The Pros and Cons of College

By: McKinleigh Clarkson

Have you been thinking about your future? What kind of career do you think you would want to pursue? And most importantly, does your future require a college degree? These may be questions you might have been thinking about. Especially when High School is just around the corner. If you are not sure what to do yet, don’t fret! Here are the different advantages and disadvantages of attending college.

Pros

Going to college could help you discover your interests. Unlike high school, you are allowed to choose your classes. Or at least what your main focal point of study is. Regardless of the major you choose, you will still have to take some general education and electives. Attending these other classes could help you uncover a hidden interest. Maybe even something you never thought you would ever delve into and open a new door in your life. This may lead you to find interests and passions you may have otherwise not known that you had.

Attending college could also increase job opportunities and higher potential earnings. Depending on the industry that you choose to work in, a degree will likely impact your chances of getting a job. There also have been many studies that have shown how a college degree could impact one’s earnings. To put it simply, you are more likely to earn more money if you have a degree.

Networking is also a tremendous advantage to college. College students have chances to meet people from all over the world. Many college students take internships, which allows them to converse with potential future employers. This allows for a lower unemployment rate. College graduates have lower unemployment rates than those without a degree.

While college can certainly improve your skills like problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. It can also grant personal development as well. Students get to hone their skills through the college experience. College also fosters a feeling of independence that most people crave and teaches students to manage their own time and make reasoned decisions. These skills are definitely beneficial when it comes time for the students to deal with life in the real world.

Cons

Then again, college may not be the right choice for you. Going to college means that there is also an enrollment fee. The College Board has reported that the average total cost of attending a public college for in-state students is about $27,330. You can only imagine how much a private college would cost. Even if you qualify for financial aid, including scholarships and grants, the price tag can be discouraging. If you do end up attending college, you will most likely graduate with student loan debt. The cost of college has gone up so much that it is unlikely for you to be able to pay off the fee out of your pocket by working a part-time job. This means that you will most likely be going through payment methods by using a student loan to cover at least some of the expenses.

This is contradictory to what was stated in the Pros section, but high-paying jobs are not guaranteed. While a college degree is often promoted as the path to prosperity, it can be tougher than you’d expect to get a job on the market. According to the National Association of College Employers, the average starting salary for college graduates straight out of school is around $51,000. While that’s a comfortable income for most, many graduates will earn less than that.

College Alternatives

Don’t worry, there are many options that you can choose from. What matters is choosing which one would be the right one for you. Examples of options include community college, entrepreneurship, trade school, and studying abroad. These are only a few of the options that you can choose to pursue your dreams.

Attending a community college is substantially cheaper than attending a 4-year college or university. According to The College Board, the average cost of tuition at an in-district community college is just $3,770. At a community college, you can earn an associate's degree or complete certificate programs that lead to stable careers. 

Doing entrepreneurship is a great idea for those of you who have an idea for a business. As an entrepreneur, you can be your own boss and set your own salary. However, keep in mind that starting your own business can be risky, and it may be several years before your business turns a profit. To get help developing your ideas and creating a business plan, take advantage of resources offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Trade schools provide hands-on training for different skilled careers. The programs tend to be much shorter than college programs, with students graduating in 6 months or 2 years. There is also an increased demand for trained professionals, and you can earn a comfortable income if you ever choose to pursue a career after attending a trade school.

Studying abroad enables you to explore new academic interests while earning credits that apply to your major or general education course requirements. Additionally, you can participate in course offerings that are typically not available at your campus back home.

All these opportunities can be intimidating at first thought and not taking up any one of these options may seem appealing and that is okay. Some people enter the workforce as soon as they leave high school. However, it is also important to consider your options and make sure that you choose the correct one for you. Don’t let the pressure get to you and just follow through with what feels right.