Cost Of College Education

“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world” (Nelson Mandela). Despite what others believe, a college education is necessary to succeed in this modern world. Without proper education, it is hard for people to maintain jobs. Even when people get jobs they have to work 2 or 3 shifts to take care of themselves and their families. Ultimately, one person’s education can advance society, making each individual's future a reality. College is valuable because education pays. A 2011 study conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that “as workers’ level of education increases, their earnings rise and unemployment rates fall” (“New School Year, Old Story: Education Pays” 63). Only 2.4% of workers with a professional degree are unemployed, meanwhile a shocking 14.1% of people with less than a high school are …show more content…
They believe that college’s monetary value is more than it’s actual worth. Richard Vedder is one of these naysayers. One of his main opinions of why pursuing further knowledge is not a wise decision is money. He believes that the major investments for college are uncalled for. Vedder preaches that the only outcomes or college are “college debts and some lost earnings accrued while unsuccessfully pursuing a degree” (Vedder). This implies that money can only be lost due to college education, but this idea is flawed. The error in his thinking is that college graduates actually make “63% more in hourly wages” (“Five Ways Ed Pays”) than those who do not pursue college education. Yes, loans do come with the price of college, but in the long run they will be paid off making his points illogical. Degree holders will have a surplus of money, meanwhile high school graduates will be barely scraping by. Therefore, to say that college is priced higher than it’s worth is invalid; with an education more earnings will be produced making college worth