Is College Right for Me? The Pros and Cons of College
Let us help you take a leap towards new opportunities. Click here to get started.
Today in the United States, there is a major push to get students to attend college after high school graduation. Whether a teacher is talking to the parents of second graders about saving money for college, or a high school guidance counselor is assuming that a sophomore already knows which school they want to go to once they graduate, it is clear that the majority of educators assume that college is necessary for all students who want to be successful. In spite of all of this pressure to attend a university, many people still wonder if post-secondary education is actually worth it. Are there disadvantages of not going to college?
As an individual trying to plan out their future, you may be evaluating whether or not college is the right choice for you. To help you determine whether post-secondary education is the best fit for your plans, we have organized some information that may be helpful.
College Pros and Cons
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or you are considering going back to school as an adult, you might be wondering “Is college right for me?” Although college has many advantages, it’s not for everyone, and there are many factors that should be evaluated before making a decision. There are many pros and cons of going to college and we would like to help you make the right decision before deciding to go back to school. Continue reading to learn the pros and cons of going to college and determine if college is right for you.
Pros of College
College creates a foundation for career success Starting out in an industry without an education or skills can be overwhelming. College not only provides students with knowledge specifically related to their major or field, it also equips them with the necessary communication and teamwork skills to succeed in the workplace. Those who have a college education are better prepared for the workforce, leading to better performance, faster advancement, and higher pay.
[contact-form-7 id=”31766″ title=”Be a better person of your self form” html_class=”gray-form”]
College helps you establish connections and network
College provides numerous opportunities to connect not only with classmates, but with teachers and mentors who prove to be an invaluable contact and source of information in the future. Establishing connections with people who are interested in the same field will serve you well when looking for employment. Establishing connections while in college can help you find a job in the future.
College provides opportunities for internships and entry-level jobs
Most high school graduates are not equipped with the necessary skills to obtain a job in their desired field straight out of high school. This is why the internship and entry-level job experience typically made available to college students is so valuable. There are very few people who have the perfect combination of skills to obtain a successful career without some formal education, so those who decide not to attend post-secondary school are taking a risk.
A college degree can improve your earning potential
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those who have an associate’s degree earn approximately $8,000 more per year than high school graduates, and those who have a bachelor’s degree earn about $24,000 more per year. This can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of a lifetime. Think of college as an investment in your future. Even if you have to spend money and time to earn a degree, it will pay off in the long run.
Cons of College
College is time-consuming Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or graduated from high school long ago and are considering going back to school, keep in mind that college will take up most of your spare time for the two-plus years you attend. To do well in college, you have to devote a large portion of your time to your schoolwork and studies. If you’re not willing to devote a lot of time toward earning a degree, college may not be right for you.
Some jobs don’t require a college degree
Most jobs nowadays require a college degree, however, there are some fields that don’t require a college education. In addition, those who have a college degree will have a competitive edge when applying for jobs over those who do not – even in fields where a degree isn’t required. Although it is possible to find a decent job and make a good salary without a college education, it is much easier and more likely with a college degree.
A college degree does not guarantee a job in your field after graduation
Although a college degree in your desired field can help you get your foot in the door, it isn’t a guarantee of employment. Some people struggle with finding a job after college graduation because their field is too competitive or is so specialized that jobs are scarce. One way to avoid this is to do your research about the fields you are interested in beforehand. the Bureau of Labor Statistics website is a good source for information about expected job growth in a particular field.
If you’re considering college, choose a school that will provide you with the skills you need to pursue a stable, rewarding career. Fremont University offers in-demand degree programs that take just 15 months to complete. Fremont University offers the following degree programs: Multimedia Design, Business Leadership, Paralegal Studies, and Sports Therapy. Find out how Fremont University can prepare you for a rewarding career by offering career-focused education. Contact us today to learn more or request a free career guide.
The Journey of College
To obtain a college degree, there are several different routes you can take, so while you are deciding if college is right for you, take the time to consider your options.
Associate’s Degree (2 Years)
The first option for post-secondary education is to obtain an Associate’s Degree, which most colleges offer in two years. This type of degree can open doors to many technical jobs, and depending on which field you want to enter, can be sufficient for providing entry-level knowledge and experience for your career. Graduates with this type of degree earn approximately $8,000 more per year than those with only a high school diploma.
Bachelor’s Degree (4 Years)
The second option for post-secondary education is to earn a Bachelor’s degree, which most colleges offer in four years. This degree opens doors to the majority of career fields, allowing you to choose from a variety of options, depending on the specialization you choose in your studies. Graduates with this type of degree earn, on average, $24,000 more than their high school graduate counterparts.
Taking the Next Steps
If you decide that college is the right fit for you, the next step is to choose which university you want to attend. It is vital to choose a reputable school that can properly equip you for your career. Here at Fremont University, we understand that your time is valuable, so we offer degree programs that take only 15 months to complete. Our programs of study include Sports Therapy, Multimedia Design, Business Leadership, Paralegal Studies (ABA-Approved), Digital Marketing, and many more. Contact us today to learn more about our programs or to request a career guide to direct you as you begin your college education.
