College: A Gateway to Success in America Essay

For years adults have been questioning whether or not college is worth its cost. Over time the price for college has increased drastically and the potential income of a college graduate is barely following that trend. As colleges become more wealthy and powerful, they’re too pricy for someone to afford without help and debt.

In the article, “Should Everyone Go to College?” (2014) Stephanie Owen and Isabel Sawhill discuss how much money it is to go to college. The average upfront cost of four years of college is $102,000 and private schools have a lifetime earnings premium of over $620,000. They explain that among young high school graduates and bachelor’s degree holders, working full-time would be $15,000; 23-25 year-olds with a bachelor’s degree make $12,000 more than high school graduates. Premiums associated with a college degree grow over a lifetime. By age 50 the gap has grown to $46,500 and the total premium for a bachelor’s degree is $570,000, and $17,000 for an associate’s degree. Financial aid has a big role in helping students go to

There are many choices and paths to choose when the time comes to attend college however, a question to ask is, is it worth it? If decided to attend college, the following decision to be made revolves around an area of study one would like to pursue and the topic of study that will be available for them. Though many can further their education in different ways, a couple of ways consist of attending a four year college (private/ public) or a community college. Not going to college at all is the other alternative, but is it really a smart idea? Most adults have continuously told young students all through high school to attend college. A student’s chance of economic success in the future can be risen due to a college education. Judith Scott-Clayton, who is an assistant professor of economics and education at Teachers College at Columbia University states, “Individuals with bachelor’s degrees earn about 60 percent more than those with just a high school diploma, who in turn earn about 40 percent more than high school dropouts.” Students who seek higher education, are more likely to experience a better future and a better life. The cost of going to college may seem overwhelming at times however, the experiences and education obtained throughout college is priceless in regards to the way one interacts with others on a global basis, has a stronger job stability, and has better employment benefits.

People will find that the authors say, going to college will be worth the expenditures. College is a lot of time and money. Today, college costs nearly $40,000 a year between tuition, rooming, supplies, and extra fees. Although, people may not want to find themselves buried in debt, after attending college. According to “Are We Getting Our Money’s Worth?” written by William Elliott, he states that “relying on student loans as the primary mechanism for financing college is a recent development.” Loans are how college is paid for in today’s generation, “loans have remained the largest form of financial aid available to students,” no student can afford college. Although, some are forced to go if they want to further their education. Owens and Sawhill mention, “the benefits of a college degree far outweigh the costs,” and “more educated workers earn more.” These authors give a valid opinion which people may

Going to college will set the basis for your career pathway in the future. High school students contemplate that college is not the right choice for them, but there are multiple benefits that come with a college degree. If students decide to attend college, they may considerate it a waste of time and stress. Unlike high school for some, college needs taken seriously. Attending college prepares and gives you knowledge on what to expect when you start the career. Those who attend college are more than likely to get a higher wage job then individuals who decided not to join.

Being a high school student college is a huge thing to think about. College is a great opportunity to makes new friends and open up a whole new chapter in your life. I believe that everyone should go to college, and receive a college degree. College could benefit everyone. The benefits of a college degree are endless. With a college degree you could accomplish anything. You would more likely to get a high paying job, and are able to build a better life for yourself.

The creation of modern technology has made America’s economy a skills based economy, which requires additional training beyond what a high school education can provide. However, with tuition rates soaring, many individuals are not able to earn a higher education. The majority of the jobs that would allow an individual to achieve middle class standing requires either an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. Consequently, many American’s are taking minimum wage jobs, limiting their ability to contribute more to the economy. If a higher education was available to everyone who wanted to advance their education and training, then many more Americans could achieve middle class, therefore, contributing more to our economy instead of furthering our debt by needing welfare and other government assistance programs. The president's proposal of "America's College Promise" to make community college free for responsible students would provide substantial improvement in the economic development if proper stipulations are set.

About a generation ago getting a college education was born out of the pursuit of knowledge, but now it has become a competition for students to get into the most accredited University right after they are handed their high school diploma. College tuition has become so expensive in the last ten years that people are now debating whether or not college it is worth pursuing right out of high school. A college education is what the student makes out of it, and if they 're only going to get a degree it is important to know that a college education does not guarantee a job and stable future. The majority of young adults at the end of high school don 't even know what career they want to pursue because of the restricting high school curriculum, so to remedy this people should consider community college or taking a gap year. Whether or not to get a college education depends on what the person wants to do. Four year college should not be the default after finishing high school in America.

Achieving the American Dream has been the ideal for people living in the United States for decades. People believed that the way to get there was through hard work, also known as the “Protestant work ethic”. The American Dream can vary depending on the person. Some people think that owning a house with a white picket-fence is the American Dream while others think that it is becoming a celebrity with a lot of money.

Going into a four-year college is the best decision out of any other choices we have out there. It will give us an edge financially and be able to earn more than other people. Some students would not often consider going to college after high school and would directly join the work force. According to the article “Is College Worth It?” published by New York Times Now, “The pay of people with a four-year college degree has risen compared to that of those with a high school degree but no college credit” (1). Those who took the time and effort may get paid more in the long run. Therefore, it is not a waste of time as some of our peers say. Indeed, college is more challenging compared to high school, but we must focus on how it will give us a better life in

With the rise in minimum wage nationwide, things cost a lot more. That doesn't mean you have $42,500 to pay for college yearly,(CNBC 2015). That's a lot of money if you're not working. Even state colleges are charging $19,000(CNBC 2015). And considering you're going to need a loan, That's going to add to our nationwide student loan debt of 1.2Trillion,(CNBC 2015). But due to the fact that you could earn enough money to pay back all that debt, it is still appealing to most people. The thing is going to college is a lot like gambling. You go hoping that you can get your degree, and earn more later on. But like gambling, you can lose everything.

Education and school, these both word always has been the main priorities for all of us. Pursuing the American dream of graduating college can be the best feel ever but it can also cost a price. College tuition is increasing more and more every year due to the fact of the rising economy. With student want to be successful in life they will need an education to a degree, which will land you a decent job in life. The problem is when the cost of gaining that degree outweighs the financial advantage to the career. Many of people are not able to pay for college out of their pocket. The result of this is that students seeking higher education are forced to take out an enormous amount of student loans. College tuition is on the rise, and a lot of students have difficulty paying for their tuitions. To pay for their tuitions, most students have to take out loans and at the end of four years, those students end up in debt. Student loan debts are at an all-time high with so many people graduating from college and having difficulties finding jobs in their career fields. So they have difficulties paying off their student loans and, they also don’t have a full understanding of the term of the loans and their options if they are unable to repay.This means that they are entering the workforce after college already thousands of dollars in debt and under water. I believe that students who borrow money from our government should not pay for their student loans.

One of the ways that going to college right after high school will have an effect on a student according to Daly and Leila, “Higher future earnings involves a four-year degree. Which will benefit one if they attend college as soon as they can” (Daly & Leila 98). This required an education of at least a four-year degree, which going to college is mandatory for a higher earning. Through that statement it relates to the fact that attending college as soon as someone is able to will benefit them in the long run whenever they are able to make earning in the career that they chose. As Blake stated, “Exposure to new peer

Many students take this approach: they go straight to college; a lot consider this the safe approach. A large number of students then are about the same age and have the same understanding of life and where they might want to take it. Going to college after high school can help students finish their education and career earlier than others. Students will be in the mode to study and learn. College offers training toward a career, as well as a great education. Plus, studying abroad is available if a student feels as if they need to travel. Nevertheless there are a couple of disadvantages of going straight to college. You won’t be able to discover the world, discover yourself.

What has my journey to graduation been like for me? My journey has been a crazy, fun-filled learning adventure. I met many goals and accomplishments I set for myself but I also faced some challenges on the way. For example, I finally met my goal of graduating with a 4.6 GPA and maintaining it. Also, I accomplished completing my last four years of grade school and now I am on the way to college. My last year has been interesting and there are many goals, accomplishments and challenges I can reflect on.