Choosing College: The Top Five Reasons Why College Is A Good Investment

by Susan J. Demas
Topics:
Choosing College


No doubt about it. College is challenging, costly and a big time commitment. So why go?

1. It’s all about the Benjamins. College graduates on average make a whopping $1 million more in lifetime earnings than those with a high school diploma. Talk about motivation for staying in school. Spend money smartly now on college and you’ll probably get it back in spades.

2. Unemployment insurance. Did you know that a college degree is the best way to protect yourself against unemployment? College-educated individuals have much lower rates of joblessness than those with a high school diploma or less education. In a changing economy, this is a big bonus.

3. Make yourself marketable. Even in states with high unemployment, there are thousands of jobs that go unfilled. Why? Many jobs in the fastest-growing industries such as health care, education and business support services require a bachelor’s degree or above – and the number keeps growing. Right now, there aren’t enough qualified workers – there’s your opening!

4. The incredibly shrinking blue-collar sector. On the flip side, there are fewer options for those without college degrees now -- and there will be less in the future. Occupations losing the most jobs are clerks, cashiers, telemarketers, packagers and farmers. There’s more competition for jobs that pay less and have less security. Investing in a college degree is a much better deal – you have more options that pay better, too!

5. Health and happiness. Those with college degrees have better health, exercise more and smoke less. This is related to the fact that their employers are likelier to offer better health plans and perks like gym memberships. College-educated people also volunteer and vote more, making them more active in their communities. Hitting the books can cause a ripple effect for other areas of your life. Who knew?

Susan J. Demas is a contributing editor to EduGuide and 2006 Knight Foundation Fellow in Nonprofits Journalism.