Is College Worth It? The Pros and Cons of Getting a US College Degree

Are you asking yourself Is College Worth It or if it’s the right path for you. If so, this article is for you. Let’s talk about the good things about going to college, like all the benefits, but also the difficulties you might face, like how much money you have to pay and how hard the work might be.

What are the benefits of college?

The first thing to do when trying to figure out if college is worth it is to look at the good things that come with getting a college degree in the United States.

You’ll have more career growth opportunities

One of the main selling points of college education is that a college degree opens more and better career opportunities.

For instance, people who have graduated from college are more likely to make more money than people who haven’t gone to college. The United States. The report of Education 2022 tells us that people who finish high school usually make about $36,600 a year, while those who finish college make around $59,600 a year.

People who finish college usually have a better chance of finding a job and have more options for jobs compared to those who didn’t go to college. The report also mentions that young adults in the United States, specifically those between the ages of 25 and 34, have a low rate of finding jobs. The percentage is 86% for students who have a university degree or higher, and 68% for those who have only graduated high school.

Personal growth and networking opportunities

Going to college helps you learn a lot of things, like knowledge and skills, but it also helps you become better at being yourself and getting along with others.

College friendships, studying in another country, connections with professors, and the pressure of exams are all life experiences that you will likely remember and will shape your cultural identity.

Going through education will make you feel more sure of yourself, make new plans for the future, and learn how to use your time wisely. College also lets you make friends from different countries or make connections with people in the business world, which can be helpful in the future.

Read Also: Reasons Why Online Education is the Future of Education in 2024

An opportunity to study abroad

Going abroad can be a good way to push yourself and try living in a different country. You have the option to either study for a full degree in another country or attend a different university for a few semesters. The benefits you receive will depend on the program you sign up for.

Erasmus+ is a really popular exchange program that lets students go to different countries in Europe and other places for up to a year. You can also receive an Erasmus+ grant to help pay for your travel and living expenses.

Also, consider the advantages in the long run: when you live in another country, you have the chance to learn a different language, study with friends from different countries, and immerse yourself in a new culture.

Moreover, employers these days are interested in candidates from various backgrounds. When you study in a foreign country, it makes your resume more impressive and demonstrates that you are prepared to put in the effort and push yourself in a new setting.

If you are unsure about studying abroad, you can take our free quiz called “Should I study abroad. ” that only takes 3 minutes to complete. The quiz will help you make a decision.

When it comes to studying abroad, there is no right or wrong place to choose. If you want to know our favorite places to study abroad, have a look at our Top 10 Places in the World to Study Abroad list.

You’ll develop your practical and academic skills

Do schools teach students the skills they need for real life. Knowing how things work in theory and being able to apply that knowledge in practice are both important.

Some universities and programs focus more on practical skills and experience. For instance, programs that focus on design and engineering help students learn practical skills and gain experience by doing things themselves. At the end of their Bachelor’s degree, students are usually required to do a major project and hand in a collection of their best work.

Academic skills like doing research, writing reports, giving presentations, communicating, and thinking critically are really important for lots of practical jobs. There are lots of majors that teach you skills that you can use for different jobs. Psychology programs teach students useful knowledge and skills that can be used in various jobs, such as therapy, user experience, and human resource management.

The challenges college students face

Colleges in the US can be expensive

Getting a college degree can be expensive in the United States. Here are some examples of costs you can expect to deal with during your college years:

• Tuition fees: include money to be paid to the university for education
  Administrative costs: include payments for application, visa, and insurance fees for international students
• Accommodation: includes the cost of your bedroom/apartment on Campus or off Campus. The amount depends on bedroom size, availability of rooms, cost of living, and position.
• Living and travel costs: includes money for transportation to/from airports, bus tickets, cost of food, and main daily expenses

Remember that the country you choose will decide how much you have to pay for your education and living expenses. You can look at our Country Guides to see how much it costs to study abroad in different countries.

College demands more of your time than high school

Is college more difficult than high school. Usually, yes College courses can be much harder than high school courses. They require a lot more studying and a real love for the subject you’re studying.

Building good habits for studying and improving skills for managing time can help you
overcome challenges. We made a free guide that gives helpful advice on how to get better at managing your time.

Some people have trouble adapting socially

Going to college usually means entering a big and varied social world. For a lot of people, this change can be difficult.

Many of us didn’t learn how to make friends from scratch. We just became closer to our classmates and neighbors because we were physically close to each other. In addition, it is harder to make friends as an adult compared to when we were kids because as adults, we have already formed our own habits and personalities to some extent.

The good news is that many people feel the same way in college, so there will be many others facing the same situation as you – trying to make friends and asking to spend time together.

Uncertain career outcomes

Not all college majors guarantee a job right after graduation. It’s a good idea to participate in internships, research projects, and networking events to improve your chances of finding a job and make connections in your chosen field.

Some students discover that they don’t really want to work in the same field they studied for, and it may be challenging to find a job in their new area of interest. If you feel like this applies to you, don’t lose hope. You are not the first or last person in this situation. Many people have switched their majors in college or have earned a new degree in a different subject. It’s important to think about what you are good at, what you like, and what makes you excited to find a job that you will enjoy.

Alternatives to College Education

If studying for a college degree for 3 years (or more) is not the right choice for you right now, there are plenty of other opportunities out there:

• Specialization courses: many institutions offer one-year courses in specific fields, such as cosmetology, design, or IT.
• Internships and apprenticeships: you can also seek an apprenticeship in your home country or abroad. For example, here’s the official U.K. government list of apprenticeships you can pursue in different fields. These include on-the-job training and taught lessons at a college or a training institution for up to 20 percent of their working hours.
• Online training courses: the benefits of this type of education certainly include saving time and fuel. Although some courses are quite expensive, they are innovative and open up many digital opportunities.
• Online learning platforms: this option is a smart alternative for people needing additional flexibility. Lessons are often recorded, and materials are uploaded to an online learning platform, so you can access them at any time.