College Education

The value of a college education cannot be overrated. If you're a high school student, are you planning to go on to college? If not, you need to rethink your goals! Yes, college can be an expensive proposition, but there are many ways to tackle the financial obstacles. Although it may sound like a tired cliche, it's nonetheless true that a college education is the best investment you can make in your future. Here we'll outline the arguments in favor of pursuing your college education, while dispelling the myths and excuses commonly used as arguments against higher education.

Many kids regard school as a tedious, boring interruption to other more interesting lifestyles. You're anxious to be out on your own and figure that if you get out in the working world, you'll attain more independence and surely be able to advance, without the benefit of a college education. All you need to do to determine the truth or falsity of this premise is to check your local newspaper listings.

Jobs which do not require a college education pay far less than those offered to college grads. Entry level jobs available to high school graduates are overwhelmingly offered at minimum wage. Chances are, you haven't previously had to support yourself, paying for housing, utilities, food and clothing. A minimum wage scale is a subsistence wage and allows no room for extras. The best you can hope for is to advance to a supervisory position within a year or two, with wages only slightly better than your entry level start.

Here's a simple exercise that proves the point. Check your newspaper for housing. Choose a few ads which are in safe neighborhoods listing the amenities you need. Average the prices, including deposits and other fees. Ask friends in similar housing what they pay for their utilities. Add in a monthly food budget of at least $175, as well as the cost of entertainment and clothing. Don't forget car insurance and gas! Now figure your paycheck, based on 40 hours per week with a 15% deduction for taxes. Can you live on that? Even with a roommate, it's tough. You'll be walking into a situation with far less freedom than you now enjoy.

Let's say your circumstances don't allow you to continue living with your parents, so you must sustain yourself while getting a college education. Talk with your school counselor and your Human Resources department. Explain your situation. You'll be shocked at the number of grants and scholarships available to help you get a college education. Community colleges now offer distance learning, whereby you can work and attend classes online. Sure, progress may be slower, but the benefits of a college education last a lifetime. Even while working a full time job, you can easily earn a two-year degree through online coursework within three years.

There's just no excuse to bypass the lifelong advantages you'll gain with a college education!