It’s totally reasonable to question whether college is worth the financial investment as tuition prices across the U.S. continue to increase and the job market remains unpredictable. While these are real concerns, it’s also important to consider just how many great financial and professional benefits there are to obtaining a college degree! We share just a few below.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Higher lifetime earnings

Whether you choose to work toward an associate or bachelor's degree or earn a certification through a trade or technical program, a college education boosts earnings and reduces unemployment in the long run. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, bachelor’s degree holders typically have higher long-term earning potential than those with a high school diploma. In 2023, they on average earned nearly $2,376 more dollars per month–at least $28,500 more per year!

More job opportunities

With a college degree, you are more likely to be considered for higher-level positions and higher-paying jobs than someone without a degree. In a competitive job market, your degree shows that you have a deep understanding of your chosen area of study. Additionally, many industries may require degrees or certifications as a minimum qualification for entry. For example, if you are interested in being a cosmetologist or want to be a high school teacher, you will be required to have technical training and/or at least a bachelor's degree.

Access to more resources

Attending college gives you access to many professional resources that can benefit you both while you're still in school and after you graduate. For example, the career center can teach you how to draft a solid resume and cover letter, find a job or internship, prepare for interviews, build your professional network, and will give you access to your school's job portal, which can connect you to employers and mentorship opportunities near you. The resources offered through a college's career center are typically free to use, so we highly encourage you to take advantage of them!

Grow your professional network

College is a great place to start building your professional network. Professors and advisors can offer you guidance as you navigate career paths related to your major and connect you to professionals in that field to add to your network or hold an informational interview with. Additionally, your college community, such as your friends, classmates, club advisors, and coaches, can be a part of your network as well! Your professional network can be key in helping you secure job references and finding professional opportunities, and college is a great place to start establishing it. 

Is going to college worth it?

Overall, yes! Attending college will only open you up to many financial and professional opportunities in the future. However, we know that the cost of college plays a significant role in whether a student will attend. Fortunately, there are many forms of financial aid available to college students–like scholarships, grants, and loans–that can significantly decrease costs. 

As you begin to research colleges that are a good financial fit, check out uAspire's list of financially safer colleges, a list of both public and private universities that offer better financial outcomes to its students in terms of cost, net price, debt and repayment rates, and graduation rates. Having options to choose from can help you select a college that's financially feasible for you and your family. 

The cost of going to college can be daunting, but earning a college degree is a smart investment into your future. If you have any questions, we're here for you! Just text #College to 33-55-77 to chat with one of our advisors. If you're using a mobile device, click here to have the text message set up for you!