College is Still Worth It, As Long As You Stay in School

As college tuition continues to increase, many students wonder about the return on their investment. Some students feel that skipping college for the workforce is a better bet, but research shows that college is valuable for future job market success. The key is to stay in college and prepare for life after school while still studying for class.

A study on the impact of a college education finds that the return of investment for a bachelor’s degree is 15 percent. This is a better return than many traditional forms of investment. This is due to the wage differential from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree. The difference in salary between the two is about $20,000 per year, which is a statistic that remains almost constant since 1970. These benefits only apply to students who stay in college and finish their degrees. Students who drop out do not reap the same return, and they typically have student loan debt to repay immediately upon leaving an institution.

Another reason that college is valuable is that industry professionals believe a college degree sends signals to a prospective employer. Graduates show determination and commitment by a willingness to concentrate on a single goal for four years. Employers know through personal experience the hard work that a college degree requires. Hiring managers see college as a valuable experience in that it is a way to test for company loyalty and a willingness to take on new challenges. The more involvement during college and the higher the grade point average, the harder a student works, prospective employers know. Internships for class credit also make students more employable after graduation. Some companies even offer direct employment for interns upon graduation, including management tracks.

College is valuable because it teaches transferable skills regardless of the degree. Whether students study economics or theater, students learn technical skills usable for many different kinds of jobs. Students learn communication skills through writing essays and giving presentations. Research papers teach students to identify reliable resources, deliver a specific message and hone general research abilities. Proper study habits teach organizational skills that are essential to maintain a productive work environment. In terms of corporate hierarchy, college is valuable because it teaches students to work with supervisors while making an active contribution through professor and student relationships.

Though some young people worry that the expense of a college degree does not match the rewards, statistics tell a very different story. College is valuable for those who choose to complete a degree, as it shows prospective employers that candidates have certain skills students build while in school. The most important aspect is that the benefits of a college degree are consistent no matter the state of the economy.

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