A Four-Year Degree in Dollars and Cents
When it comes to education, there is no denying that the longer you stay in school, the better off you are in terms of earning potential over the course of your lifetime. Recent estimates, on the other hand, have presented some rather astonishing figures to support these claims, and I for one believe they are well worth mentioning.
However, let us start with the basics. A high school diploma will net the average citizen an extra $200,000 in lifetime earnings. However, this is only a first step in the educational process. Some colleges, even without a degree, will raise that figure by another $150,000, bringing the total to $350,000. If this isn’t enough to persuade you, consider the facts and figures associated with the increased earning potential that a four-year degree brings: $500,000. This addition increases earning potential by $850,000 over the course of a lifetime. I don’t know about you, but those figures are a great motivator for me to go back and finish my degree.
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While education may not be an accurate indicator of a person’s actual ability, it is frequently used in the business world to narrow a growing field of applicants for a sadly stagnant number of positions across the country. There are some things that you just can’t see on paper, and ability and capabilities are among them. Businesses require a distinguishing factor to narrow the field of potential employees, and that distinguishing factor is frequently a college degree in the field of business or a complementary major course of study.
While this may appear unfair to many who have practical skills, companies are looking for employees who can fill multiple roles in order to eliminate positions that have previously been occupied. As a result, they prefer businesspeople with technical skills, and a college education provides a brief overview of many skills that are useful in these situations. Unfortunately, the only way to know if you have these specific skills is to list them on your resume, whereas those with a four-year degree are assumed to have them by virtue of their educations.
When it comes to the importance of earning a college degree, the earning potential alone should be enough to turn your head, but there are many more excellent reasons to pursue the completion of your degree. If you haven’t already considered some of the other wonderful reasons for returning to college and earning your degree, the reasons listed below may provide some additional motivation.
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1) Confrontation. There are few challenges in life that compare to returning to college after a break. Many people find it frightening, but it can also be exciting. You will discover that constant exposure to academic debate is an excellent way to feed your mind and broaden your horizons. Open your mind to the thoughts and ideas of others to challenge your preconceptions and the limits of your own experiences.
2) Acquire New Skills. Whatever they say about old dogs and new tricks, there is never a bad time to start learning new skills. The truth is that as long as you are open to learning, you are feeding it, which is a good thing.
3) Professional development. Whether you realize it or not, a college degree is one of the quickest ways to advance in your career.
If the money wasn’t enough to persuade you of the importance of a four-year degree in your life, perhaps the reasons listed above will. Whether or not you realize how much a degree can change your life, the truth is that it can change so many aspects of your life and how you see yourself and the world around you. Now is an excellent time to return to school and complete your degree.
