The Advantages of Getting a College Degree

The advantages of getting a college degree are colossal. The knowledge students acquire in four, five, and even six years (or more for those who go on to receive master’s degrees and doctorates) is invaluable. Not only will students be educated on a variety of topics, but they will be asked to prove their comprehension of the material through quizzes, tests, and papers (theses and dissertations for those with higher aspirations), which further aid them in retaining the subject matter. College graduates are less likely to become unemployed and the broad education they receive will allow them more job market flexibility. Also, a college degree permits graduates to earn higher salaries as they grow older and retire; whereas worker without degrees often find themselves going down the pay scale as they get older.

According to a June 1998 article in the New York Times, many studies confirm, “that the gains from post-1970s economic growth have eluded unskilled workers. The median wage of those with only a high school diploma fell by six percent, adjusted for inflation, from 1980 to 1996, while the earnings of college graduates rose by 12 percent.”

Although people can obtain jobs without earning degrees, their chances of maintaining employment and steadily going up the salary scale until retirement are much greater if they’ve earned a degree. Students should be sure to take all the steps necessary to achieve their college goals by registering for, studying for, and taking the SATs or ACTs; choosing colleges; writing essays; sending in applications; and applying for financial aid. Students should also be sure to tie up loose ends along the way, so they can be sure to get the most out of their college career and beyond!