College: It’s Worth Every Penny

July 26, 2010 12:00 pm     Posted in College, Reality  Alexandra Gehringer g+ page

Here at College Candy, we’re huge supporters of the college experience.  Whether you’re navigating the sometimes-choppy waters of freshman year or dealing with a horrible roommate, dealing with an LDR or preparing for graduation, we think all these experiences are crucial to shaping post-high school you.


By Alexandra Gehringer

Apparently not all of you agree with us, though.  The Wall Street Journal is reporting that only 63.5% of those aged 18-29 believes college is a good investment. Somewhat more shocking is that 61.5% of those over 65 agree that college is a worthwhile experience.  These numbers have dropped significantly since 2009- from 76.7% and 82.1% respectively.

Given the current economy, it’s not difficult to see why young people regret or want to avoid strapping themselves with hefty student loans.  But for people who went to college over forty years ago, have they not enjoyed receiving a significantly higher paycheck?  Or working in a field that requires a degree?  Do they think that spending four years among other educated young people, sharing ideas and growing together as a generation, isn’t important?

I know we often talk about the more lighthearted highs and lows of campus life, but the truth of the matter is that colleges genuinely benefit those who graduate from their hallowed halls.  Between tailgating and hooking up, five days a week you’re sitting in a classroom actually learning something and working towards a degree that will help you earn almost double what you would with only a high school diploma.  Prior to reading this study, I would’ve felt this is the point at which you’d all be shouting “Duh!”, but I question that now.

College is considered an investment for a reason.  While you may be feeling the financial strain of debt now, know that down the road you’ll make out better than your non-degree-toting counterparts.  The jobs you receive will likely include a more complete package of health benefits, your salary will be higher, and frankly you won’t be working at Baby Gap until you’re able to retire at 75.

I realize college isn’t for everyone, and I’m not suggesting you force it to suit your lifestyle.  But if the reason you’re reconsidering four years of bunk beds and communal bathrooms is because of the bleak job market we’re dealing with now, perhaps you need to think again.

8 Comments on "College: It’s Worth Every Penny"

  1. Karis says:
    Mon, 26th Jul 20108:02 am 

    I think that you are mis-reading the results of this survey.

    People want to go to college for the cliche (but fun and awesome) parts of college: the hook ups, the parties, the sports, the all nighters. However, these are things that can be achieved at much lower prices outside of the educational system. I, for one, am struggling to pay for the school I currently attend and love. While yes I could stay here and finish my undergraduate schooling, I would also be putting myself into an insurmountable amount of debt while attempting to navigate one of the worst job markets we've been faced with (and as a journalism major to boot). Even transferring to a state school with in-state tuition will still be a financial strain.

    Facing this much financial burden without the guarantee of a job is a lot to take on, and can seem (at times) to be pointless.

    We all agree and know that you get paid more and generally have a better life with better experiences to look back on and grow from if you go to college. However, with the recession, terrible job market, and rising costs of education, the price of these experiences can easily be seen as not worth it. Its more of a cost/benefit debate rather than whether people are losing sight of the experiences college offers.

  2. A says:
    Mon, 26th Jul 20108:03 am 

    College is only an investment if you go into the business field, the capitalist pipe dream. College is a necessity if you want to be an academic, however it is obvious by lack of funding and low pay, that education is valued less and less in a capitalist society. College life however is priceless, but for those of us with no finances and those who don't have dreams in the corporate world, its tough to enjoy the college life when you know you will have to struggle financially in the future if you follow your heart.

  3. Scott says:
    Mon, 26th Jul 20109:59 am 

    College is so important! Here is a great article on the colleges whose graduates earn the most money during mid-career:

    http://helpsavemydollars.com/2010/07/college-grad…

  4. Danielle says:
    Thu, 29th Jul 20106:17 am 

    Re: Scott

    You have to consider the field of work they are in as well. That's great they are making 100k+. However, it's unrealistic to assume that a grade school teacher or a social worker will be making 100K +.

  5. Star says:
    Sat, 7th Aug 201010:19 pm 

    It's much better to explore the job market and find out what you want to do, then go to college. You'll see what skills you actually need and if you need a college degree for your field or not. I'm very tired of hearing "college is for everyone, you'll make so much more money." No, you probably won't. Only a few select degrees do, and even then you have to have excellent financial skills and a lot of luck.

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