Essay Example on Post-Secondary Education

Former President Obama advocated, “What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country.” Education nurtures minds and enables student growth. Further schooling is crucial, benefiting people in every area and more than a career. Pursuing a post-secondary education allows graduates to secure a job, increase their earnings, and build a well-founded community. Universities open so many doors that would otherwise be unobtainable.

Pursuing a  post-secondary education secures fresh graduates a position in the workplace, a task those with only a high school diploma struggle to do. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with more education have lower unemployment rates than workers with less education. With every educational level attained, unemployment rates drop. Workers with a high school diploma had an 11% unemployment rate as those with a doctorate only had a 2.2% unemployment rate. Having more to bring to the table promises a greater chance of employment. Higher academic pursuit shows determination, encouraging employers to hire college graduates and keep them in the workforce. ⅓ of college graduates are also more likely to be insured by their employers. Having a college degree shows that the worker is hardworking and can benefit the workplace. Employers see this and want to keep the employee on board, being more likely to insure them. By exhibiting the desired attributes,  college graduates gain more stability and do not have to worry about unemployment or lack of insurance.

Additionally, earning higher pay comes easier to those who already have a stable career; those pursuing university education are more likely to have financial stability. The College Board's statistics convey, "Graduates earn an average of $22,000 more a year than those who have a high school education." Higher education opens new doors, and as the education level increases, the pay follows. Because college graduates gather new information and learn new life skills, they are more prepared and more likely to be chosen for a higher-paying job. Additionally, college graduates earn 63% more in hourly wages. Those with more education advance faster and higher up the corporate ladder, gaining more money faster than those who simply have a high school diploma. Higher education helps with financial stability, proving that those with a college degree have more significant opportunities and earnings.

With having higher-paying careers, college graduates have more time to invest in their communities. The College Board reinforces that college graduates are two times more likely to volunteer for a good cause than high school graduates. Due to the environment higher learning provides, many graduates seem to help the community. Those who have higher wealth and security have more time to care for their community. Alongside volunteering more, college graduates are 75% more likely to vote. Being in a higher learning environment teaches life skills as well, like independence and forming decisions. The environment nurtures independent minds and skillsets, encouraging students to take more pride in their community and make a difference. The nature of independence shapes graduates to make a difference and vote. Essentially, the college environment teaches independence; graduates learn to build a stronger community.

Although choosing to pursue higher education is difficult, academia is worth the chance;  job security, higher pay, and a tighter-knit community are just a few of the benefits college may give. Ultimately, going to college and gathering more education and experience will prove beneficial in multiple areas, not just a career. All students should remember the unlimited possibilities their future could hold and have dedication, determination, and perseverance.