You all know that I am a huge fan of higher education. Not only did I go to Colorado College for my undergraduate degree, I worked there for many years after graduating. Even with that said, I have questioned the value of my degree. Was it worth the money and time? Well, I always come to the same conclusion…IT WAS TOTALLY WORTH IT!
A recent poll indicates that 57 percent of Americans do not view a college education as a good value for the price. I knew that this number was on the rise, but 57 percent! HOLY COW!
Then, I came across an article in the Huffington Post by Jill Tiefenthaler, the new President of Colorado College, about this very subject. Obviously she has some bias too, but she makes some really great points about whether or not college is “worth the investment” that I’ll quickly highlight here:
- You are more likely to be employed if you have a college degree.
- Once you get that job, you are likely to earn more if you have a bachelor’s degree. The lifetime benefit net of opportunity and tuition costs for someone with only a bachelor’s degree is over half a million dollars and greater for those with more advanced degrees.
- Adults with a college degree are more likely to volunteer in the community,
- Adults with a college degree are more likely to vote,
- Adults with a college degree are more likely to live healthy lifestyles,
- and adults with a college degree have higher job satisfaction.
There are lots of links to statistics and percentages throughout her article, but these are just some of the highlights that she talks about in defending the choice to go to college, and if it’s worth it.
I have always said, you only get out of college what you put in (which Tiefenthaler also mentions). She says, “If you spend four years partying rather than studying, you can’t expect your degree to be worth as much regardless of the college you attend.” I think you can find balance in fun and work while at college, and I think BOTH are important. Most of my college memories come from the friends I made and the fun times we had (both on and off campus).
One point that is important to note is that, “we no longer live in a world where people hold the same job throughout their lifetime.” I don’t know if it’s generational or economic (probably a little bit of both), but jobs are a dime a dozen and people are always looking for greener grass.
What do you think? Is college worth the investment for your family? Do you want your children to go to college?
