Kammari Teeter
The belief has always been if you get a college degree you get a high paying job and possibly a great career. Overtime, many people would get these degrees and still struggle to find a good paying career. Many students spend so much money, time taking classes, and end up in debt because of college. Is a degree that can possibly get you a good paying career worth It?
The College Board states that the average cost of attending a public school for in-state students is $27,330 per year, while the total cost of attendance at private universities averages $55,800 per year. This means that your degree will cost you about $109,320 or more.
Although there is a rising cost, having a college degree is deemed to be extremely profitable to graduates. Those who have a bachelor’s degree earn more money than those who only have a high school diploma. A big number of jobs require a degree and experience, according to the Georgetown University Center on Education. Workforce predicts that 70% of all jobs will require some college education by 2027.
As the cost of college continues to rise, students are left with more debt. According to The Institute for College Access and Success, 63% of college graduates left school with a student debt, with an average balance of $28,950. Many students are left with the struggle of how they will pay off their debt and make a good living from their career.
Students wont only deal with the hardships of debt, but also the struggle of finding a high paying job. Many students are told that if they go to college, success is guaranteed. This can be true for others, but for most that isn’t their reality. Students think they can rack up all this debt, because they will have a high paying job to pay it back. According to a National Association of College and Employers (NACE) survey, the average salary in 2022 for college graduates is $55,260. Also having the weight of paying student debt back leaves graduates with little to no money.
A student is expected to graduate in four years or less; however, the Department of Educational National Center for Education Statistics states the average is about six years for first-time, full-time students and four and one – half years for adult learners.
College isn’t the only choice for people wanting to further their education and achieve success. Community College is one where some students can go for free or with a limited cost. Another alternative is trade school. The program is shorter than college programs, in which a student can graduate in six months or two years, and the average cost is $33,000 in total.
High school students always think of furthering their education. Luckily as the world is evolving, college isn’t the only way that you can earn a high salary and be successful. College has its positives and its negatives and so make the best decision that fits you the best.