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what are the benefits of going or not going to college?
I'm in 9th grade. I'm asking this question to see if college is helpful
#college
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Doc’s Answer
Angel the decision to attend college is a big one. Getting a college degree takes time: at least four years for most people. Getting a college degree also costs money: tens of thousands of dollars for most people. You might be asking yourself, "Is it worth it? Should I go to college?"
You might be planning to enter a trade that doesn't require a college degree and will provide you with a good salary and benefits. However, if you end up deciding that you don't like that field after a few years and you don't have a college degree, your employment options will be limited. Also, if you take up a trade that requires physical labor and you suffer an injury, you might struggle to find work without a college degree. One thing to consider Angel is 65% of all jobs—compared to 50% in 2010—now require a college degree, professional, technical, and managerial jobs—generally those requiring the attainment of a college degree—will increase to 70% by 2030. Over the past decade, American companies have begun to demand a bachelor’s degree in hiring workers for jobs that traditionally haven’t required one. Companies want skilled employees who can manage change and reinvent themselves to accommodate ebbs and flows in their business. Workers want security and an opportunity to grow in their careers. Nine of out ten new jobs created in the last year have gone to those with a college degree, a finding showing the American economy’s growing reliance on a trained workforce as well as the changing demographics of the country. That American employers want a higher educated workforce is not a new trend—there’s been a premium in wages for the college-educated since the early 1980s. But the most recent recession seems to have accelerated the divide. America’s new jobs require a combination of decision-making, communications, analysis, and administration skills that are helped by post-secondary training. Fast-growing fields in health, science, technology, engineering and mathematics require these advanced skills.
Hope this is helpful Angel
Many companies also offer internship programs to college students that can lead to full-time employment after you graduate. Furthermore, most colleges offer free career counseling and can put you in touch with employers and alumni who can help you find a job. Colleges will often have job fairs as well, where recruiters come to campus looking for qualified students to work for their companies. These fairs give you an opportunity to form relationships with company representatives who can assist you professionally.
You might be planning to enter a trade that doesn't require a college degree and will provide you with a good salary and benefits. However, if you end up deciding that you don't like that field after a few years and you don't have a college degree, your employment options will be limited. Also, if you take up a trade that requires physical labor and you suffer an injury, you might struggle to find work without a college degree. One thing to consider Angel is 65% of all jobs—compared to 50% in 2010—now require a college degree, professional, technical, and managerial jobs—generally those requiring the attainment of a college degree—will increase to 70% by 2030. Over the past decade, American companies have begun to demand a bachelor’s degree in hiring workers for jobs that traditionally haven’t required one. Companies want skilled employees who can manage change and reinvent themselves to accommodate ebbs and flows in their business. Workers want security and an opportunity to grow in their careers. Nine of out ten new jobs created in the last year have gone to those with a college degree, a finding showing the American economy’s growing reliance on a trained workforce as well as the changing demographics of the country. That American employers want a higher educated workforce is not a new trend—there’s been a premium in wages for the college-educated since the early 1980s. But the most recent recession seems to have accelerated the divide. America’s new jobs require a combination of decision-making, communications, analysis, and administration skills that are helped by post-secondary training. Fast-growing fields in health, science, technology, engineering and mathematics require these advanced skills.
Hope this is helpful Angel
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Thank You Eric. Helping one another. There’s no time like the present, and no present like the time.
Doc Frick
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Going to college should be thought of as making an investment in your future.
The cost can be thought of as the money and time to get a degree
You'll absolutely get increased access to many more job and career opportunities after college
You'll have time to explore and find a life path that works well for you
Socially it can be a lot of fun and a great place for development - lifelong friendships and networks
Life skills in independence and time management
Develop structured goal setting skills which will benefit you throughout your future
College has been key to my own development and has allowed me to develop a successful career directly after my undergraduate degree. Most of my best friends today are from college, and the skills I learned in college have helped me live a happier, healthier life. I also had an absolute blast at all the social events there (parties, football games, IM sports, etc.). I would recommend college to just about anyone because the benefits are absolutely worth the investment if done thoughtfully.
That said, it's critically important to go into college with a clear idea of what you want to get out of it to make the investment worthwhile, so you can tailor your education to the career you're interested in. Different majors and different schools have varying levels of job opportunities afterward. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) majors, accounting, and nursing for example have clearly defined job opportunities with demand after only an undergraduate degree. Other fields such as medicine, law, and scientific research require many additional years of schooling. The humanities fields are not bad, but do not have as clearly defined routes into well paying jobs. Majoring in a STEM field doesn't define what you'll do for the rest of your life, but gives you strong problem solving skills that you can apply to just about anything.
You can go into Sales based on strong people and soft skills regardless of what you majored in. STEM will help you get into a more business or technically focused field. Where people go wrong is when they go to college and spend significant time and money with no clear direction of what they want to do afterward. This can lead to outcomes they don't want such as poor academic performance, dropping out without finishing, being stuck with an expensive degree in a field they aren't interested in, or ending up in a field that doesn't make enough money to support the lifestyle they want.
In summary:
-College is a great investment and will payoff if you're thoughtful about what you want out of it
-The significant cost shouldn't be taken lightly, but there are many ways to bring down the cost
-Scholarships, in-state public schools, financial aid, and transferring from community college are four great ways to bring down costs
-Financial aid is almost always available to families who can't afford college
-Go to college with a clear idea of what you want to get out of it career wise
-Choose a major and college that support your goals afterwards, and tailor your education around it
The cost can be thought of as the money and time to get a degree
You'll absolutely get increased access to many more job and career opportunities after college
You'll have time to explore and find a life path that works well for you
Socially it can be a lot of fun and a great place for development - lifelong friendships and networks
Life skills in independence and time management
Develop structured goal setting skills which will benefit you throughout your future
College has been key to my own development and has allowed me to develop a successful career directly after my undergraduate degree. Most of my best friends today are from college, and the skills I learned in college have helped me live a happier, healthier life. I also had an absolute blast at all the social events there (parties, football games, IM sports, etc.). I would recommend college to just about anyone because the benefits are absolutely worth the investment if done thoughtfully.
That said, it's critically important to go into college with a clear idea of what you want to get out of it to make the investment worthwhile, so you can tailor your education to the career you're interested in. Different majors and different schools have varying levels of job opportunities afterward. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) majors, accounting, and nursing for example have clearly defined job opportunities with demand after only an undergraduate degree. Other fields such as medicine, law, and scientific research require many additional years of schooling. The humanities fields are not bad, but do not have as clearly defined routes into well paying jobs. Majoring in a STEM field doesn't define what you'll do for the rest of your life, but gives you strong problem solving skills that you can apply to just about anything.
You can go into Sales based on strong people and soft skills regardless of what you majored in. STEM will help you get into a more business or technically focused field. Where people go wrong is when they go to college and spend significant time and money with no clear direction of what they want to do afterward. This can lead to outcomes they don't want such as poor academic performance, dropping out without finishing, being stuck with an expensive degree in a field they aren't interested in, or ending up in a field that doesn't make enough money to support the lifestyle they want.
In summary:
-College is a great investment and will payoff if you're thoughtful about what you want out of it
-The significant cost shouldn't be taken lightly, but there are many ways to bring down the cost
-Scholarships, in-state public schools, financial aid, and transferring from community college are four great ways to bring down costs
-Financial aid is almost always available to families who can't afford college
-Go to college with a clear idea of what you want to get out of it career wise
-Choose a major and college that support your goals afterwards, and tailor your education around it
Updated
Karla’s Answer
Hi Angel, congrats to you for asking such a loaded question early on. You will receive lots of advice as the days get closer to decision time, but at the end of the day it is your decision. Life is like that really – that’s part of what makes it so great, independence is achieved when you make your own decisions and stick by them. In the grand scheme of life, College is one of the bigger decisions you will ever make. And sometimes, it is nice to hear someone’s input who is not your parent or a teacher! I know for me growing up, college was a non-negotiable must from my mom – but at that age, I never fully grasped the “why” behind her pushing me so hard. I’ll attempt to share my reflections on the benefits of college and hope it helps!
To sum it up, you can invest in the stock market, you can invest in real estate, the list goes on… but College is an investment in yourself. College costs money, but it is a beneficial price to pay to expand your mind and how you see the world… and depending on how you use your time in college, it will turn into financial returns in the future. See definition of investment- “To invest is to allocate money in the expectation of some benefit/return in the future.”
There are many different ways to experience college. You can go local and still live at home. Or you can go further away and live on your own. Both options have pros and cons. I would encourage you to go to a school with a lot of things going on besides just classes in a big lecture hall. Extra-Curricular clubs, sports teams, a strong alumni network etc. But overall, the benefits of college are the same. So, what are the benefits? In one word I would say - ACCESS, access to as many learnings and perspectives as you choose. Many kids leaving high school still have no idea what they want to major in, let alone do professionally. College is a sort of “finding yourself” journey which is why a lot people find it to be one of the most special times of their lives.
College provides a safe haven for you to just plain, figure it out. It also challenges you to make the right decisions as there will be many temptations that will try to make you forget why you are there. Being in the job market for some years now, I am forever grateful for my college experience for teaching me balance. College is the first “trial run” to achieve work-life balance. Balancing having fun and focusing on you and your professional grind is literally real life in a nutshell.
All in all, you will likely make mistakes and some decisions are not always guaranteed to have good outcomes. I have a few young nephews who are on the fence about the benefits of college, maybe like you are. You will be all the more successful and take advantage of the experience if you make the decision to invest in yourself and go, rather than having somebody force you too. Reading all these great responses and advice, you already have a BIG leg up and can be more mentally prepared to make that decision – more so than I was at age 15!
To sum it up, you can invest in the stock market, you can invest in real estate, the list goes on… but College is an investment in yourself. College costs money, but it is a beneficial price to pay to expand your mind and how you see the world… and depending on how you use your time in college, it will turn into financial returns in the future. See definition of investment- “To invest is to allocate money in the expectation of some benefit/return in the future.”
There are many different ways to experience college. You can go local and still live at home. Or you can go further away and live on your own. Both options have pros and cons. I would encourage you to go to a school with a lot of things going on besides just classes in a big lecture hall. Extra-Curricular clubs, sports teams, a strong alumni network etc. But overall, the benefits of college are the same. So, what are the benefits? In one word I would say - ACCESS, access to as many learnings and perspectives as you choose. Many kids leaving high school still have no idea what they want to major in, let alone do professionally. College is a sort of “finding yourself” journey which is why a lot people find it to be one of the most special times of their lives.
College provides a safe haven for you to just plain, figure it out. It also challenges you to make the right decisions as there will be many temptations that will try to make you forget why you are there. Being in the job market for some years now, I am forever grateful for my college experience for teaching me balance. College is the first “trial run” to achieve work-life balance. Balancing having fun and focusing on you and your professional grind is literally real life in a nutshell.
All in all, you will likely make mistakes and some decisions are not always guaranteed to have good outcomes. I have a few young nephews who are on the fence about the benefits of college, maybe like you are. You will be all the more successful and take advantage of the experience if you make the decision to invest in yourself and go, rather than having somebody force you too. Reading all these great responses and advice, you already have a BIG leg up and can be more mentally prepared to make that decision – more so than I was at age 15!
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
College can be helpful to opening doors to higher paying jobs. Even if you get an associate degree from an accredited community college in your area, it can open many new avenues for a career. By enrolling you will have access to career counselors who will help guide you to a career in a field that you are interested in. Try visiting a nearby community college and speak with an admissions counselor.
Updated
Molly’s Answer
Hi, John.
Many of the other respondents have addressed the college question, but I'm going to provide a bit of a tangential response. Everyone is correct that college is a very big investment, and while not for everyone, a great deal of our economy is centered around supporting those with college degrees.
I would encourage you to focus on your current studies now. High school is also critically important. You will learn a lot of skills that you will need regardless of whether you choose to go to college or not. Additionally, should you choose to go to technical school, or acquire some other certification after high school, you will still need a strong high school transcript.
Try to take advantage of this time to try new things and learn about your likes and dislikes. Many high schools offer a variety of arts, technical, skill-based programs to help students explore different options.
Many of the other respondents have addressed the college question, but I'm going to provide a bit of a tangential response. Everyone is correct that college is a very big investment, and while not for everyone, a great deal of our economy is centered around supporting those with college degrees.
I would encourage you to focus on your current studies now. High school is also critically important. You will learn a lot of skills that you will need regardless of whether you choose to go to college or not. Additionally, should you choose to go to technical school, or acquire some other certification after high school, you will still need a strong high school transcript.
Try to take advantage of this time to try new things and learn about your likes and dislikes. Many high schools offer a variety of arts, technical, skill-based programs to help students explore different options.
Updated
Bruce’s Answer
Hi Angel - I have a BS in CS (4-year college degree in Computer Science).
The fact that you're asking about college means that you already intend to finish high school. This is great!
My parents almost never pushed us to do anything except college. They didn't force us to, but they said they hoped we would.
My father always put it very simply, saying that a college degree will "open more doors for you".
There are many good - even high paying jobs - possible without college. But all of those jobs and many, many more will be available to you every time you look for good work, that you enjoy, that pays well and is available where you want to live, and for the rest of your life with a college degree.
Talk with counselors. Read up on different schools and programs. Talk with college students and graduates.
I hope you get all the schooling you want. Good luck!
The fact that you're asking about college means that you already intend to finish high school. This is great!
My parents almost never pushed us to do anything except college. They didn't force us to, but they said they hoped we would.
My father always put it very simply, saying that a college degree will "open more doors for you".
There are many good - even high paying jobs - possible without college. But all of those jobs and many, many more will be available to you every time you look for good work, that you enjoy, that pays well and is available where you want to live, and for the rest of your life with a college degree.
Talk with counselors. Read up on different schools and programs. Talk with college students and graduates.
I hope you get all the schooling you want. Good luck!
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
The benefits of college are learning, meeting new people, doing something you enjoy, making more money in the end, and bettering yourself.
Updated
Roger’s Answer
I think it is important to think of college as not just a way to get a job or a career--though it can be that. College helps to develop you into a well-rounded human being and citizen. You learn how to better think, talk, write, interact with other people, be creative, and solve problems. Maybe most importantly, you learn how to learn. In many fields, much of what you learn in college, trade school, or vocational school will be out of date in 3-5 years. The skills you develop will not be, including knowing how to do life-long learning.
College also lets you explore to find out what really interests you, and ultimately who you are. College can also be an enormous amount of fun. Many people consider their college years to be some of the best times of their lives, and where they made long-term friends.
College also lets you explore to find out what really interests you, and ultimately who you are. College can also be an enormous amount of fun. Many people consider their college years to be some of the best times of their lives, and where they made long-term friends.
Updated
Kamyar’s Answer
You don't have to go to college to be successful, but the opposite could happen too. Some skills don't need a college degree to develop them or improve them. If you have a skill that you think it doesn't require a college to shape, then don't go to school.
They are some billionaires out there that have high-level college degrees like Elon Musk and others that have a high school diploma like Steve Jobs. This is a question that you need to ask yourself.
If you go to college and choose a good major and study hard, a great job is guaranteed for you; that's what I did.
They are some billionaires out there that have high-level college degrees like Elon Musk and others that have a high school diploma like Steve Jobs. This is a question that you need to ask yourself.
If you go to college and choose a good major and study hard, a great job is guaranteed for you; that's what I did.
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Emily’s Answer
I guess it depends on if there's something specific you really want to be learning that you can only achieve by going to college. Yes it costs to go to college for 4 years for you undergrad degree. But there is much more than the academics for going to college. You can make life long friends, you can join so many extra curricular activities until you figure out what your passions are. It's completely up to you, and you'll make this decision for yourself. But, I think it's worth it to figure out what you want to be doing in 4 years and be taking classes based on what you'd want to major in. Plus, you could always change majors if you wanted to. When I went to school I went from wanting to major in english to majoring in communications. I did improv, and music groups and more. I still have friends from school that I'm still in contact with.
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Simeon’s Answer
Your chance of getting a higher wage overall goes up if you have a college degree, but there is a lot of debt involved. Additionally, there are more opportunities to network at the college scene. However, there are roads you can take to a great income outside of the college route, such as getting a trade job (think electrician, plumber, welder, or HVAC tech) or getting a certificate, like one of the ones at grow. google. com.
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Hira’s Answer
My recommendation would be to try college, not just for the studies but more for the experience and broadening your network. If you don't like it and it doesn't work for you, let it go.
As you grow in life, you'll realize that what matters most is not the degree, the job, or the career. What matters most is the type of life and lifestyle you wish to have, and all of these are steps to facilitate you in living the life that you want for yourself. Always do what you enjoy doing and play with your strengths.
As you grow in life, you'll realize that what matters most is not the degree, the job, or the career. What matters most is the type of life and lifestyle you wish to have, and all of these are steps to facilitate you in living the life that you want for yourself. Always do what you enjoy doing and play with your strengths.
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Melisa’s Answer
Hi Angel,
Thanks for your great question! And that is so great you are thinking about this in 9th grade and asking for advice.
I went to two different colleges and completed my BA Degree in Organizational Management. My first two years, I went out of state and lived on campus. My second two years I completed while working and completed some of my courses online, in addition to in person.
I would say, it depends on your preferences and goals. For me, here's what I personally felt were the benefits of going to college:
- Access to new career opportunities. Completing my college degree helped me apply for various jobs I had interest in that had a college degree requirement, which also led to higher paying jobs.
- Independence and new skills. I felt like my years living away at college helped me grow more independent, develop good study habits and meet lifelong friends and mentors who could help me in my future goals.
- Unique regional benefits. Every college is different. With each school, whether you are completing classes online or in person, each university will offer unique benefits.
- Resources. Many colleges have great career and educational resources available for student use to help with writing, tutoring, career guidance and more.
- Diversity. College can also help expose you to many different experiences and individuals with perspectives and backgrounds different from your own.
Depending on your career interest, definitely take a look at jobs that you might want to do and what the qualifications are.
I'm sure you'll get other helpful insights and answers here as well.
Best wishes to you in your personal, educational and career goals.
Here's an older link, but helpful information on benefits of going to college. https://www.collegeatlas.org/why-go-to-college-infographic
Thanks for your great question! And that is so great you are thinking about this in 9th grade and asking for advice.
I went to two different colleges and completed my BA Degree in Organizational Management. My first two years, I went out of state and lived on campus. My second two years I completed while working and completed some of my courses online, in addition to in person.
I would say, it depends on your preferences and goals. For me, here's what I personally felt were the benefits of going to college:
- Access to new career opportunities. Completing my college degree helped me apply for various jobs I had interest in that had a college degree requirement, which also led to higher paying jobs.
- Independence and new skills. I felt like my years living away at college helped me grow more independent, develop good study habits and meet lifelong friends and mentors who could help me in my future goals.
- Unique regional benefits. Every college is different. With each school, whether you are completing classes online or in person, each university will offer unique benefits.
- Resources. Many colleges have great career and educational resources available for student use to help with writing, tutoring, career guidance and more.
- Diversity. College can also help expose you to many different experiences and individuals with perspectives and backgrounds different from your own.
Depending on your career interest, definitely take a look at jobs that you might want to do and what the qualifications are.
I'm sure you'll get other helpful insights and answers here as well.
Best wishes to you in your personal, educational and career goals.
Melisa recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Brayden’s Answer
Hello! I think you definitely pose a good question and one that in todays age where college is so expensive you definitely have to ask yourself what you want to go to school for before committing to a school. I know this can be a daunting question but one that you need to ask yourself in order fully know whether college will be worth it for you. If you find that the job sector you wish to work in requires a college degree then college would be very helpful. In todays world many jobs require some type of college degree whether that is an associates, bachelors, etc. College can not only helpful for obtaining higher job positions but can also help you broaden your understanding of world culture and experience something different than the K-12 education system.
But you also don't have to go to college. There are many good jobs that dont require a college education but like anything you just have to look for them.
Overall I think its very good that you are starting to look at college from a young age becuase the earlier you look the better idea you will have regarding where you want to go to college and what for. College can be a large financial investment so the more time you spend now the better off you will be later.
But you also don't have to go to college. There are many good jobs that dont require a college education but like anything you just have to look for them.
Overall I think its very good that you are starting to look at college from a young age becuase the earlier you look the better idea you will have regarding where you want to go to college and what for. College can be a large financial investment so the more time you spend now the better off you will be later.