Introduction
In today’s rapidly changing workforce, going to college after high school is advisable. The change in the employment scene makes it clear that more and more jobs now demand a college education. The change, combined with the many advantages of going to college, makes it a logical choice for high school graduates looking to have a happy and rewarding life. College after high school is a win-win choice that can increase an individual’s chances of finding a career, help him become a well-adjusted adult, and add to the health of society.
Body
Although the job market is changing, it is precisely because jobs now require higher knowledge and skills. In the recession of 2007-2010, as jobs requiring a college degree grew rapidly, those for high school graduates or those with some college education declined sharply. This trend underlines the need for a college education to adjust to changing needs in the labor market. Furthermore, the unemployment rates strengthen the incentive of higher education. As of December 2019, the rate of unemployment for people over 25 with bachelor’s degrees was only 1.9 %, which is lower than the rates (listed in descending order) for those with some college or an associate’s degree (2.7 %), high school graduates (3.7 %), and high school dropouts (5. The figures assert that higher education provides an avenue to employment and may guarantee a degree of job security that would be unheard of without a college degree.
Besides studying and learning, colleges become places for professional development and contact. All the resources colleges provide–career services, internships, job fairs, and volunteer programs–help prepare students for the job market. More than 80 % of college students take part in internships before graduating, acquiring practical experience and important contacts for their professions. There are many channels on college campuses for networking, which is an integral part of career development. From fraternities and sororities to clubs, students can make connections that will last beyond graduation.
The most compelling reason to go to college after high school is the significant financial gain it promises. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s calculations, a bachelor’s degree has given an average rate of return over even that from the stock market or housing. During a lifetime, college graduates make $ 570,00 more than high school graduates. Their career earnings are 71 %to 136 %higher. This correlation is reflected in Forbes ‘list of America’s richest people, 85 % of whom have a college education. College is an even more significant financial investment, and college graduates also have lower rates of underemployment than high school-only graduates or those with no high school diploma.
Outside of academics, colleges also develop vital personal skills, which are the key to success in life. The campus communities are many and varied. Students become acquainted with different cultures, religions, and viewpoints, which provide them with a deeper understanding of the world. Via a poll of 11,000 college students, interpersonal skills proved to be the skill most needed in daily life. Furthermore, college graduates’ contributions to society are not limited to their professional lives. Higher productivity, lower crime, better health, and better citizenship come from a college education.
The college offers more than just professional benefits. Its effects also include health and longevity of life. According to studies, 83 percent of college graduates report being in excellent health, up from the high school graduate’s 73. Adults over 65 with college degrees have more years spent in good cognition and fewer years suffering from dementia. This health boost does not stop with the individual but carries over to their family. Also, a college-educated parent can provide a stable environment and support the family unit. However, schools, in particular, should combine traditional college courses with vocational ones.
Conclusion
Going to college after high school is not only a good decision but also a wise strategy. It opens many great doors for one’s career. It offers rich opportunities for personal development while contributing more than its fair share to the well-being of society as a whole. The various advantages described in the previous section of this argument emphasize just how crucial a role higher education plays in teaching individuals to live and lead a vital and rich existence. The figures speak for themselves, and the costs of gaining a college education pale compared to its benefits, making it an essential investment for every high school graduate.
References
ProCon.org. (2023, June 29). Is a College Education Worth It? Procon.org; Britannica. https://college-education.procon.org/
Freedman, D., & Davis, L. (2018). Linfield Magazine Linfield Magazine College or Career? College or Career?https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1709&context=linfield_magazine
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