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Kendall Kiss

ENG 1201

Dr. Cassel 

2 May 2021

Value of a College Education Essay

What value does a college education hold in today’s society? High school graduations are

momentous occasions. With current world events and the state of the economy, now more than

ever, students are pausing to ask whether college is the next logical choice. There are so many

options; namely taking some time off, getting an hourly job, learning a trade, or committing to

furthering their education. Choosing a college is overwhelming, and the fear that college burdens

students with insurmountable debt is prevalent. Nevertheless, a college degree represents so

much more than an education. A college education greatly increases salary potential, and it is an

achievement to be proud of. College offers essential skills and social interaction.  The value of

college has been questioned in today’s society, due to problems such as unemployment and high

tuition, but, in reality, college helps better prepare people for future success, giving them more

financial stability and tools to use in their personal and professional life.  

The question concerning the value of a college education began when European colonists

founded Harvard University in 1636. Early American colleges were usually religious and had the

goal of basic education for men. Only the wealthy could typically complete the program, due to

cost and the need for most men to work. Most students did not have more than one year of

education. From 1800 to 1860 the number of colleges increased from 25 to 241. With this
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increase of schools, came a larger variety of courses. The mid-1800s saw the inclusion of a few

women, 4 of which graduated in 1841. In 1862, the Morrill Land Grant Act offered land to

colleges as long as they taught topics that were considered useful. These schools resembled

current-day trade schools. By the early 1900s college tuition was still considered out of reach for

the majority of the population. Throughout the 1900s colleges grew and evolved to become what

they are today. The more colleges, the more obvious the need for financial aid. By 1972 the

government had begun awarding Pell Grants, school loans would soon follow (“History of

College Education”). The introduction of school loans brought about the incursion of debt for

parents and students.  

Throughout history, people have wrestled with the value of college. The main concern

that arises when an individual begins to consider higher education is the ability to afford the

costs associated with college. College is a huge investment for students just graduating high

school and their parents who are saving for retirement. The cost of college and the fear that they

will not make enough money in their jobs after college prevents students from applying.

However, there are financial benefits to college. So, the question becomes, on average, do the

potential monetary benefits outweigh the cost? Over their lifetime, college graduates will make

more money than those who do not attend college. They will pay back their college loans and

still have more money for retirement. Many of the richest people in the world attended college.

The reason they can make so much more money is that their college degree opens them up to

specialized jobs. This means that many college graduates will have lower rates of poverty. More

and more jobs are requiring college degrees to be hired, so it will open up several other

opportunities that those who enter the workforce after high school cannot access. Critics over the

years stated that if more people attend college, then the higher wages paid to college graduates
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would decrease. However, the opposite has proven true, with earnings for college graduates

being the highest they have ever been (“Is a College Education Worth It?”).

Many high school graduates are eager to be rid of education. After all, didn’t they just

complete their education? Wouldn’t they be better off getting a job and earning money rather

than attending more school and going into debt? The financial benefit of college versus no higher

education is obvious when seeing the reality of earning potential. Data from a 2017 U.S. Bureau

of Labor report shows that the average income for males and females, 25 years old and up, who

have a high school diploma, but no college education was $718 per week. The average income

for males and females, 25 years old and up, with a bachelor’s degree was $1,189 per week.

Therefore, a 4-year degree earns an average of $24,492 per year more than a high school

diploma. These figures prove a clear financial benefit to obtaining a college education (“High

School Graduate.”).

Figure 1:These graphs show the percentiles of weekly earnings of groups of people with different levels of education. They show
that the more education and the better degree one has, the higher weekly income one will earn (“High School Graduates.”).
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The cost of college is on the rise. Looking back at data from 1973 - 2013, the total cost of

college has doubled over the period of 40 years (adjusting for inflation). If a student is interested

in the “full college” experience, meaning living on campus, a private college can cost around

$40,000 per year and a public college $20,000 per year (Khan Academy). When faced with these

figures, many families feel overwhelmed, especially if they have no prior experience with the

process of applying to college and for financial aid. 

There are many financial aid avenues to pursue. Delving into the twisted world of

financial aid can be so overwhelming, that it can cause families to think twice before applying to

colleges. To begin, students have to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid

(FAFSA). This form determines a student’s financial need based on income. This document

alone is so confusing that high schools and colleges offer classes on how to fill them out

correctly. Upon entering high school, students and parents are bombarded with information and

offers of seminars to plan for college. The trick is to remain calm and understand that there are

many organizations, including the colleges, that want to give students money. There are grants,

scholarships, and loans, to name a few. Within every financial aid category, there are numerous

options. Students can apply for scholarships that range from local organizations to large

corporations. There are scholarships if you are an orphan, a child of a firefighter, an alumnus of a

certain elementary school, or if you are interested in a specific college major. The variety of

scholarships is endless, and there are many available regardless of grade point average. Fear of

student loans following students into adulthood can make it difficult to consider them as an

option. Done correctly, loans can supplement other forms of aid and job income. They do not

need to be the only source of funds. Job income is another way to pay for college. No rule says
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that a student cannot both work and attend college. There are even work-study programs that

allow students to work off some of their tuition. 

Students at or below poverty level struggle with the value of college more than

financially stable families. Grants are an excellent way for these students to fulfill their goal of

higher education. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid. Grants are offered by the federal

government, state governments, and even universities. Financial need is determined using the

FAFSA. Once a student’s needs are determined, schools will offer financial aid packages. These

packages will contain a mix of grants, loans, and work-study programs. Pell Grants are awarded

by the federal government, with a current maximum award of $6,345 per year. Students that are

interested in an education career, can apply for the Teacher Education Assistance for College and

Higher Education (TEACH) Grant. This award benefits both the student and under-served K-12

districts. To be eligible college students must agree to teach in a high-need district for four years

after graduation. Additionally, the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants

(FSEOG) are sent to colleges to be made available to students with the greatest need. Each

school is allotted a certain amount each school year (“Grants for College.”). With all of these

available financial aid options, college becomes obviously more affordable. 

The military is another way that high school graduates can pay for college. When joining

the military, no matter which branch you enlist in, you can still get a college education but at a

lower price. There are even cases where students could get 100% of their tuition covered and

even continued to receive benefits after graduation. Joining the military will allow students to

have a steady income, as well as food and shelter. The military program is more intense in

training, but it will teach students discipline. The post 9/11 GI Bill is another benefit to joining

the military because it “provides financial support and housing up to 36 months” (Newman,
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Shawna). Another way the military provides financial aid is credit-by-exam, where students can

take a series of tests to earn college credit that is accepted by several colleges. Those in the

military can also use the recommendation from the American Council on Education to turn their

military service into college credit. Every branch of the military also has different criteria to earn

money from the Tuition Assistance Program. Last but not least, the military has its own

scholarships and grants they award to those in service. The military is a great program that

makes going to college accessible to those who are having trouble financially, all while learning

valuable teamwork skills and serving one’s country.

There is a lot of emphasis put on traditional four-year colleges. Students should not

overlook the advantages of a good community college. Attending a community college is

extremely cost-effective, and students can complete their degree at a four-year university. As an

extra benefit, students will not only have a bachelor’s degree but a bonus associate’s degree.

Many four-year colleges partner with community colleges to offer transfer programs. One such

program is a partnership between Sinclair Community College and the University of Dayton,

called the UD Sinclair Academy. This program allows students to save tuition costs the first two

years, and also offers the last two years at a significant cost reduction. More high school

graduates need to look into community college partnerships (“University of Dayton/Sinclair

Academy.”).

Unemployment is an issue that comes up in conjunction with college degrees. There is a

belief that unemployment rates among college-educated are higher than that of hourly or trade

employees. The 2019 unemployment rate was 3.6% for adults over the age of 25, with a high

school diploma but no college education, and the rate was 2.1% for college educated. The

Coronavirus pandemic has offered even more proof and encouragement to the college educated.
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When the American economy was shutting down and unemployment was skyrocketing, those

with a college education fared considerably better than employees with no college degree. In

April 2020, adults with a high school diploma and no college had an unemployment rate of

17.3%, adults with a college education had an astounding 8.4% unemployment rate (Nietzel,

Michael T.). The workforce with a college education had 8.9% less unemployment than those

who did not go to college. There was more flexibility for the college-educated when states

started closing down businesses. While it is easy to pick up your computer and continue your

work from home, hourly and trade jobs were not in the same position of advantage.  These

statistics show that there is more job security and stability in careers that require a degree.

There is also fear that college graduates will not be able to find jobs upon completing

their degree. There is some truth to this claim. In 2019, for the first time ever, college graduates

had a higher unemployment rate than that of the overall unemployment rate. This can occur if

college students do not choose majors that are necessary in the current economy. For example,

majors that include liberal arts, criminal justice, and media had an unemployment rate of more

than 6% versus the overall 2019 unemployment rate of 3.6% (Kelly, Jack). This could be

mitigated if colleges would offer better career planning and placement services. While it may be

difficult to be fresh out of college, without a job, in the long run, a college education offers less

possibility of unemployment and higher earnings.

The “American dream” is, go to college, get married, get a good job, buy a house with a

picket fence, and have some kids and a dog. While this trope may not mean happiness for every

graduate, those with a college education do tend to be happier in their lives, than individuals

without an education. A Pew Research center survey showed that, “...adults with less than a high

school education are more than twice as likely as those with a bachelor’s degree or more
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education to say they are not too happy with their lives” (“How Americans View Their Jobs.”).

Young, educated adults will refer to their jobs as careers, while uneducated, young adults see

their jobs as a means to an end. There is also a direct correlation between how happy a person is

and the amount of money a person makes. A 2010 study by researchers at Princeton found that

the more money a person makes, the happier they are, but that happiness did not change once an

income increased past $75,000 per year. The New York Federal Reserve Bank submits that the

median salary of a college graduate $78,000, as opposed to $45,000 per year for those with only

high school diploma (Stieg, Cory). The assumption can be that with a college education comes a

bigger salary, a bigger salary leads to less family stress, necessary healthcare, and an overall

better quality of life. 

 College is a great experience not only for learning opportunities, but it is also great for

developing good social and emotional skills. The development of these skills will allow students

to be the best version of themselves, whether it be in their personal lives or the workplace.

Obtaining knowledge from college is incredibly important, but it will get you nowhere in life if

you are not personable. Being able to communicate with others and have an understanding of

your own emotions will help students be incredibly successful. It is hard to read and understand

other people’s emotions if you do not have a handle on your own. The interpersonal relationships

formed in college, mirror those required for a successful career. When being considered for a

job, employers will not only look at a college graduate’s degree as proof they have knowledge

but also as proof that they have acquired some of the necessary emotional and social skills. An

increasing number of employers are looking for the employee’s ability to demonstrate and utilize

these skills to solve unique problems (Castro, David, and Cynda Clyde). College gives students

the skills needed to bridge the gap between childhood and adulthood.
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Going to college is a great way to not only learn about career opportunities but also to

learn basic job skills. The basic skills graduates acquire in college will shape them into better,

more prepared employees. The information students learn is not just helpful, but it is interesting

and practical as well. Skills such as teamwork, good communication, and problem-solving are

big topics expanded upon in college. All of these skills will help students connect with other

people in their field. These make college graduates more valuable employees in their workplace

and can even help them in their personal life. Another imperative skill students will learn in

college is how to have a good work ethic. College work isn’t always easy, but learning how to

manage one’s time and spending it efficiently will help students be the best employee possible.

After learning all of these skills, students will feel more confident in themselves and their work

ethic, making them more successful (Walburg, Ellie).

Many students regard college as the best years of their lives. College can be a lot of fun.

College can open up a student’s mind and expose them to things that make them more well-

rounded members of society, but, most importantly, college teaches responsibility.

Responsibility is a hard lesson to learn, but once students understand it, they become more

independent and self-sufficient. The more effort you put into your college education, the more

successful you will be. Students who are more responsible and have more self-control in college

will look more desirable to employers. Some schools have even started trying to incorporate

lessons to help students be more motivated, persistent, and self-disciplined (“Personal

Responsibility.”). To ensure future success, it is vital for students to take advantage of the

responsibility a college education fosters.

Being part of college life helps students build strong communities at home. Joining

volunteer groups and being an active part of the college campus will help students be more well-
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rounded and empathetic. The college experience is more than just education, but it is also the

ability to experience new things and find new ways to be involved in one’s community. There is

a wide variety of clubs. These clubs will help students be a more active part of their micro-

community and allow them to make connections with new and diverse people. Students can also

join clubs such as the student council, which allows them to better understand the inner workings

of government. They can volunteer their time to help the less fortunate. Even though college

helps students narrow their focus onto a certain major, they can also take classes that interest

them, to expand their knowledge past their major. Trying new things is a huge part of college. It

is during this time in young adult’s lives that they start to figure out who they are, what they like,

and what kind of person they want to be. Students also have the opportunity to intern or study

abroad. Being an intern allows the student to work in the field of their major. Studying abroad

allows students to learn things from a new perspective, all while traveling the globe. Traveling

and working as an intern will make students a more well-rounded person, making them more

desirable to employers. College is an experience that helps shape who one is as a person (Ritz,

Julie). Exposure to new people, places, and things is a unique and advantageous college

opportunity. 

Common misconceptions, concerning the value of college, are born from misinformation

and an inability to fully see how useful college is. The prospect of paying all of that money can

be daunting to a new high school graduate. The fear of owing over $100,000 in student loans is

paralyzing. However, if students pick a college that they can afford and takes advantage of the

available financial aid, there is nothing to fear. Several parents and high school graduates may

believe that college isn’t a smart investment of time or money. However, college students will

make significantly more money than those with just a high school degree. As of 2016, more than
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two-thirds of jobs in the United States require some form of a college degree to even be

considered for the job (Olson, Gary). There are also several misconceptions when it comes to

private schools. Myths, such as private schools are too expensive and only allow the wealthy and

high class to apply. This couldn't be further from the truth, because student financial aid makes

private schools affordable to all kinds of students. Private schools, in fact, are just as diverse as

public colleges (Olson, Gary).

Trade schools are another option instead of a formalized college education. College isn’t

the only option after high school, and there are some benefits to trade schools. Students can

begin learning their trade whenever is most convenient because there are multiple start times

throughout the year. The class sizes are smaller, which allows for more personalized education.

Most trade schools will also help students find a job immediately upon graduation. Trade

graduates will have more immediate job opportunities than those who graduate from college.

Students get hands-on learning experiences with specialized training (Imagine America). While

this may seem appealing to some students because of the perceived job security and lack of

school debt, it still will not benefit you as much as a college degree. Specialized trade skills do

not offer the same flexibility or diversity, in career choice, that a college education does. 

While the value of college has been debated since 1636, it is clear that, for the majority of

high school graduates, it is a beneficial and lucrative choice. Fear of unemployment and high

tuition causes students and families to avoid considering a college education. College better

prepares people for future success, offering more financial stability and the tools to navigate their

personal and professional life. There are plenty of financial aid opportunities to allow students

from diverse economic backgrounds to have an equal chance for higher education. Students can

choose to begin their education with a community college. There are many public universities
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that offer affordable tuition. Even private schools offer financial aid packages that make them a

feasible choice. The college experience also improves the student's overall happiness. College

students will be more emotionally and socially adept, allowing them to strive in the workplace

and their personal lives. They will also learn responsibility and basic life skills, such as good

communication and teamwork. College is undeniably an invaluable opportunity, which can equip

students with everything they need to succeed in life.

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