7 Advantages of Having a College Degree

Bryan Miller
Published Aug 21, 2024

Is College Worth It? 7 Reasons You Should Take The Plunge

Pursuing a college education is such a crucial life goal that it has taken center stage in the “American Dream.” Attend college, secure a career, purchase a home, and start a family. Even if it is not usually that easy, it all begins with your college education.

Getting your bachelor’s degree has a lot of clear advantages. A college education is all about expanding your horizons. It gives you the intellectual and social tools you need to succeed in your personal and professional life.

Here are reasons why it is a good idea to get your college degree:

1. High Access To Job Opportunities

College degree programs can assist you in developing abilities that you can apply in your future employment. A few examples include communication, analytical thinking, and technology.

Degree holders not only have access to more employment, but are also more qualified for the already available positions. According to Burning Glass Technologies data, two million new jobs are listed online each quarter that demand a bachelor’s degree or higher.

2. You Become More Marketable

You will learn skills that will offer you a competitive edge in the labor market as you progress toward getting a bachelor’s degree. Employment requirements today need candidates with outstanding leadership, analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication abilities.

Additionally, having a bachelor’s degree will keep you in demand due to the continued increase in demand for talented, college-educated professionals in some of the fastest-expanding occupations, such as the healthcare sector.

3. Potential Networking Prospects

It is easier to conceive of the advantages of college degree education in terms of opportunities. However, the part that networking can play in this prospect is less commonly discussed. Having a professional network can help people learn about prospective job chances before others do, while others frequently gain jobs based on recommendations given by college friends.

Building a professional network can make the difference between landing a job and getting promoted, and these networks begin to establish in college.

4. Greater Earning Power

A College degree is a prerequisite for a pay increase in many jobs. The additional credential is advantageous for your company, possibly assisting with compliance or regulatory standards.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has disclosed the average income for workers with various levels of education, and there is a notable disparity between those with college degrees and those with other lower levels.

As seen in the report:

  • The typical weekly salary for people without a high school diploma is $520, or $27,040 yearly.
  • High school graduates anticipate making an average of $712 per week, or $37,024 yearly.
  • Earnings of associate degree holders average $836 per week or $43,472 annually.

5. Job Safety

Having a college degree can increase your employment stability. A College degree is viewed as an investment that will yield significant returns for both the employer and the employee.

In a PubMed Central study, college graduates are less likely to lose their jobs during a recession. There are no certainties, but you will be less likely to experience long-term unemployment if you have a college degree.

6. Contentment at Work

While a college degree can open doors to numerous job prospects, it is also required if you want to work in your field of interest. Your job satisfaction may increase as you work in a personally fulfilling field.

7. Career Development

Consider enrolling at a college if you want career advancement for certain employment. College can provide you with the credibility to apply for the post because higher-level roles could need you to have an undergraduate degree.

How To Find College Grants

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) provides students enrolled in four-year colleges or universities, community colleges, and career schools with various government funds. Check the grants program for more information and how to apply.

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