Is College Education Worth It Pros And Cons
A college degree is frequently associated with higher-paying jobs, which can lead to a sense of well-being and stability in your adult life. Is college worth it? This condition can lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicide, which is a serious problem. Those periods can be quite stressful and you may feel overwhelmed from time to time. Many people find the online learning environment to be inconvenient and may prefer to finish their high school education right away. Most schools also have interesting speakers and events on campus.
How Much Does College Cost
If youâre planning on attending college, be prepared for sticker shock.
The College Board reported that the average total cost of attending a public school for in-state students is $27,330 per year, while the total cost of attendance at private universities averages $55,800 per year.
If you graduate within four years, that means your degree would cost between $109,320 and $223,200, depending on which type of school you attend.
Even if you qualify for financial aid, including scholarships and grants, that price tag can be staggering. Before paying your enrollment fees, make sure you ask yourself, âIs college worth it for me?â
Humanities And Social Sciences
You may not associate degrees in English, philosophy, or sociology with big-money jobs after college, but the critical thinking and communication skills they help develop can be valuable down the road. These degrees are sought-after in MBA and other graduate programs, where those qualities can lead to more insightful, outside-the-box perspectives.
One often-overlooked option is a degree in political science. Its beneficial if you plan on working in the public sector, of course, but its also a powerful stepping-stone into other fields, such as finance or the lawand attorneys made a median salary of $127,990 in 2021, according to the BLS.
Another potentially high-paying field within the social science umbrella: economics. Professionals who are capable of analyzing complex economic data earned a median of $105,630 in 2012, according to BLS however, many jobs in this discipline require a masters degree or higher.
Don’t Miss: What Are The Best Aviation Colleges
Students Get Access To College
Attending college provides more than an education and a potential financial advantage. It also offers many experiences that most people only have access to through their college affiliation.
For example, college students can:
- Find internships and gain on-the-job experience
- Take advantage of volunteer and networking opportunities on-campus
- Get access to career advisors, guidance counselors and more who can help guide you along your chosen path
Is Online College Worth It: Pros Cons & Questions To Ask
How do you decide if you should go to college? College can lead to mental issues The pressure in college can be enormous. College value will increase in 2020, hence making college degrees more valuable, desired, and needed. Hence, if you love teaching and educating other people, this sort of career may also be suitable for you. Pros of Going to College While it is true, the job market has changed tremendously in the last two decades, thanks to technology, advanced engineering, and ground-breaking human studies. College graduates live healthier, prolonged life. Using an Is It Worth Learning Online? On one hand, countless studies acknowledge the fact that college graduates tend to live happier, healthier, more successful lives and earn more money however, on the other hand, there are also some education cons such as high tuition, and the fact that college requires devotion and hard work, and not everyone is ready to give all to it. I also enraged my dorm-mates when I took it upon myself to remove their laundry so I could get started on my own putrid heap of clothes.
Recommended Reading: What To Buy For Freshman Year Of College
Low Tuition Fees High Quality
The University of the Potomac wants to remove these barriers to higher education. Compare these sky-high tuition rates to Potomacs tuition rates: $240 per credit hour. For a 15-hour semester, considered full-time at most schools, a student would pay only $3,600.
We want people to be able to complete an education without incurring massive amounts of debt, and alongside offering much lower tuition, we want to make sure our students are getting degrees in disciplines that will yield better earnings long-term.
- A comparison of affordability at five Washington D.C. accredited universities.
Driving Value Through Esg Integration
Modeled after the investor idea of a price-to-earnings ratio as a gauge of stock value, the PEP measures the amount of time it takes on average for students from a given college program to recoup the costs of paying off their education, whether at the certificate, AA or bachelors degree level. Here are the steps to compute a given programs PEP.
Because program-level earnings data from the Department of Education reflect only those programs that are large enough to protect the privacy of individual students, only about 20% of all college programs nationwide are included. Nonetheless, these larger programs are where the vast majority of students are enrolled. Third Ways analysis covers over 2.2 million students.
Type of Credential Matters
Higher Ed Sector Matters Even More
Different Programs of Study Make a Big Difference in ROI
Don’t Miss: What Macbook Should I Buy For College
What Makes A Bachelors Degree Valuable
Completing a bachelors degree in the preferred academic discipline will help students stay on track for a fulfilling professional life. With a bachelors degree, they can jumpstart a career that allows them to showcase their expertise and skills set, earn lucrative salaries, and contribute to society. Often, completing a bachelors degree that students really love will help them succeed in their chosen field and showcase their best talents and aptitudes.
Ology: Highest Paying Bachelors Degrees For The Future
To develop this list article, we first studied other lists from respected publications that identified, in the first instance, the bachelors degrees with the best future salary potential and, in the second, the projected best jobs for the future.
For the bachelors degrees with the best future salary potential, we consulted the Payscale, Glassdoor, and the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.
Meanwhile, for the best jobs for the future, we referred to the World Economic Forum, Business Insider, Kiplinger, and Mic.
In order to single out our entries, we first identified the bachelors degrees with the best future salary potential by using the rankings from PayScale, Glassdoor and Georgetown University. These three lists were then collated into one by awarding each degree cited a weighted score. This scoring took into account both the total number of entries on each list and where each degree ranks on those lists. These weighted scores were subsequently combined to give the Degree Ranking for each degree.
Finally, we calculated the Overall Score for college degrees by adding the relevant Degree Ranking to its corresponding overall Future Job Score.
It was on these Overall Scores that the degrees were ultimately ranked the best college majors for the future.
Also Check: What Do You Need For College Apartment
Plan Ahead To Meet Important Deadlines
Last but not least, transitioning from high school to college can be overwhelming because you encounter so many new challenges in such a short amount of time. For your own peace of mind and to make the process easier, try planning things ahead to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Keep track of your deadlines like college applications, scholarship applications, SATs exams, etc., so you dont miss any.
Is College Worth It 17 Pros And Cons
Make a point of being clear about your contributions to society. If you thought that the stress of making it to each class in high school before the bell rang was a tough experience, then college is going to take your anxiety to a different level. The courses and the results of their classes, on the other hand, are comparable to those offered on campus. Therefore, high levels of education are crucial for a working society in various different ways and college education can also help in this regard. Share in the comments! Best Credit Cards for College Students of 2022 These are the best student credit cards on the market this year. It is a way for you to start exploring all of your interests.
You May Like: What Online Colleges Provide Laptops
What Is A College Degree Worth
When most people ask the question Is a college degree worth it?, what they really want to know is if the payoff is worth incurring student loan debt and/or the costs associated with going to college. In other words, will there be a tangible return on investment?
For many, earning a college degree is a requirement for entering their chosen field and is, therefore, a no-brainer. For others, it might be possible to obtain experience for free or at a lower cost and still start off with a great salary.
Below, we cover the many factors you will need to consider and walk you through how to decide whats best for you.
Earn More Money No Matter What Your Major Is
It doesnt matter whether you major in philosophy or physical education, you want to make as much money as possible. Luckily, can help.
The first thing you should do is research, so youre able to come to the table armed with the knowledge of what your job is worth. Use our below to find out whats a fair salary for your position. You can enter your location, education level, years of experience and more to find out an appropriate salary range before you negotiate.
Good luck.
Read Also: Where Can I Vote In College Station
Earn A Marketable College Degree At Uat
UAT offers a range of degree options for those interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Our Computer Science program is highly sought after and helps prepare our students to enter the workforce with confidence.
University of Advancing Technology students have access to many career resources including internships, networking and mentorships, access to professional organizations and interview coaching. Because we believe in life-long learning.
Students learn more efficiently in smaller classes with professors who know each students strengths and nurture their development. They often graduate earlier and earn their way sooner. Because we believe in life-long learning, alumni are welcome to audit classes online or on campus for life. Your investment in an education at UAT is an investment in a lifetime of education.
Is a college degree right for you? Request More Information today.
Positive Return On Investment
The cost of a degree may be daunting, especially with many students on the news sharing student loan woes and not feeling like the job market is friendly to their specific degree. While no one can argue that some degrees arent that easy to employ, many college grads are finding the ROI of a bachelors degree to be positive.
Young adults express that their degrees are a good value, with 72 percent believing that their degree has paid off, and an additional 17 percent believing that it will very soon. This trend stays steady among those who borrowed for school, as well. Plus, there are many programs available to help pay for higher education scholarships, grants and tuition reimbursement programs are all designed to help students avoid debt.
Read Also: Can You Work And Go To College
Alternatives To A College Degree
A lot of people think if you dont go to college, you cant win. I dont buy that. There are plenty of high-paying jobs that dont require a degree. Becoming a real estate agent, medical assistant or web developer wont require a college degreebut they will require some training.
And dont forget about these other options: You could take free online classes, learn a skill at a trade school, or do an apprenticeship. You can get high-paying jobs, like a sound engineering technician, surgical tech or real estate agent, without a degree!
Or if youre ready to be the CEO of your own company, you can start your own business. You dont need a degree in business to be in business. You can embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and start your own business in just a few minutes, thanks to websites like eBay, Etsy and Amazon.
Personal Growth And Improved Self
If you arent looking for the type of career that often comes from a four-year education, you may be questioning the value of a bachelors degree.
Theres more to it than the paper, however many students have found the experience to be deeply and personally rewarding, as well. In addition to gaining skills like writing, time-management, and working on a team, there are opportunities to polish presentation skills and interact with professors and students who will, later on, become part of your valuable career network.
Earning a degree is empowering it boosts confidence and provides a sense of achievement. The pursuit of higher education also equips you to master complex challenges and overcome adversity, contributing to increased happiness and reduced stress. This may be why bachelors degree holders report higher levels of self-esteem than high school graduates.
College graduates are also more likely to be involved in their communities. Compared to non-degree holders, they are more likely to vote, volunteer, donate to charities, join community organizations, and participate in educational activities with their children. As more active citizens, bachelors degree holders contribute to a stronger, more engaged community to provide opportunities for future generations.
Read Also: Do Community Colleges Require Sat
Electrical And Electronics Engineering
While they may sound like similar disciplines, electrical engineering and electronics engineering diverge on many key levels. Electrical engineering, for instance, generally focuses on the generation and supply of electricity and the methods by which we obtain power. Electronic engineering, on the other hand, is commonly concerned with creating devices and hardware that use such power anything from robots to computer circuit boards. And if a prospective student chooses to study for a college major in electrical and electronics engineering, then their increasing familiarity with both fields ought to boost the range of roles that they can conceivably go for after graduation. Naturally, these may include more general positions as an electrical engineer or an electronics engineer, but theres also the potential for careers in the aerospace and nuclear energy arenas. Plus, theres good news on the pay front: according to 2016 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical and electronics engineers earn median annual salaries of $96,270.
Are Medical Majors Always Good For The Future
Yes, medical majors are good degrees for the future. People are always going to need medical care throughout their life, and medical professionals are always going to be in demand. If you enjoy helping others in times of need, the medical field is a good choice of college majors for the future.
The field of medicine offers multiple degree pathways that get you started working in the field at all levels. You can begin by earning a CNA certificate and getting a feel for the type of work a healthcare worker performs on a daily basis. If you enjoy the work, you can return to college and get an associates degree in nursing, then sit for the NCLEX to get your registered nursing license. After you earn your RN, you can go on to get a bachelors of science in nursing and expand your career options even further.
Related:
You May Like: What Do I Want To Study In College
Why Does Tech Get So Much Love
Tech is something that affects our daily lives and needs people that can build, repair, maintain, and code to make tech work for various needs and uses. College majors for the future have to include a field that accommodates a wide range of people with different aptitudes and talents for tech. Someone who has mathematical talents and an analytical mind will do well as a programmer, while someone who can blend art with technology can find work in user experience design. The tech field also accommodates those who can understand and write code, but dont want to program. Working as an IT administrator or in a cloud computing facility is an excellent career path and is one that pays well.
You Likely Will Graduate With Student Loan Debt
Because college costs have increased so much, itâs unlikely that youâll be able to cover the entire cost out of your savings or earnings from a part-time job instead, youâll probably have to use student loans to cover at least some of the expense. According to The Institute for College Access and Success, 62% of 2019 college graduates left school with student loan debt, with an average balance of $28,950.
Depending on your student loan repayment plan, you could be in debt for 10 to 30 years. Thanks to your minimum monthly payments, you may feel pressure to put off other financial goals, like saving for retirement or buying a home.
Recommended Reading: What Do College Football Recruiters Look For
What Is Roi Relative To The Full Cost Of Education
Most colleges do not charge students the full cost of their education. Net tuition at most colleges is significantly lower than underlying spending per student, meaning most students get a subsidy of one form or another. Federal and state governments provide students with Pell Grants and other financial aid to subsidize students education. Public institutions get direct appropriations from state governments, which reduce tuition charges. Some schools have endowments or generous private donors to draw upon for revenue. Foreign students and graduate students pay higher tuition rates and cross-subsidize domestic undergraduates, who are the focus of this analysis.
As a result, the average public college in the Scorecard dataset spends over $21,000 per full-time equivalent student on education-related expenditures. Despite the heavy cost of education, net tuition for in-state undergraduates is just over $4,000. Even private nonprofit universities, which do not receive direct appropriations, still subsidize their undergraduates: per-student spending exceeds $29,000 but net tuition is just under $15,000.
This reports estimates of ROI incorporate net tuition as the direct cost of college, as students should want to know ROI based on the costs that they and their families face. But other stakeholders, such as policymakers, trustees, donors, and college administrators, may wish to incorporate the full underlying cost of college into the ROI calculation.