Is College Really Worth the Money CareerMetis.com

Is College Really Worth the Money Photo Credit- Pexels.comWhat do Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg all have in common?They are all millionaires that never graduated college.Sometimes the allure of making it without attending college can be strong. In the past, a college education was something that only the rich could afford, and not everyone needed. You could make it in the world with only a high school education and a hard-work ethic.evalNow, entrepreneurship is on the rise, and many young high school graduates might be more excited to get their big ideas into production than to seek out college.But for every college dropout that made it, there are millions of students that never did. As alluring as it can be to do what you want, our world is not kind to those that pass up opportunities such as higher education.For some, money and experience can get them through life without needing college, but for most, college has become a modern-day necessity.However, college is also becoming increas ingly expensive. Student debt is out of control, and the cost of pursuing a degree is not feasible for many people. How can you weigh the pros and cons of college when it’s impossible to afford in the first place?Let’s dive into the facts behind college, how the price has skyrocketed but so has society’s expectations. Is college really worth the money?Pro: Why You Need CollegePhoto Credit â€" Pexels.comIn our modern day, it’s common to hear people equate a college education with a high school education in the ‘60s. In other words, our world has made getting a college education a necessity to achieving a middle-class income. To succeed in life, you need a college degree.But how accurate is this claim? If people like Zuckerberg and Gates can make it in life without a degree, how come others can’t?evalUnfortunately, millions of Americans have already tried that, and for every successful dropout that the media obsesses over, there are millions of dropouts that are struggling to make ends meet.As one writer with The Atlantic, Robert J Zimmer, explained: “These [dropouts] are the 34 million Americans over 25 with some college credits but no diploma. Nearly as large as the state of California, this group is 71 percent more likely to be unemployed and four times more likely to default on student loans. Far from being millionaires, they earn 32 percent less than college graduates, on average.”The stats simply are stacked against those that drop out of college, and it is even more stark when you break down the numbers by racial identity.Information gathered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2015, and reported on by CNN Money, show that college students So it is no doubt that college is a necessity if you want to succeed in life.However, two-year associate’s degrees are also more beneficial than no schooling at all: many holders of an associate’s degree make two-thirds more than those with only a high school education, although not as much as those with a four-year degree.This, according to the Hamilton Project, shows that college graduates make more than high school graduates at every point in their career.Opting In the past, college students could simply work through the summer to pay for the upcoming year, but that is no longer a feasible option for any student. Saving up from a summer job will hardly pay for the room and board of living on campus, let alone the cost of tuition.Student loans are also, unfortunately, not as helpful as they were originally intended. Sallie Mae Luckily, 2010 saw the end of Sallie Mae, but not before harming the lives of millions of Americans. Plus, how can anyone guarantee that nightmares like Sallie Mae won’t come back to haunt future students? If student debt is such an issue, but college is such a necessity, how can a young future college student make a decision?How You Can Make College Work for AnyoneUnfortunately for many, the cost of college education might be out of reach. Even with the help of student financial aid, some schools are simply too pricey for many young Americans. However, there are alternatives that any student and parent can get behind.For one, the best colleges are not the most expensive. Ivy League schools always come to mind as some of the best, but history and price does not equal an exceptional education.Many outstanding schools exist that will never make the top ten lists, and that are well within a reasonable price range for financial aid. Plus, those common US News World Reportcollege ranking guides are all based on arbitrary numbers that change every year, and many schools will lie to keep their rankings up. There is simply no scientific rating to accurately rank the best schools in America.Instead, you should shop aroundand look for the schools that fit your needs best. If that means small classes and lower costs, then so be it. Do your research on professors and degree programs, but don’t let arbitrary lists deter you from seeking o ut the best colleges.Plus, in-state public schools tend to be a better long-term investment than expensive private schools.Community colleges are also a wonderful option for low-income families, or even those students that are unsure about their degree path.Many community colleges offer quality education for a fraction of the price, and those credits can be transferred to bigger universities if students even want to switch schools. Since even an associate’s degree can increase your chances of having a better salary, it’s worth it to go at least for a few years.If you find later down the road that you enjoy it, you can always go back and finish up school with a bachelor’s, master’s, or even more. The more education you seek, the better your chancesof increasing your wages and avoiding unemployment.As for student loans, avoid taking out too much and certainly avoid private student loans. Additionally, make sure you (or your student) fills out the FAFSA, as this can help you se e what scholarships or grants you’re eligible for in the coming school year. The more free money you can get now, the less you’ll have to pay back once you get your degree.If you are questioning attending college, don’t force yourself into debt and a mediocre education, but provide yourself with the information you need to make an informed decision.College has become a rite of passage for many American youths, but it has also become a necessity in our current economy. It can be hard to swallow the cost of education, but there are many options out there that can make it a little easier to get that degree you need.