Why Go to College at All?
Maybe you're the first in your family to go to college. Maybe you're worried about the cost of tuition. Or maybe you're not a fan of homework and exams at the moment. If any of these ring true, you might be wondering, "Is college worth it?" In a word: YES. And here’s why:
College is the most valuable personal investment you can make in your future.
Let's look at two versions of you: the one with a high school diploma and the one with a college degree. Can you guess which version will have a broader network of connections?
When you step outside of your comfort zone and onto a college campus, you enter a world filled with fresh faces, diverse backgrounds and various worldviews. In addition to sparking lifelong friendships, a college campus broadens your horizons – fostering a period of self-discovery and personal growth. College is about defying expectations, breaking the mold, and maturing.
You have Ingenuity. EXPLORE IT.
Whatever intrigues you, college is an opportunity to pursue it at a deeper level. You can enroll in classes and sign up for activities that most interests you. You can meet people from various backgrounds and cultures who have interests similar, and different from your own. Become a part of an enriching campus community and ultimately realize that we live in a globally interconnected world – a concept that will spark your attention and stimulate your growth.
You have Purpose. BECOME IT.
If your future seems uncertain right now, college will show you that everyone has a role to play in our society, including you. Explore a variety of professions and resources to help you discover the career path that matches your interests and motivates you to become the best version of yourself. Obtain the skills and knowledge to become anything you want to be, while living independently and preparing for your future. Meet people who compel you to contribute, inspire you to give back, and shape you into a stronger global citizen. Make a difference!
You have Aptitude. EXCEED IT.
College is also a key to increasing your economic mobility, unlocking your earnings potential, and shattering preconceived financial expectations. Whether you dream of owning a home, traveling the world, or starting a family – your goals are attainable, but they require financial stability. Here's how your likelihood of achieving economic success improves with a college degree:
A high school dropout can expect to earn $973,000 over a lifetime.
Someone with a high school diploma can expect to earn $1.3 million over a lifetime.
A worker with some college but no degree earns $1.5 million over a lifetime.
An Associate’s degree-holder earns $1.7 million over a lifetime.
A worker with a Bachelor’s degree will earn $2.3 million over a lifetime.
Graduate degrees provide for even higher earnings. A Master’s degree-holder earns $3 million over a lifetime, a Doctoral degree-holder earns $3.5 million over a lifetime, and a Professional degree-holder earns $4 million over a lifetime.
Remember: An investment in college is an investment in yourself.
