With college tuition costs rapidly increasing, more and more students are questioning whether it is worth it to pursue higher education. As it turns out, a college education is still a wise investment. Here’s why.

Increased Earning Potential

It’s estimated that for every dollar a person invests in higher education, they will enjoy over $30 in increased lifetime income! That’s a return on investment that anyone on Wall Street would envy.

Similarly, people with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of $1.6 more over their lifetime than those with only a high school diploma, according to the Postsecondary Education Opportunity Research Letter. Meanwhile, the average incomes of those with a high school education are sinking. Given this atmosphere, you can’t afford not to go to college.

Improved Job Prospects and Benefits

College graduates aren’t just more prosperous — they have a wider array of careers to choose from.

The number of jobs that require a college degree is increasing. Some jobs require a specialized college degree; other employers simply value college graduates because they have the skills and knowledge base that high school graduates lack.

In addition, the process of attending college frequently makes students aware of subjects and fields they wouldn’t have otherwise considered — opening doors for lucrative, rewarding careers.

Having a college degree is an advantage, regardless of your major and the industry you wish to enter. And in some cases, if you desire a job that doesn’t actually require a college degree, your education is likely to net you better pay and benefits than a person with less education.

Lastly, careers restricted to college graduates are more prestigious, pay better, and offer great benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, and retirement benefits. These benefits are necessary to achieve financial security and stability, especially if you have a family.

Better Quality of Life

Numerous studies have shown that college graduates enjoy better health and quality of life, and they pass these advantages onto their children.

Compared to people with just a high school education, college graduates have longer life spans, better diet and health, better access to healthcare, greater economic stability and security, more prestigious employment, better job satisfaction, more self-confidence, more savings, and more hobbies and leisure activities. College also tends to make people more rational, open-minded, consistent, and cultured.

In addition, the children of college graduates are healthier, perform better in school, and are more likely to attend college, compared to the children of high school graduates.

Lastly, we can’t overlook that college can — and should be — fun! Attending college presents amazing opportunities to meet new people, develop new skills, and explore your areas of interest.

College is also a great setting in which to grow personally, culturally, and intellectually. College students often have the opportunity to study abroad or to participate in other exciting learning experiences. In addition, the college environment invites students to explore academic disciplines, join student organizations, connect with professors, share ideas in a safe setting, and grapple with difficult problems. All of these activities prepare students to be productive citizens in today’s world.

Conclusion

Are you wondering how you’re going to afford college? Maybe you should be wondering if you can afford not to go, given all the advantages of a college education.

With grants, scholarships, and financial aid available, college is accessible to nearly anyone. And with today’s distance learning programs, such as the University of Phoenix’s respected online degree program, you can earn your degree while working full-time.