturing and construction … A Degree Can Boost Your Income, and Improve Your Résumé Not only does a college education provide an individual with new knowledge and information, it teaches them how to think critically, how to break apart and reconstruct complex issues, and how to solve problems. It helps to find a good well-paid job. A college degree is also a pathway to higher disposable income. By earning a bachelor’s or master’s, this same data suggests that you will be 48-56% less likely to be unemployed. CollegeAtlas.org provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Why it really so valuable? Studies have shown that college graduates are more likely to receive greater employer-provided benefits than employees without a college degree. In fact, the debt alone is one of the reasons why college grads say that they regret getting a degree. Earning a college degree – at any level – will open doors for you that would otherwise but shut. Obtaining a college degree is one way for students to stand out from others in a highly competitive job market. Not surprisingly, most of these jobs also require a college degree. A degree could mean a longer-lasting marriage, too. Does earning a college degree mean that you’re smarter? During an economic downturn, it’s not uncommon for employers to cut jobs. There are exceptional people who don’t have college degrees and have had super successful careers. Need more convincing of the monetary benefits of a college degree? By having a college degree, you multiply your job opportunities. With more and more occupations requiring advanced education, a college degree is critical to your success in today's workforce. Again, looking at the statistics, there are almost twice the amount of jobs that require a college degree compared to just a high school degree. The biggest advantage of going to college is the gateway to increased opportunity. The world is changing. According to the Lumina Foundation report, 40% of working-age adults with a bachelor's degree volunteered in their community within the past year, compared to just 17% of high school graduates without any college education. A bachelor's degree is now required for jobs that used to be held by high school grads. A 2016 Pew Research report found that 77% of workers with a post-graduate degree and 60% of workers with a bachelor's degree believe their job gives them a sense of identity, versus just 38% of those with a high school diploma or less. Well, that all depends on you – but in most cases, the answer is yes. © 2004-2020 CollegeAtlas.org All Rights Reserved. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Earning a college degree helps people make better choices about everything from mortgage rates to investment plans to launching a new business. It’s the key to a successful life. The data below was gathered by the United States Census Bureau and suggests a strong positive correlation between degree level earned and salary potential. These are the top five reasons why college degrees are still important. According to the report, researchers at the National Center for Health Statistics estimate that 78% of college-educated women who married for the first time between 2006 and 2010 could expect their marriages to last at least 20 years, compared to just 40% of women with a high school education or less. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, having an associate degree suggests that you will be 30% less likely to be unemployed. Increased Access to Job Opportunities. About Us By Janelle D. Crichlow EN110 Achieving Academic Excellence Ashworth College A college degree is important for a variety of reasons for both the young and the old, namely to develop or improve one’s trade skills, to experience different cultures and to increase one’s educational background in order to attain a higher paying job. A degree is the best investment you can make. Terms of Use In 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that approximately 37% of the jobs and occupations listed in their occupation handbook require a college degree. A Lumina Foundation report found that college degree holders demonstrate healthier habits than non-degree holders. People with a bachelor’s degree make over $2.1 million on average over 40 years, almost twice as much as those with a … An increasing number of the top jobs – those with the best salaries and the best long-term prospects – require earning a bachelor’s degree. In addition to health care insurance, college graduates can look forward to better retirement matching, health savings accounts, tuition reimbursement, free childcare and reimbursement for travel and commuting costs. The Real Reason College is Important. It’s no secret that college graduates earn higher salaries than non-graduates. 94% of adults with a bachelor's degree or higher reported being happy or very happy with life, compared to 89% of adults with no college education, according to the Lumina Foundation report. Benefits of a College Education. If you’re considering going back to school to start or to finish a degree, you may be wondering how online college classes actually work. 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