3 answers
Keagan
Student
Rosemount, Minnesota
1
Question
Updated
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Why is college so important?
Why is college actually so expensive?
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3 answers
Shamitha Chandan
2
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Shamitha’s Answer
College is important because it can open doors and shape growth, but its true value depends on how well it aligns with your ambitions, strengths, and circumstances.
Jamesha Shaikh Salaam
SDET
4
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Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Jamesha’s Answer
Why is college so important?
College is important because it can open the door to more job opportunities, higher income, and greater career stability. In the U.S., adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher have higher employment rates than high school graduates, and bachelor’s degree holders earn significantly more on average. College also helps students build important skills like critical thinking, communication, independence, and problem-solving. On top of that, many future “good jobs” are expected to require a college degree, especially in professional and managerial careers.
Why is college actually so expensive?
College is expensive because running a college costs a lot. Schools have to pay faculty and staff, maintain buildings, invest in technology, provide student services, and cover rising costs from inflation. Public colleges have also faced reduced state funding over time, so more of the cost has been shifted to students and families. In addition, many colleges use a high-tuition, high-aid model, where the sticker price is set very high but many students receive grants or discounts, which can make college seem even more expensive and confusing. For 2025–26, the average published tuition and fees are about $11,950 at public four-year in-state colleges and $45,000 at private nonprofit four-year colleges.
College is important because it can open the door to more job opportunities, higher income, and greater career stability. In the U.S., adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher have higher employment rates than high school graduates, and bachelor’s degree holders earn significantly more on average. College also helps students build important skills like critical thinking, communication, independence, and problem-solving. On top of that, many future “good jobs” are expected to require a college degree, especially in professional and managerial careers.
Why is college actually so expensive?
College is expensive because running a college costs a lot. Schools have to pay faculty and staff, maintain buildings, invest in technology, provide student services, and cover rising costs from inflation. Public colleges have also faced reduced state funding over time, so more of the cost has been shifted to students and families. In addition, many colleges use a high-tuition, high-aid model, where the sticker price is set very high but many students receive grants or discounts, which can make college seem even more expensive and confusing. For 2025–26, the average published tuition and fees are about $11,950 at public four-year in-state colleges and $45,000 at private nonprofit four-year colleges.
Laura Turkienicz
Consultant
75
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hi Keagan! College is important because it provides specialized knowledge, improves critical thinking, and opens up better career opportunities. It helps with personal growth, networking, and often leads to higher earnings over time. However, it's not the only path to success and depends on individual goals.
Thank you, Laura for the advice.
Keagan