Why Go to College or Technical School?
As more unskilled jobs move overseas and global competition increases, the value of a college education has never been greater. There is no question that a college education opens doors — to better jobs, greater financial security and a higher standard of living.
More Money: On average, a person who attends college or other training or educational programs beyond high school earns a lot more money than a person who doesn’t.
Economic Value of a College Education
High School Graduate |
College Graduate |
|
|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Income | $31,500 |
$50,900 |
| Lifetime Income | $1,000,000 |
$1,610,000 |
*Note:
The income is based on year-round, full-time workers.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, 2006 Annual Social and Economic Supplement
And money isn’t the only reason to consider a particular career. Remember that a job that pays well usually offers more greater freedom and more choices in your personal life.
Real-Life Examples
(from U.S. Department of Education Student Aid on the Web)
People with a college education typically earn more money during a shorter span of time.
Buying Groceries
- Terry is a dental assistant (two years of college). Terry will earn enough money to buy groceries for a week after working only one day.
- Pat is a high school graduate and works as a salesperson in a department store. To buy the same groceries, it takes Pat three days.
Buying a Car
- Jamie is a college graduate and works as an accountant. Jamie will earn enough money to buy a new four-door compact car in about one year.
- Chris never went to college and works as an aerobics instructor. It will take her about three years to buy the same car.
More Job Opportunities: People with a college education or additional training generally have more jobs to choose from. And, people with degrees are less likely to lose their jobs (something to keep in mind when you have to pay your own bills someday)!
More Freedom: As a college student, you’ll experience freedoms as you never have before, such as
- living on a college campus with other students,
- meeting people from all over the country and world,
- studying abroad (see, it pays to learn a foreign language) and
- choosing your own cool courses such as Cyberspace Culture, Television in American Culture, Writing for the Theatre or Computer Graphics.
Keep Your Options Open: Thinking ahead doesn’t mean you have to know right now what you want to do “when you grow up.” It’s okay not to know yet.
And, for many young people, a traditional college education may not be the ideal answer. According to the Texas Workforce Commission, graduates from community and technical colleges not only earn higher wages than high school graduates, they also have more sophisticated job skills and better “marketability” in the working world. Whether you send your child to a four-year university, a community college or a technical or trade school, the knowledge and skills gained will provide a lifetime of benefits.
Even if you’re not sure, keep exploring careers, school choices and funding options — be ready!
