A College Degree Is Worth the Effort and Expense
Dana Clark
ENGL 1010 C08
Mr. Wood
October 9, 2012
A College Degree is Worth the Effort and Expense
In today’s economy many people wonder if a college degree is worth the time, effort, and expense it takes to complete it. I, a twenty-seven year old who did not think it was worth it when I graduated from high school, have changed my position on the issue. I have had experience in today’s workforce and it is not easy to find a satisfying job with only a high school diploma and it is extremely difficult to find a job with decent pay and any benefits in which you have a chance of advancing in that career. These things are essential for a productive and fulfilling life. I believe that getting a college degree is well worth the time, effort, and expenses.
A report by the Pew Research Center found that college graduates make about $550,000 more than high school graduates over the course of their careers (Cass). This shows the significantly larger income opportunities of having a college degree versus only a high school diploma. Imagine the difference of making $465,000 compared to $1,015,000 over a thirty year career? Breaking that down for $465,000 would be $15,500 a year, $1,291.67 a month, $300.39 a week, and $7.51 a hour compared to $1,015,000 or $33,833.33 a year, $2,819.44 a month, $655.68 a week, and $16.39 a hour. It is a big difference!
In today’s workforce we have an increase in unemployment. The unemployment rate in 2010 was 5.4 percent for people with bachelor’s degrees and less for those with higher degrees, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Meanwhile, 7 percent of those with associate’s degrees and 10.3 percent of those with only a high school diploma were out of work (Cass). This shows that obtaining a college degree enhances chances of becoming gainfully employed.
Charles Wallace also writes about the demands of our workforce and our need for college education. Wallace quotes a report that “estimates the economy will create about 47
ENGL 1010 C08
Mr. Wood
October 9, 2012
A College Degree is Worth the Effort and Expense
In today’s economy many people wonder if a college degree is worth the time, effort, and expense it takes to complete it. I, a twenty-seven year old who did not think it was worth it when I graduated from high school, have changed my position on the issue. I have had experience in today’s workforce and it is not easy to find a satisfying job with only a high school diploma and it is extremely difficult to find a job with decent pay and any benefits in which you have a chance of advancing in that career. These things are essential for a productive and fulfilling life. I believe that getting a college degree is well worth the time, effort, and expenses.
A report by the Pew Research Center found that college graduates make about $550,000 more than high school graduates over the course of their careers (Cass). This shows the significantly larger income opportunities of having a college degree versus only a high school diploma. Imagine the difference of making $465,000 compared to $1,015,000 over a thirty year career? Breaking that down for $465,000 would be $15,500 a year, $1,291.67 a month, $300.39 a week, and $7.51 a hour compared to $1,015,000 or $33,833.33 a year, $2,819.44 a month, $655.68 a week, and $16.39 a hour. It is a big difference!
In today’s workforce we have an increase in unemployment. The unemployment rate in 2010 was 5.4 percent for people with bachelor’s degrees and less for those with higher degrees, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Meanwhile, 7 percent of those with associate’s degrees and 10.3 percent of those with only a high school diploma were out of work (Cass). This shows that obtaining a college degree enhances chances of becoming gainfully employed.
Charles Wallace also writes about the demands of our workforce and our need for college education. Wallace quotes a report that “estimates the economy will create about 47