Is getting a degree worth the time?
With the constant increase in college tuition, students sometimes question whether getting a degree is worth it. Paying thousands a semester for classes they feel as if they will never use, or even ending up in an entirely different field from what they studied while in college.
College can take quite a toll on students mentally and physically because of the added day-to-day pressures of deadlines and schedules. For those who have jobs and families in addition to taking a full course load, it can become very overwhelming.
However, there are also several benefits to going to college. Tied into college tuition are many things that can benefit a student’s daily life while in college and after graduating.
College is not for everyone. There are many who may prefer to go straight into the workforce or even join the armed forces.
Some people have a hard time keeping up with tests and homework, but they may excel in a field that requires manual labor or other skills. Others may not be able to afford the cost even with financial aid and/or students loans; higher education may not be something they can afford at the moment.
Getting a college degree is worth the money if students take full advantage of all the services college offers. If they are only going to their college campus to attend classes and then leaving, they are basically treating college like high school and paying the price for it.
Students cannot go into college with the mindset “all I need to do is get my diploma and then I can get a real job.” They need to realize college is what they make of it. If they want to leave college with a “real” job then they need to make the effort to connect with individuals who have the same goals, as well as getting involved with events revolving around their major.
Colleges offer benefits outside of the classroom such as job opportunities, internships, health services, fitness centers, clubs, free entertainment, student discounts and financial aid counselors. If students do not take advantage of these services provided to them through their college tuition, then it is easy to think that getting a degree is not worth the loans.
The financial aid counselors alone are such a benefit for students. These counselors provide services to help find scholarships, apply for financial aid, understand your student loans and financial guidance.
On-campus jobs can include another major benefit from colleges, especially for students who question whether or not to go to school because they need money and do not want to search for a job willing to work around their schedule.
Other advantages of on-campus jobs are tuition assistance, room and board, academic benefits and/or networking. Students are not expected to know everything when they graduate high school.
Community colleges and universities provide assistance in almost all aspects of professional life. Going to school with an open mind and being willing to take advantage of all the opportunities before them helps prepare college students for the real world.
College is what a student makes of it. It can either be a waste of time and money, or it could be the key to the internship that leads to a student’s dream job. College tuition comes with several benefits that, if taken advantage of, could help alleviate some of the stress that college brings. Overall, getting a degree is worth the money if you utilize all the opportunities that come along with it.
