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What are the Advantages of a College Education?

K. Gierok
K. Gierok

One of the most important advantages of a college education includes a more secure financial future. In fact, some studies suggest that those who complete a college education can make twice as much money as those who do not seek the same amount of education. Financial considerations are not the only benefits of a college education, however. Additional benefits include better time and money management skills, as well as improved social skills. Social skills are not only important in the workplace, but can also help when looking for a job, a house, or a great investment.

One of the most important benefits of a college education is an increase in income. According to some research, individuals who completed a four-year degree were likely to earn almost twice as much money over the course of their lives than those who simply graduated from high school. In addition, individuals who complete a college education typically have an easier time finding jobs than those who did not achieve the same amounts of education. This means that they are out of work for shorter periods of time, and therefore again will experience an increase in income versus those with only a high school education.

Hoover Tower at Stanford University, one of the top universities in the US.
Hoover Tower at Stanford University, one of the top universities in the US.

Those who receive a college education also typically experience better time and money management skills than their peers. This is thought to be caused in part to an increased push in the amount of education provided to students about these issues, but may also be due to employment requirements during college. In many cases, students who are receiving a college education must not only attend classes, but must also work part or even full time in order to help pay their tuition fees. These students, therefore, must learn quickly how to manage both their time and money in order to succeed both in school and at their jobs.

College students attend class and juggle various responsibilities like extracurricular activities and work.
College students attend class and juggle various responsibilities like extracurricular activities and work.

Some research suggests that individuals who received a college education exhibited better social skills than those that did not. An expanded cultural environment, as well as an increase in socialization opportunities are believed to be the primary contributors to these improved social skills. In some cases, individuals who receive a college education stayed in contact with friend from college past the age of retirement. A strong social network is not only important for mental health, but can also be essential when looking for a job, house, or investments.

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    • Hoover Tower at Stanford University, one of the top universities in the US.
      By: Ritu Jethani
      Hoover Tower at Stanford University, one of the top universities in the US.
    • College students attend class and juggle various responsibilities like extracurricular activities and work.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      College students attend class and juggle various responsibilities like extracurricular activities and work.