Gaining College Degrees

Although there are many jobs around the United States that offer more or less pay depending on different factors, a degree can benefit a person financially. According to a paper by David Leonhardt, a managing editor of the New York Times website, new data from the Labor Department statistics claims, “Americans with four-year college degrees made 98 percent more an hour on average in 2013 than people without a degree. That’s up to 89 percent five years earlier, 85 percent a decade earlier and 64 percent in the early 1980s” (Leonhardt). Leonhardt’s point is that the amount of money we secure from a four year degree continues to increase rapidly as the years go by which is advantageous information to those who are unsure about going to college …show more content…
I interviewed my aunt who went to college after high school but did not finish her degree and instead spent twenty years out of school while working part time jobs. She had decided that going back would allow her to finish what she had started and she followed her instinct of reaching for a better lifestyle. As a result, she became involved in a program that supported minorities through grants and brought together a unified community which allowed her to meet unique people with different perspectives as well as speak to those who had a passion for science like herself. She ended up with a Bachelors of Arts in Management and received a Masters in Cell and Molecular Biology and told me that even though it was strenuous work, she was able to discover her talents and become confident in her capacity to excel. She now continues to work at the Academy of Science after graduating with a degree and is proud of her accomplishments. My aunt realized that college was worth it because she was exposed to new encounters and was focused on her goal of obtaining a degree. College allowed her to become experienced and professional in what she now enjoys doing. I was inspired by my aunt’s college experience and I am even more determined to do the same in order to achieve greater things in …show more content…
According to Leonhardt, “. . . the true cost of a college degree is about negative $500,000. . . over the long run, college is cheaper than free” (Leonhardt). In other words, Leonhardt believes that people who do not attend college or drop out will have lost half a million dollars and I agree because most four year degrees offer many advantages to those who show good work ethics, are hard working, and knowledgeable. I will be strong willed and make the most of my time in college since I trust that it is worth it and will always broaden my