College or Not?

Going to college is a big decision that many high school students make. While some people believe that attending college is the best choice, others argue that it is not necessary for success. There are valid reasons to both sides of the argument, hopefully this should help you to help determine whether or not you should go to college.

One reason to go to college is that it can lead to better job opportunities. “adults with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of $2.8 million during their careers, $1.2 million more than the median for workers with a high school diploma.” According to a study by Georgetown University. This means that going to college can provide better financial stability in the long run. On the other hand, attending college is not the only way to achieve success. Many successful entrepreneurs, such as Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, did not finish college. Instead, they pursued their passions and developed their skills through real-life experiences. This shows that a college degree is not the only path to success. Although Bill Gates stated in his 2015 blog  “Although I dropped out of college and got lucky pursuing a career in software, getting a degree is a much surer path to success.”

Another argument in favor of attending college is that it can provide a more well-rounded education. College courses can expose students to a wide range of subjects and ideas that they may not have been exposed to in high school. This can help develop critical thinking skills and lead to personal growth. However, college can also be expensive and lead to significant student debt. According to the Institute for College Access and Success, the average student loan debt for the class of 2020 was $37,584. This can take years to pay off and can limit financial freedom after graduation.

In conclusion, whether or not you should go to college is a personal decision that depends on individual circumstances and goals. While college can provide better job opportunities and a well-rounded education, it is not the only path to success. It is important to weigh the potential benefits and costs before making a decision.