The College Educational Investment And The Rise Of Tuition Fees In American Colleges

Many students have a plan in place that they follow. They are expected to go to a four year university or community college after they graduate. Many students are even looking to grad schools after they finish college. Increasingly, students are questioning this process. The cost of college tuition is increasing exponentially. Parents and teenagers are wondering if it’s worth spending tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Due to the high cost of college, students and their parents are more concerned about whether or not it is worth the tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Many students opt to attend trade school instead of college to avoid the general requirements that seem to be imposed by many college curricula. However, it is still worthwhile to study passions, take classes because they are interesting, and sit in classrooms. Yes, paying for college tuition will pay off in terms of tangible skills. However, it also comes with many valuable lessons and experiences. A college degree can be a logical step to a lucrative job, but it also improves societal interactions for life. It is the main reason that students give for attending college. Many people think a Bachelor’s Degree is required to receive these benefits. But, even completing a Community College is enough. Jonathan Rothwell’s article “There Are Economics Benefits From Getting a Degree” states that “Among those employed, the median employee with a college education earns 84 % more than their counterparts who only have a highschool diploma.” Rothwell points out, too, that those with a few years of college and an associate degree will earn 16 per cent more. His data shows that college is still worth it, even if you have to pay exorbitant fees and have record-high debt. This economic benefit is not only good for individuals, but also the entire society. More people who are college educated will earn more and be able to contribute more money to the economy. The most successful businesses that help create jobs and boost the economy of the country are often started by entrepreneurs with college degrees (Rothwell). It is for this reason that an educated populace is beneficial to a nation. Although the current generation may be tempted to think that the cost of college is too high for the lifetime earnings, research has shown that obtaining a degree remains one of the best investments you can make.

Attending college improves communication, timemanagement and critical-thinking skills. Many students are only interested in the information provided by their college class that pertains directly to their career. The life skills students learn in college, whether it is English, Math, or History, are often overlooked. College courses with high standards and rigor teach life skills that are not only useful in a specific field but also in other careers and everyday life. Carlo Rotella explains the importance of college by stating that it doesn’t matter what you majored in. Carlo lists these skills as being learned from successfully completing a challenging class. It is not enough to fulfill the writing requirement. Students must also learn persuasive communication skills. Basic science courses not only help students to meet their lab requirements, but they also teach them how to quickly think and respond when faced with a challenge. The math course might lower the student’s grade, but it teaches them time management through their nightly homework, and they can see different perspectives when solving problems. Even these skills can show that a student has the potential to be employed. Rotella says that this is more important than knowledge in a major-related class.

In college, students often have to interact with different people. This helps them develop a better understanding of others and an open-mindedness. In many cases, it is the first encounter a student will have with people of a higher socioeconomic level or racial background. In order to learn about different cultures and perspectives, it is vital that everyone has the opportunity to encounter diversity. In “Both Racially Diversity and Classes Diversity Benefits College Campuses,” Lee Bollinger writes, “Empirical research has demonstrated that exposure in a culturally varied campus community environment is beneficial to students when it comes to critical thinking and enjoyment of reading, writing, and intellect curiosity.” Students who attend a college with a diversity of cultures are forced to interact with people they might not otherwise have met. To keep the peace, it is important that students learn how to effectively communicate with people who are different from themselves, and prepare them for their future jobs. Students who have been in a homogenous environment their entire lives may find it difficult to understand and relate to people from other cultures when they enter the workforce. Attending a diverse university makes students better people, less likely to be racist, and allows them to live peacefully with other cultures.

Students who become better educated will be able to contribute more to society by understanding different perspectives and analyzing political rhetoric. The population is also hurt by limited access to education. In a democracy, if the majority of the population is uneducated, it will be difficult for them to make good decisions and they won’t know how to recognize when their democratic rights are being eroded. Andrew Delbanco’s “3 Reasons Colleges Still Matter” touches on education as part of his arguments. Students who are educated can tell if a politician is being truthful or making a false argument by using biased and unreliable claims. The students will be able to use their critical thinking to determine which questions they should ask to get the most comprehensive and accurate answers. In philosophy, students have read Plato’s thoughts on government and learned how to run a government smoothly. Political science has taught them the differences between different types of government, and they now know how to vote for a government that will fulfill their personal ideal. After studying history, they have written essays with analytical content that can help them to avoid the mistakes made in the past. By participating in group activities, making presentations and having heated discussions, they learned how to present and counter arguments. They may be able to enter the political field themselves. Students are more likely to vote after completing college, as they have learned to ask questions, research and make informed decisions.

Some people say that going to college can cost money. Stephanie Owen and Isabel Sawhill admit that a college degree is a good investment, but they point out that it is not always the best. This depends a lot on your chosen school, its cost and what you study. Researching before enrolling in school will help students get the most out of their education. A student may choose to attend community colleges or state schools over private institutions, and can also decide what major to pursue based on their expected earnings. Although some students believe it’s better to start working straight after high-school or attend a vocational school, they are missing out on many of the benefits associated with college. Owen and Sawhill also agree with this statement, noting it in the article. “Research has shown that additional educational opportunities can enhance overall wellbeing through factors such as marriage, parenting skills, job satisfaction and social interaction. Education also has social benefits, including reduced crime and greater political participation. Even if they don’t receive economic benefits, all the other points are still applicable to them and will make their lives better. Although making money is the main reason society accepts for people to attend college, this does not mean that everyone should do so.

Often when a student reveals their costly college or unpractical degree, the listener will criticize them and suggest that they choose something else to help them earn more money. In our society, college is often a question of economics. The cost of college is forcing students to abandon their dream schools or to drop out altogether. It is not allowed to study what you love because it will make your life better. Our country must be made aware of the other reasons for going to college. Many people are surprised that they exist at all. Many people would be surprised to find out that there are any.