do you think everyone should go to college essay

Not Every Student Should Go to College. And That’s OK

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Forty years ago 32 percent of counselors and teachers advised all students to go to college. Just 10 years later, in 1990, that percentage had doubled with roughly two-thirds of educators recommending college for all. Despite a recent surge in popularity for career and technical education, signs indicate that the college recommendation trend has increased over the last generation.

All that college-going advice may do harm in ways most adults in the lives of teenagers hadn’t realized. Research we conducted over the past several years suggests that a “college for all” message causes far too many students from all demographics to make choices that result in failure.

Instead of forcing college on students, educators would do better to encourage them to consider more than one pathway into a good life. Some pathways will include college now or later and some not. Educators also have a responsibility to help create those pathways, and students’ choices rather than their backgrounds should determine which they take.

Students who attend college for extrinsic reasons suffer poor outcomes."

In our research, we collected and analyzed more than 200 stories from students about their postsecondary education choices and surveyed over 1,000 more students to understand what caused them to enroll in college, both two- and four-year institutions, as well as some coding bootcamps and shorter graduate programs. Our participants were roughly representative of the population of students that attend college in the United States across gender, racial, and ethnic lines. Forty-six percent were first-generation college students, meaning neither of their parents had completed a bachelor’s degree. Eighteen percent had at least one child, and 60 percent lived in households with incomes that placed them in the bottom three socio-economic quintiles.

We learned that a significant number of students from all backgrounds enroll in college to do what’s expected of them or to help them get away from a bad circumstance in their lives. These students go to college not because they want the college experience or because of what college will help them obtain. In other words, they are motivated by external factors not internal goals. They choose college because it is a socially acceptable answer to what they are doing next.

Students who attend college for extrinsic reasons suffer poor outcomes. According to our research, 74 percent of those who attended college to “do what was expected of them” dropped out or transferred. Of those who went to college “to get away,” over half had left the school they were attending without a degree at the time we talked to them.

One student we talked to, who was the first in her family to attend college, chose college to get away from a bad relationship with her stepdad. She enrolled in a college three hours away from home—even though it didn’t have the courses of study in which she was interested. Once there, she took a heavier-than-usual course load first semester, partied hard, and found herself on academic probation.

Things improved a little second semester, but the improvement was not enough to justify the money she was spending on tuition, she thought. She still struggled with time management and a nagging sense that she didn’t know why she was enrolled. So with $40,000 in federal and private student loans outstanding, she dropped out, returned home, mended things with her family, and started to find jobs to help pay off the debt.

Too many students go to college not knowing what they want to get out of it or how to make it work for them. Committing to a four-year school and taking on lots of debt when they lack passion and focus for the endeavor is risky, particularly given the grim college completion and student debt statistics.

Over 40 percent of first-time, full-time students who started college in the fall of 2012 failed to graduate from four-year programs within six years, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Non-completers not only lose out on the benefits of a college degree, but also face increased debt without increased earnings. Non-completers have a three-fold higher risk of default than completers, according to the Center for American Progress.

Instead of adding to the pressure around college, which parents often fuel, high school educators should be the first line of defense for students who might benefit more from another path. Yes, educators must avoid the low expectations that direct students away from college because of their family’s income, their race, or their ethnicity. Instead, they should encourage all students to reflect on their goals and explore more than one pathway to purpose and success.

One way to help is through courses that are now emerging to give students structured opportunities to discover what drives them. But high schools should go further. They must counter the narrowing of the curriculum over the last couple decades caused by an overemphasis on test results and the decrease in career and technical education pathways in many schools. Extracurricular activities, experiential learning, and opportunities to build relationships with adults outside of school through real-world projects can help students discover their strengths and interests. Rather than marginalize these opportunities, schools should integrate them into every student’s program.

Our research in no way implies that college is a one-time decision. Just because college isn’t the right step now

for a student doesn’t mean it will never be the right step. College and, more to the point, education can help bring a lifetime of happiness, as studies have documented . But that education has to be at the right time and in the right circumstance.

If students aren’t yet ready, then taking a gap year can be a smart move. The stereotype of rich kids gallivanting around Europe is outmoded. An increasing number of programs offer gap-year experiences with financial aid so that all students can partake of them. Counselors and teachers should help students explore these opportunities, which are filled with immersive activities that help students learn about themselves and, in many cases, earn money through holding a series of jobs. This can make a gap year considerably more affordable than college.

Far better than a monolithic college-for-all vision is for individuals to know where they are in their lives, what they want, and how to articulate it. Only then can we ensure that education delivers on its promise of helping people build their passions, fulfill their human potential, and live a lifetime of productive struggle and happiness.

A version of this article appeared in the March 11, 2020 edition of Education Week as The Danger of ‘College for All’

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Should Everyone Go to College Essay Example

Our daily life is influenced by too many factors, we learn, we observe and then we either agree or disagree or are completely indifferent to what we see. Sometimes we also tend to follow what everyone else is doing, and that could be the right thing to do, but then once in a while, we do need to think differently about a certain topic. This is what Owen and Sawhill have directed our attention towards, through their essay “Should everyone go to college?”. The title itself brings up a point that most of us would not think of because attending college is considered universally applicable to every student and that other options don’t exist. I came across an advertisement which made me think of something similar. The advertisement was about “Mathnasium” which is a tutoring center for mathematics. The target audience for this advertisement are parents of 2nd–12th-grade kids.

The advertisement makes several claims like boosting confidence, higher grades within a fun learning environment and that too at an affordable price. Education today is gaining importance and more and more parents are sending their kids to tutoring centers like Mathnasium for many reasons. Most of them want to send their kids to these centers because it is a kind of “trend”. Similar to a college education, Owen and Sawhill’s essay “Should everyone...?” can be applied to Mathnasium by framing the question that asks, whether “Mathnasium” is relevant for all kids and whether it will help every kid equally. By applying this question to the advertisement, it can be argued that Mathnasium is not for every kid, that parents are succumbing to social pressure, and that not every child is ready for it. On the contrary, it could turn out that “Mathnasium” actually helps in terms of school selectivity, it can also be said that mathematics is a general subject and also that taking extra classes helps in being prepared early for the college years. 

Statistics says college isn’t for everyone

By providing us with statistical data on the rate of return on education Owen and Sawhill have argued that going to college might not be the right decision for everyone and the same could be true about “Mathnasium” that not every kid needs it. Owen and Sawhill have stated that “What gets less attention is the fact that not all college degrees or college graduates are equal.” (Owen and Sawhill 318-319) The same applies to kids as well, that not all kids are equal. The time that kids spend learning mathematics, could be spent at something they are better at, which would help them in the long run. For example, if a child is good at soccer, and he spends time at the playground honing his skills then when he grows up, he would opt for sports training than spending time getting a college degree, which if he did would cost him money and he wouldn’t be successful.

Owen and Sawhill have thrown light on this very aspect, and their thesis is one to apply for kids also. Learning to master a subject is crucial, but can every kid be a master of mathematics? Many times other skills go unrecognized just because it is something unique to the child. There is a need for the parents to understand that comparing their child’s progress to other kids is not always the right thing to do. A child may be more interested in music and soccer but there are not enough tutoring centers for these skills and hence there is no urge to develop skills in these areas. 

How society affects

Also, sometimes parents are themselves under societal pressure to send their kids to these centers. Owen and Sawhill have started their essay with an interesting fact that says “For the past few decades, it has been widely argued that a college degree is a prerequisite to entering the middle class in the United States.” (Owen and Sawhill 318). This statement clearly talks about the income levels that exist in the society, and higher the society the more the emphasis on educational training. Parents are always thinking of their child’s future and when they come across advertisements like this one, they go in that direction. What is noteworthy is that these advertisements reach every parent through the media and thus more and more of them send their kids to tutoring centers and eventually, it becomes a societal trend.  

Further, with the changing societal scenario what goes unnoticed is the fact that parents might be ready but not the child. It is crucial to figure out what the child likes or dislikes in terms of education. Owen and Sawhill have drawn our attention to this issue by stating that “We emphasize that 17- or 18-year-old deciding whether and where to go to college should carefully consider his or her own likely path of education and career before committing a considerable amount of time and money to that degree.” In other words, the authors are asking the teenagers to think before they leap. This applies to students who would read this advertisement and be tempted to enroll for the classes, and here again, there is time and money involved. It is possible that the student is not ready but the parents think it to be the sole option for their kids and might not consider the readiness. Also, what can be considered here is that advertisements have a greater reach and they may detract a student. So, whether one is ready or not, it might be possible that a student takes these classes because he comes across this advertisement more often. This is to say that a student might just go for it because he is influenced by the advertisement. 

Positive points of college

On the contrary, there could be positive implications of sending kids to Mathnasium like places, one of them being about school selectivity in the later years. Owen and Sawhill have divided their essay in terms of variations that we never consider when it comes to deciding about college. These are-variation by school selectivity, variation by field of study and career and variation in graduation rates. After having read “Should everyone...?” and then looking at the advertisement, the first thing that came to my mind was, is mathematics for every kid? But then it also made me think that mathematics is a subject that many kids don’t feel confident about, and if they could be made to understand it through tutoring like “Mathnasium”, then it would build the foundation for future.

This would help the child succeed in the future. For a child, who is confident about a certain major when he grows up, the rate of return would definitely be high. For example, this would be due to the fact that he/she would have the opportunity to select a school that is higher in rank. Owen and Sawhill have pointed at this in their essay when they say “People who attended the most selective private schools have a lifetime earnings premium of over $620,000 (in 2012).” (Owen and Sawhill 323) In other words, attending a school which guarantees a better return is possible only if you can get into that school, and being prepared for it means being successful career-wise, and “Mathnasium” seems to help in that preparation. More often than not, mathematics is also tested on the entrance tests of a college, and this is reason enough for sending kids to these tutoring centers and advertisements like these make sense in such a scenario. 

Also, in contrast with Owen and Sawhill, “Mathnasium” might argue that mathematics is a general subject and every child deserves a chance to learn it better. Owen and Sawhill’s essay provides statistical data that says “The highest earning occupation category is architecture and engineering with computers, math and management in second place.” (Owen and Sawhill 325-326). Which proves the importance of learning mathematics, and thus if a child is already good at say mathematics, it might help him or her in making decisions about what major to pick when deciding about a college major. Also, the advertisement talks about boosting confidence in kids, which could be the first step towards a brighter future. This would lead to a better rate of return on education because these kids will be better at academics when they go to college, something that Owen and Sawhill pointed out through the statistical data on mathematics related occupation.  

Finally, being prepared early makes sense considering the time and money spent in the later years of education. At this point Owen and Sawhill’s statement “One way to estimate the value of education is to look at the increase in earnings associated with an additional year of schooling.” What could be interpreted here is that being prepared in the early years of educational training is beneficiary for the students when they go to college. The Mathnasium advertisement is for 2nd –12th graders, which means they want students who are about to enter college and thus even before starting the college admission process a student is almost ready for the years to come. The return on education, in this case, would be higher because a student is already prepared for the next step and it saves him or her time which in turn saves money and guarantees a better future.  

Overall, Owen and Sawhill’s essay brings forward a question that could be applied to education in the early years too. Another way to look at this advertisement from “Mathnasium” is that it might be the answer to Owen and Sawhill’s question, that being prepared means being better at picking a path in the future. Having said that, also what I think is, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of making decisions related to a child's intellect and interest, and not going with what everyone else is doing. Most parents send their kids to tutoring centers just because it is popular and they hear other parents doing that, but every kid is different and needs to pursue what he/she is good at. It could be mathematics or music, but the decision should be based on a child’s intellect and not on the popularity of a concept.

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Should Everyone Go To College?

Higher wages unnecessary debt or is there more to consider than finances.

Posted September 1, 2014

Emerging adults have difficult decisions to make regarding higher education . Proponents of college education tell us a degree means higher wages, while skeptics say educational expenses and delays in earning wages make college a poor investment.

It’s true: College is increasingly expensive and stressful as students try to compete with greater numbers of their peers to get into reputable schools, they face mental health problems at alarming rates, graduates face crushing debt, and the job market for college grads is bleak. Why should any of us want to endure college?

Is higher education even a good investment? College is usually not job training- with notable exceptions like teaching degrees, engineering, and nursing. Studying English or art or math is rarely enough to qualify new graduates for specific careers. And even for those who graduate with credentials qualifying them for jobs, successfully graduating college never guarantees employment. Why bother with an expensive bachelor’s degree when technical schools train students for careers with less investment of time or money?

In order to weigh to pros and cons, emerging adults need to consider the benefits of a college education beyond career and finances. College may be a step toward your growing maturity.

Psychological benefits of college:

A place to explore the self

One of the major tasks of young adulthood is “finding” oneself. But it’s hard to find yourself while steeped in the identity the family assigns. Likewise, it can be difficult to explore self-identity while working at a low paying job and struggling to pay the bills. For many, college provides an opportunity to explore the self away from family, without all the pressures of adult responsibility. Attending traditional college can be a chance to break away from parents and explore one’s self while still benefitting from parental support. Young adults discover their beliefs separate from the family, and then build relationship styles and vocations. They can experience a sense of independence without taking on the full range of pressures of adult responsibility.

A place to grow before solidly setting down roots for an adult life

College often serves as a stage in between adolescence of independent adulthood. College students take on some of the responsibilities of independence, like making meals and managing time. But they don’t have to make big life choices, like choosing careers, until later. College provides a phase in between adolescence and adulthood, neatly demarcated by the years in school. By the end of the education, young adults are more ready to face big life decisions.

Learning how to learn, rather than being taught

In high school, students are often fed information by teachers and then asked to repeat it back for exams. In college, learning is an increasingly solitary activity. Students attend classes and then read and prepare for exams without much guidance. Alone in the library, students learn which information is preferred test material. They structure their study hours without many daily assignments as guideposts. College students teach themselves the material.

The opportunity to become a lifetime learner

As students choose a course of study through the selection of a major, they gain the opportunity to become lifetime learners. Colleges and universities afford students the chance to explore the concepts for which they have an interest or an aptitude rather than requiring every student to learn foundational material. Many students become more engaged and excited learners when they focus in their interests.

Exposure to students from diverse cultural backgrounds

Colleges and universities draw students from diverse backgrounds. Students come from urban and rural areas near and far, and there commonly students from a variety of foreign lands. Exposure to cultural diversity can enhance tolerance and international cultural awareness, positives for any well-adjusted young adult.

College is about more than academics, but it still may not be the best route for every young adult. As young adults consider whether college a good investment, you may also consider how you can explore your self-identity, learn to learn independently, and have exposure to cultural diversity through venues other than college. Many young adults mature through other means, such as time in the armed services, living away from parents and working, and learning cultural values from the family.

Melissa Deuter, M.D., is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio.

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Essay on Should Everyone Go To College

Students are often asked to write an essay on Should Everyone Go To College in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Should Everyone Go To College

Understanding college education.

College education is often seen as a key to a successful future. Many people believe that going to college opens doors to better job opportunities and a higher income. It is also a place where students can learn new skills and gain knowledge in a specific field.

Benefits of College Education

Going to college offers many benefits. For example, it helps students develop critical thinking skills, exposes them to diverse cultures, and prepares them for the professional world. College graduates usually earn more money than those who only have a high school diploma.

Drawbacks of College Education

On the other hand, college is not the right path for everyone. Some people might not enjoy academic learning or might have other career plans. College can also be expensive, leading to high levels of student debt.

Alternative Paths to Success

There are many paths to success that don’t involve college. Vocational training, entrepreneurship, or starting work straight after high school can also lead to a successful career. These options can be less costly and more suited to some people’s talents and interests.

In conclusion, whether or not everyone should go to college depends on individual goals and circumstances. College can provide many benefits, but it’s not the only path to a successful and fulfilling career.

250 Words Essay on Should Everyone Go To College

Introduction.

The question of whether everyone should go to college is a big one. Some people think it’s a must, others not so much. Let’s look at both sides.

The Yes Side

First, let’s talk about why some people think everyone should go to college. College can give you skills and knowledge that you might not get elsewhere. It can help you find a good job and make more money in the long run. Plus, it’s a place where you can meet new people and learn new things.

The No Side

On the other side, some people think college isn’t for everyone. They say that it’s expensive and can leave students with a lot of debt. They also point out that not all jobs require a college degree. Some people might be better off learning a trade or starting their own business.

The Middle Ground

There’s also a middle ground. Some people think that whether you should go to college or not depends on you. It’s about your goals, your skills, and what you want to do in life. They believe that everyone should have the chance to go to college if they want to, but it shouldn’t be forced.

In the end, the answer to the question “should everyone go to college?” is not a simple yes or no. It’s a personal decision that depends on many factors. So, it’s important to think carefully and make the choice that’s best for you.

500 Words Essay on Should Everyone Go To College

The question, “Should everyone go to college?” is something many people think about. College is where you can learn more after high school and get ready for a job. But is it the right choice for everyone? Let’s talk about it.

Why People Say Yes

Lots of people say that everyone should go to college. They believe it’s important for many reasons. One is that it can help you get a better job. Many jobs today need a college degree. If you have a degree, you can earn more money.

Another reason is that college can help you learn about the world. You can study many different things, from science to art. This can help you become a smarter and more well-rounded person.

Why People Say No

But not everyone thinks that college is the best choice for everyone. Some people think that college is not the only way to get a good job. They point out that there are many successful people who did not go to college.

Also, college is expensive. Many students have to borrow money to pay for it. This can lead to a lot of debt. Some people think it’s better to start working right after high school and avoid this debt.

Other Paths to Success

There are other ways to be successful without going to college. Some people may choose to learn a trade, like plumbing or carpentry. These jobs can pay well and are always in demand.

Others may decide to start their own business. This can be a great way to use your skills and talents. You don’t need a college degree to be a good business person.

So, should everyone go to college? There’s no simple answer. It depends on the person. College can be a great choice for many people. It can help you get a good job and learn about the world. But it’s not the only path to success. Other options, like learning a trade or starting a business, can also be good choices.

In the end, the most important thing is to choose the path that’s right for you. You should think about what you want to do in life and what makes you happy. Then, you can decide if college is the right choice for you.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

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7 Reasons Why Everyone Should Go To College

From the moment you enter your first years of schooling, you are always told one thing:

College is the best way for you to get what you want out of life.

But why do people go to college? Does it really help you better achieve your goals and live a better life? Should everyone go to college?

While going to college is a huge commitment of your time and energy, many studies have been conducted that show the benefits of seeking higher education far outweighs the costs.

Check out 7 reasons why everyone should get higher education!

Top 7 Reasons Why Everyone Should Go To College

1. There Is a Whole World of Knowledge to Be Discovered

Going to college today isn’t like what it was in the past. These days, courses are offered in a wide variety of fields. When you include the elective courses you can take, your options for learning everything from rocket science to 1990’s cartoons are limitless!

While there are classes that seem silly to take , the opportunity to learn a variety of information on an array of topics can increase your social, personal, and employment prospects.

2. College Is Where to Figure Out What You Don’t Want to Do

For most people, going to college means learning that what you wanted to do…isn’t actually what you want to do. When we go to college we open ourselves up to more opportunities that we didn’t know we had – or even liked.

Being able to spend your time actively pursuing what you think you want to do rather than dreaming and idealizing it is a fantastic way to build your confidence and find your true passion in life!

3. The Financial Benefit Is Well Worth the Time Sacrifice

As pointed out by Stephanie Owen and Isabel Sawhill in their research studies titled, “Should Everyone Go To College?”, going to college has a financial benefit that makes your time (and mental) sacrifices worth the commitment.

According to their research, college graduates earn over $570,000 more in a lifetime with a four-year degree when compared to those that only achieved a high-school diploma.

The financial benefits can be even greater for college graduates when you factor in the type of degree, the field of specialization, and the number of scholarships and grants you receive.

4. Never Lose Your Edge in a Competitive Job Market

Did you know that as of 2018, the unemployment rate for those with a college degree is 2.1% compared to the 4.2% it is for those with only a high school diploma?

A college degree demonstrates to employers that you have dedicated the time and energy required to be a reliable employee who can meet deadlines, maintain an organized schedule, and deal with high-pressure situations.

5. Your Degree Is Valuable All Over the World

Is it your dream to travel the world and live in foreign places? If that is the case, going to college is an excellent way to achieve these dreams!

The foreign job market, especially for native English speakers, is ripe for those with a college degree. Many people go on to teach English in other countries after college.

Others, with more advanced degrees and additional foreign language skills, can go on to work for international corporations in some of the most exotic places in the world!

6. Get Prepared For What Life After School Is Really Like

Unlike high-school, college requires you to be solely responsible for maintaining your class schedule and completing coursework. Learning to manage your time effectively is an important step that makes life after college much easier. Though you can always ask us to write your coursework for you.

Many books already validate the benefits of creating and maintaining solid routines early in life so that you can keep yourself on the right track towards educational and career success!

7. Get the Tools You Need to Start Your Own Business

If your goal is starting your own business, then college is definitely the right choice for you! Marketing, advertising, and business management courses give you the know-how and experience to successfully start, run, and maintain your business.

Additionally, being skilled in creating solid business plans coupled with your degree can make you more eligible to receive loans from the bank to get your business up and running . If you can’t create it by yourself you can always ask EssayTigers to write your business plan for you .

There are always exceptions to the rule…

Only about 40% of the US population has earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. But there are plenty of successful people that didn’t go to college. Reasons for not going to college can include:

• Lack of finances
• Inability to balance school/home/work obligations
• No desire to continue education after high-school
• Already experienced in a desired skill or trade

Just because you don’t go to college doesn’t mean that you can’t reach your goals and aspirations. It only means that you will have to work just as hard to achieve them! By the way, we’ve recently completed the blog on what  options you have if you don’t want to go to college .

Check out these celebrities, start-up founders, and social media superstars who had the drive and determination to take the high-risk move of pursuing their dreams on their terms without attending college:

• Ellen Degeneres
• Russell Simmons
• Kim Kardashian
• John Rockefeller
• Rachael Ray

The Takeaway

Making the choice to go to college is a sure-fire way to secure and elevate your financial, professional, and social future!

If you are overwhelmed by the choices and decisions you need to make when preparing for attending college, check out the services that are specially designed to help.

Give yourself the future you want and start the college application process today!

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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?"

In this article, I'll explain the benefits of going to college and detail some of the potential drawbacks. Furthermore, I'll give you all the information you need to decide whether or not you should pursue a college degree.

4 Major Benefits of Going to College

Going to college can make you richer, happier, and healthier—sounds good to me! Here, we take a look at the four biggest benefits of attending college.

#1: There Are Many Financial and Career Benefits

Let's start by considering the financial advantages of a college education.

College graduates with a bachelor's degree earn about $32,000 more per year than those with a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Here's one of the most cited statistics that shows the benefits of a college education: a person with a bachelor's degree will, on average, earn almost $1 million more over the course of her lifetime than somebody with just a high school diploma . While money shouldn't necessarily be the biggest priority in anyone's life, there's no doubt that a higher salary will give you more opportunities, alleviate stress, and allow you to more easily support a family.

Moreover, college-educated Millennials have much lower unemployment and poverty rates. According to recent studies from 2020 to 2021 by the New York Federal Reserve Bank , young people aged 22-27 are more likely to be unemployed if they don't have a college degree. Unemployment among those with a college degree was 3.9%, but it was 10.3% for those without a degree.

In addition, those who attended college are more likely to get married and less likely to be living in their parents' homes. Statistics indicate that attending college has more economic benefits for Millennials than it did for previous generations. Going to college might be more important now than ever before!

Finally, a college degree is required for many entry-level jobs. According to a study done b y the Georgetown Public Policy Institute , 65% of jobs now require postsecondary education and training beyond high school, and 35% of jobs require at least a bachelor's degree.

As you can see, there are tons of financial benefits to getting a bachelor's degree. But what about the professional advantages?

In college, you can make connections that will help you land a good job after you graduate. Experts estimate that 70%-80% of jobs aren't advertised publicly . Often, you simply have to know the right people to secure employment.

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.

Lastly, many of your peers will probably go on to professional success. Your college friends might one day be able to offer you a job, refer you for a job, or make a lucrative business deal with you. As a college student, you'll (likely) be surrounded by many motivated, talented people who, in the future, will want to work with those they know and trust—and this could very well include you.

#2: You Get to Explore Your Interests

College opens up a whole new world to you academically. In high school, you generally only have a choice of a handful of elective classes, but in college you can literally choose from among hundreds of classes and majors.

While there are core requirements at most colleges, for the most part, you can decide what you want to study and take classes in subjects you want to learn more about. Many students are able to spark academic passions in college.

You could take classes in anthropology, psychology, sociology, microbiology, or osteology. Many college grads have several friends and former students who were inspired by college classes that positively changed the course of their academic and professional lives.

Also, while in college, you'll have the chance to pursue tons of extracurriculars and opportunities you might not otherwise have done. These activities can become lifelong passions, help you form meaningful relationships, and even prepare you for a future job.

For example, you could write for the campus newspaper, or you could be a DJ for the school radio station. You could dance for a hip-hop group, or join a campus organization that provides tutoring to underprivileged kids. You could help build houses for those in need. You could work on political campaigns or join groups that advocate for various social issues. The choice is yours!

Howard Stern started his career working at the radio station at Boston University.

#3: You'll Have Fun and Make Friends

Many students enjoy their college experience. Too often people discount the importance of fun when it comes to education, and for some people, their best memories and most fun times are from their college years. On a college campus, you can attend parties, plays, sporting events, and concerts; you can also create your own random fun with your peers.

Most schools bring exciting events and speakers to their campuses, too. Colleges will often host famous musicians and comedians. For example, The Weeknd has performed shows at Syracuse, Northeastern, Lafayette College, and the University of Minnesota, while Drake has performed at numerous colleges, including Howard, SUNY Purchase, and the University of Kentucky.

Colleges will also sponsor parties and other on-campus events that are just meant to be fun and facilitate social interaction. At Stanford, there's a tradition known as Full Moon on the Quad . On the first full moon of the school year, students gather in the quad, and the seniors welcome the freshmen by kissing them. There's a lot of kissing. It might not be hygienic, but it's memorable.

You may make very close friends while you're attending college. In college, you get to befriend people from all over the US and even other countries. A big part of the college experience is having the opportunity to learn from and interact with people from diverse backgrounds.

Overall, you have the chance to study, live, party, and participate in extracurricular activities with your peers. There will probably be no other time in your life when you get to spend as much time with your friends, and the amount of quality time you get to spend with them will form the foundation for meaningful lifelong friendships.

#4: It Gives You Space for Self-Improvement

For many students, college is the first time in their lives they're not living at home. During college, they learn to be self-sufficient. They learn domestic skills and budgeting—even how to motivate themselves without parental encouragement. At the same time, most college students can still go home or call home if they're in need of some money or advice.

Many people who don't go to college remain at home for at least a couple of years after high school. Though they often have more freedom than they did during high school, their routines and mindsets don't change nearly as drastically as those who went to college. Anecdotally at least, even students who live at home and commute to college experience more growth than those who bypass college.

Whether you go to an in-state or out-of-state school, your college will likely expose you to a new city and environment. For instance, if you grew up in California and went to Stanford , it could still be a six-hour drive from where your family lived. You would be able to experience life in Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area, which has a different vibe, culture, and climate from, say, Los Angeles. Many college students are grateful to be able to have the opportunity to live in a different environment.

Furthermore, most colleges have study abroad programs that can give you a chance to take classes in countries around the world. At Emerson College, you can spend a semester in a 14th-century medieval castle in The Netherlands. At the University of Chicago , you can study abroad in Paris, Beijing, Barcelona, Berlin, Kyoto, Bologna, Cairo, Istanbul, Jerusalem, Edinburgh, Hong Kong, London, Oaxaca, Vienna, Milan, and a few other places, too. You can learn about the world by traveling and studying in countries around the world.

Finally, people who go to college tend to be healthier. According to a report from the National Academy of Sciences , people with a bachelor's degree live longer than people without one. They're also less likely to smoke and more likely to exercise.

Similarly, according to a study published by the American Journal of Public Health , people who get a bachelor's degree after 25 years of age exhibit fewer depressive symptoms and have better self-rated health at midlife.

3 Possible Disadvantages of Attending College

Even though attending college can offer you many benefits, there are potential drawbacks.

Note that you only get many of the benefits of going to college if you're able to graduate. A 2021 Forbes article reported that, six years after enrolling in college, less than 60% of students had graduated with a bachelor's degree.

Now, let's take a look at the three biggest cons of attending college.

#1: There's the Risk of High Costs and Potential Debt

College is really, really expensive, with costs continuing to rise, and many college graduates are burdened with astronomical student loan debt.

The College Board estimates that the average cost of attendance for an in-state public college for 2021-2022 is $10,740 , while the cost of attendance for a private college averages $38,070.  Remember, though, that most students receive financial aid that covers at least part of the cost of attendance if they demonstrate financial need.

Unfortunately, many students don't receive the aid they need to fully cover the costs. As a result, they take on unsubsidized student loans to finance their college education. Sadly, student loan debt increased from $260 billion in 2004 to $1.7 trillion in 2021 . Average student loan debt in 2021 was $38,147 —that's a pretty staggering amount.

Overall, student loan debt can dramatically impact your life after your graduate. It can affect the jobs you take and cause you to delay buying a house or starting a family.

#2: The Financial Benefits of College Might Be Overstated

The claim that college graduates earn $1 million more in their lifetimes might actually be skewed by graduates from top universities .

A 2021 study by PayScale.com found that there are only seven schools (out of 1,878 four-year schools) at which earning a college degree can get you a $1 million return on investment. Basically, the reported number that college graduates make $1 million more over the course of their professional lives is not that accurate.

Moreover, it's important to note that while attending college, most people aren’t working or are only working part-time. So in addition to the financial costs and debts you're incurring while in college, you probably won't be able to get the salary you could be making from working a full-time job during the four to six years you're in school.

#3: College Might Not Actually Make You Smarter

The last con of attending college is that going to one might not actually increase your intelligence.

A 2011 study found that 45% of 2,322 traditional-aged college students studied from 2005 to 2009 made no significant improvement in their critical thinking, reasoning, or writing skills during the first two years of college. After four years, 36% showed no significant gains.

More recent studies have shown similar trends among those with either some college or a degree. Given the cost of attending college, you'd hope that higher education would have a dramatically positive effect on these skills for all students—but this might not actually be the case.

Should I Go to College? How to Make the Right Choice for You

Admittedly, we might be somewhat biased because we've spent years stressing the importance of attending college to high school students. However, we do recognize that college might not be for everyone.

Other than the pros and cons of college we mentioned previously, here are some additional factors to consider when deciding whether or not to attend college.

You'll Have More Options With a College Degree

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.

There Are Ways to Pay for College

You might be turned off by college because of how much you think it will cost you. But remember that you might not know your out-of-pocket expenses until you get accepted to college and get a financial aid package.

In reality, there are many grants and scholarships that can alleviate the financial burden and make college more affordable for you .

You Might Not Need College If You're Already Successful

If you're one of those rare people who has already achieved tremendous professional success before attending college, then going to college might not benefit you much financially.

For instance, say you get drafted in the first round of the draft by Major League Baseball and are offered a multi-million dollar signing bonus. Nobody would fault you for bypassing college. After all, you can always take college classes in the off-season or get your degree when you're done with your playing career.

If you're a mini Mark Zuckerberg or starring in your own sitcom, going to college might not lead to a higher income or a better job after you graduate. Bill Gates and Miley Cyrus were able to do OK professionally without college degrees!

You Might Not Be Academically Inclined

Most people are capable of doing college-level work if they're motivated and apply themselves. That being said, some people just detest school or don't have the aptitude to do well in a college environment.

Keep in mind, though, that college gives you so much more freedom than high school to explore your academic interests and find the fields in which you can excel. Similarly, if there's a subject that confuses you and that you absolutely abhor, you can probably avoid taking classes in it in college.

wecometolearn /Flickr

Conclusion: Should You Go to College or Not?

There's no denying that college offers many financial, professional, and personal benefits. Numerous studies have shown that college graduates have far better financial and job prospects than those who don't attend college. What's more, few people regret going to college despite the tremendous amount of student debt and the less-than-ideal economy.

If you're worried about the cost of attendance, make sure you know about financial aid and how to limit your debt when you graduate . College is an investment that pays off for the vast majority of people who graduate.

Admittedly, some people don't need college to achieve their personal or professional goals. While you can of course be successful without a college degree, college graduates tend to fare better. If you're considering college, make the decision that will benefit you the most now and in the future.

What's Next?

Decided you want to go to college? Then take the first step and find out how to apply .

If you don't think you'll be able to get into college, check out these open admission colleges and these colleges with the highest acceptance rates .

If you still need to take the SAT or ACT for college, take a look at our ultimate SAT study guide and ultimate ACT study guide to learn more about the tests and what you'll need to know to ace them.

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Justin has extensive experience teaching SAT prep and guiding high school students through the college admissions and selection process. He is firmly committed to improving equity in education and helping students to reach their educational goals. Justin received an athletic scholarship for gymnastics at Stanford University and graduated with a BA in American Studies.

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The economic return on investment for a college degree has never been higher. But the more that fact is discussed, the more some pundits seem to think the US is at risk of an epidemic of unnecessary college-going that can be averted by singing the praises of highly skilled trades.

The latest, in Businessweek, is headlined " Let's Start Telling Young People the Whole Truth About College " — the whole truth being that a four-year degree isn't the only road to a stable, even lucrative, professional life.

Fair enough. (Though the economic evidence still comes down heavily on the side of four-year college graduates being  better off in the long run .) But the argument that "everyone shouldn't go to college" — reiterated with dozens of variations in the past few years — rests on some incorrect assumptions about higher education in the US.

Many people imagine a bright line between college and vocational education — Ph.Ds on one side, plumbers on the other. That line doesn't exist, and it hasn't for at least a generation. Particularly at two-year colleges, programs for future English majors and future auto mechanics often exist side-by-side. One path might lead to an associate degree, the other to a certificate, but they're both at a place called "college."

As higher education economist Sandy Baum wrote in a report for the Urban Institute : "It is common to hear the suggestion that many students should forgo college and instead seek vocational training. But most of that training takes place in community colleges or for-profit postsecondary institutions."

The skilled trades are demanding workers with increasing levels of technical ability, and the market rewards those who have the credential to prove it: About 30 percent of construction workers now have some kind of professional license or credential, according to the Census Bureau . So do about 20 percent of industrial workers. Workers without a traditional college degree, but with a credential, earned more than workers with no credentials at all. They still earn less than workers with a traditional degree.

Where do people earn these credentials? The vast majority — 82 percent — of workers with credentials other than a college degree, or in addition to a college degree, earned them from educational institution. In other words, to get ahead in those skilled jobs so often promoted as the alternative to a college education, they went to college.

Somehow, criticism of the cult of the college degree never pinpoints the one group where a belief that "everyone should go to college" really is pervasive: the upper middle class. S tudents from families in the top fifth of incomes have gone to college in disproportionately high numbers since at least the 1970s. About 80 percent of them now attend college right after high school. More than half have a bachelor's degree by age 25.

Source:  College Board

It's more than plausible that some of those well-off students could be happy and successful with a certificate in carpentry instead of a bachelor's in business. Yet the calls to tell the truth about the value of a college degree nearly always stop short of saying where— if too many people really do go to college — that truth-telling is sorely needed.

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Should Everyone Go to College: Essay for High School Students

Check out an essay sample prepared by our cheap paper writing service to learn from the example on how to write academic papers of similar type and how to support your arguments in writing.

A prestigious college is an indispensable part of the classic American dream. For some unexplained reason, we respect people whose parents are ready to pay a fortune for their education. But times change, and the value of the diploma is constantly falling. Today, you do not have to be a college graduate to become successful and respected. So why do people keep applying massively to colleges? And what are the alternatives for those who do not want to study for four or more years? One of the top reasons why people should go to college is to simplify their lives. Today, we can find any information and learn almost any discipline online. But many young people consider this way to be too complicated. However, self-education will take less time than the traditional four years of college. Thousands of applicants who want to study journalism, management, design, IT, and many other disciplines can pay for online courses and even get certifications. Moreover, these certifications are even more convincing for potential employers if an online school has a good reputation. For other people, going to college is the opportunity to postpone their adult life. Although college students are more independent than high schoolers, the majority of them still depend on their parents. In such a manner, college can be the first step to independence, but it will not prepare young people for all the struggles of the “real” world. Finally, graduating from top colleges, such as Princeton, Harvard, or Columbia, opens many doors. Studying in a prestigious college is indeed a perfect opportunity for networking and building your reputation. However, getting into top colleges is not available for everyone: the best students from all over the world compete for the honor to become a part of these elite communities. Obviously, those reasons are not enough to consider a prestigious college a single opportunity for American youth. So why should not everyone go to college, and what alternatives should applicants consider? If school graduates have difficulties with choosing a career path, then the internship is the best option. In fact, an intern still depends on parents, as he or she receives no money or minimal salary. The work experience that a student gets during the internship is valued even more than a diploma. In addition, an internship will help to understand whether a graduate is interested in this career or not. In case students have already picked their sphere of interests, they can apply for an entry-level job to try their hand. Not all companies are ready to hire applicants without a college diploma, but some of them are ready to interview even the youngest candidates. A four-year work experience is definitely more appreciated than a diploma. Besides, good employees don’t remain in junior positions for a long time. One more alternative is to pay for private courses. A great advantage of this type of education is an absence of obligatory disciplines and lectures. Students study exactly what they want and do not waste time. A few months of high-quality courses is equal to a year or two of college. Plus, students may also take advantage of the new connections, as private courses hire good specialists who can become their future employers. American society keeps changing, and young people have to be adaptable. Although going to college has a few advantages, high school graduates have alternatives that they should consider before applying. Internship, work, or private courses can give graduates as many opportunities as a classical college. Modern youth should not stick to obsolete rules when choosing their path to success.

How WritingCheap Can Help with Essay Writing

In the sample above, one of our talented writers explores the reasons to go to college. This essay is also dedicated to the alternatives that our high school graduates should consider along with applying to a prestigious college. As you can see, the rule “college = success” has become outdated. Today, you can become an intern, build your career as a junior specialist, or take private courses. Each of these paths gives you many great opportunities to develop your professional skills and become a more valuable and well-paid employee.

But if you already study at college, you probably have to deal with obligatory disciplines and plenty of homework assignments. If you need some fresh air, apply to our cheap essay writing service . We’ll help you to get better grades effortlessly! Our expert writers provide students with plagiarism-free samples to help them with their homework. Place your order and improve your academic performance now!

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Stephanie owen and stephanie owen assistant professor, economics department - colby college @steph_r_owen isabel v. sawhill isabel v. sawhill senior fellow emeritus - economic studies , center for economic security and opportunity @isawhill.

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