Adults without degrees often have different reasons for going to college
than recent high school graduates. But are they the right reasons to go to college?
Top 10 Reasons Adults Should Go to College
Are you considering going back to school? Here are the top 10 reasons to go
to college for adults:
Money. The difference may not
be as large as it once was thought to be, but college graduates make more
money over their lifetimes than high school graduates--according to recent
calculations, probably between $250,000 and $450,000 more.
Conquering the worst job
market since the Great Depression. Recessions, even depressions, don't last forever, but
an education will be there your entire life. Just be sure to study for a
career in demand and don't take on more debt than you can repay.
Career Advancement. A college degree is
what the high school diploma once was--a requirement for entrée into most
better-paying, more fulfilling, and less physically taxing jobs.
Job security. Studies show that the
more education you get, the more likely you are to remain employed.
Self-Confidence and
Self-Respect.
For many, a college degree represents an achievement of a lifetime.
Accomplishing that does more than improve your resume.
Higher quality of life. College is required for
many jobs that provide health and retirement benefits. Those factors don't
just benefit you--they offer a better life for your loved ones, too.
To stretch. You'll meet new people,
experience new things and explore new interests. In short, you'll broaden
your horizons in ways you can't yet imagine.
For women, to have a
happier marriage. A newly released study prepared for the Council on
Contemporary Families found that young women who earn a college degree
marry for love and companionship, not out of economic necessity, and
they're more likely to stay married.
To tap the tuition
reimbursement plan. Many employers offer an often-overlooked employee
benefit: tuition reimbursement that can allow you to go to college for
free or at substantially less expense.
To get college credit
for your real-life experiences. If you've been in the world, some colleges may give you
"life experience credits" that can decrease the time and money
you invest in that degree. |
