Benefits of Higher Education

In this day in age, education is everything. It is one of the most important factors needed to succeed in life. Having an education makes it easier for you to find a job, it earns you more money, and it makes for a better career.
First and foremost, one benefit of having a higher level of education is that it will make it easier for you to find a job. Certain jobs would rather you have a high school diploma before they hire you. And having a college degree is even better. Most employers, when choosing between a college degree holder and a high school graduate, usually choose the college graduate. More jobs are beginning to require college degrees for employment. (The Value of Higher Education) Being that fewer people have them, older men and women are beginning to settle for jobs working 9 to 5 such as McDonald’s and Burger King, while jobs requiring a higher education remain in serious need of help. Acquiring a better education doesn’t take very long either. Getting a Bachelor’s Degree takes about four years, and you could get a Master’s Degree once you complete at least one year of study after receiving a Bachelor’s Degree. (“Master’s Degree”)
Another reason why continuing your education after high school is important is that it earns you more money. Although money isn’t the most important thing in life, it is needed to live comfortably. More education would mean a lower unemployment rate. According to the Student Loan Factbook, statistics show that someone with a Bachelor’s Degree would make twice as much as someone with less than a high school diploma annually. And someone with a Professional Degree makes around $82,421 a year, nearly four times the amount of someone with less than a high school education. In 2001, 7.3% of the U.S. had less than a high school diploma. 4.2% had one, and 3.5% had some college education but did not obtain a degree. That 3.5% still made about $34,340 a year. That’s almost $12,000 more than the 7.3% without high school diplomas made. Someone with an Associate’s Degree could make about $36, 399 yearly, but only 2.9% of U.S. citizens had one. 2.5% held a Bachelor’s Degree, 2.1% held a Master’s Degree, and a mere 1.1% had a Doctorate’s Degree. The highest possible degree attainable is a Professional Degree. Those who have them make about $82,421 a year. Surprisingly, only 1.2% of U.S. citizens have a Professional Degree. (“Higher Education Statistics”) Based on an article written by Katherine Hansen, former college professor and speechwriter, found in Quintzine, studies show that compared to a high school graduate, college graduates have better access to health care, greater economic stability, greater job satisfaction, depend less on government assistance, and participate more in leisure activities. Having a higher education also exposes you to more people and a better environment. (“The Value of a College Education”)
Last but not least, having a college degree makes for a better career, instead of a dead end job. You can actually go to work everyday doing something you like to do. Colleges and Universities offer many different programs for degree seekers. There’s plenty of different fields to choose from to assure that there’s one that catches your interests. And when you finally finish the course, you’ll be certified in that area, and employers would feel more confident in hiring you. (“The Value of Higher Education”) Having a good career can erase some of the boredom and stress felt at an everyday 9 to 5 job. It’s also easier to hold on to a career than it is to hold on to a regular job.
All in all, having an education is a great thing. It is one of the most important things to hold on to. If you have knowledge, you have for certain one thing you can call you own and can never lose. Having an education can make you a happier and healthier person. You’ll be able to enjoy some of the finer things in life because you’ll have the time and money to do so. You’ll have a better life style, a better living environment, and more self confidence. And if you have a family, you’ll have something that you can share with them. Everyone is entitled to an education and I think that we should all take advantage of that.