In 2014-2015, the average cost of tuition and fees to attend a state college for one year was $9,139 (College Board, 2015). This amount does not include books, room, board or miscellaneous expenses. However, the value of a college education is priceless. A college education’s sole value may not only be monetary, even though there is a significant pay difference. Many people derive value from their college degrees in ways that have nothing to do with money. Research suggests that additional education improves one 's intellect, self-esteem, social interaction, marketability in the workplace, political participation and financial standing (Owen & Sawhill, 2013). The true value of a college education can only …show more content…
“Such participation includes not simply voting, but critically examining the candidates’ positions, speaking out as an advocate for policy change, perhaps even serving in a leadership role in a governmental body”, states Andrew Mills (n.d.). It requires using critical thinking, seeing what needs to change and why. The advanced knowledge of world history gives him or her the ability to formulate a persuasive argument, analyze budgets, statistics, and data. These are all skills an individual learns from a college education and necessary for successful political participation.
Additionally, enrolling in a college gives students an opportunity to socialize, make new friends and mentors. These college individuals are from different cultures, so one can learn how to embrace diversity and remove stereotypes. These social relationships are a valuable network and help a person build a remarkable …show more content…
As the result of a college degree, one can become a more productive and better-paid member of the labor force. Without successful graduation rates, their would not be an opportunity for growth in this country (Mills, n.d.). A college degree encourages an individual to think, ask questions, problem-solve, explore new ideas and communicate better. Thus allows for additional growth, development and provides college graduates with an edge in the job market over those who have not. (McGuire, n.d.). There are two reasons why educated workers are becoming increasingly valuable. Many of the lower-skilled jobs are being sent to other countries, and computers are doing a lot of the repetitive work now. The jobs that are left are more complicated ones that require people to solve problems and work together, according to Anthony Carnevale (2015), director of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. "It is time to recognize that the transition from an industrial to a post-industrial economy has resulted in a shift away from an economy rooted in high school-level skills to an economy anchored in postsecondary education and training," said Carnevale