The Benefits of Attending College Persuasive Essay Example

College is a cultural environment in which students interact, learn, and ultimately thrive in a school setting. Whether it is studying to become a doctor, or interacting with peers at social events, all is considered a part of the college experience. Today, more than ever students are questioning whether college is the right path for future success. Many people in this generation have started to demonize college, altering students' perspectives on going to college. However, attending college is beneficial in that it increases job stability, provides what is known as the college experience, and increases wages significantly after attending.

Job stability is considered one of the major factors of attending college and attaining a college degree. As stated in “Actually, College Is Very Much Worth It,” Andrew J. Rotherham writes, “Meanwhile, in 2010, the unemployment rate was 9.2 percent for those with only some college and more than 10 percent for those with just a high school degree, but it was 5.4 percent for college graduates.” This statistic highlights the major effects on how college graduates benefit from being provided extra job stability. Job stability is a highly notable factor related to college and is essential if wanting to build future success.

Another aspect worth noting is what people call the college experience. If it is attending football games, interacting with other students, or even participating in school events, all are considered a part of the college experience. A personal experience worth mentioning was when I got to tour the University of Miami. I noticed the lively feel of the university and the exciting activities provided for the university students. Some examples of these include farmer's markets for the students as well as weekly concerts held by the university in a local courtyard. All of these important examples contribute to the main idea that the college experience is crucial to the argument of going to college.

Increased wages are also an important aspect to consider in this debate. More money is a crucial point which tends to encourage people to college. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “in 2010, the median weekly earnings for someone with some college but no degree were $712, compared to $1038 for a college graduate.” The median weekly earnings explain how a college degree can have a crucial impact on making more money after attending post-secondary education. To be more specific, “Ron Haskins of the Brookings Institution found that without a college degree, only 14 percent of Americans from the bottom fifth of parental income reach the top two-fifths. But if they complete college, 41 percent of this same group can then expect to make it to the top two-fifths.” This statistic further explains how beneficial a college degree can be in increasing your socioeconomic status.

However, college sometimes isn’t for everybody. Taking into consideration the tremendous fees and cost of some elite colleges like Harvard and Yale I could understand why some individuals would want to opt-out. The text “Why College Isn't (And Shouldn't Have to Be) For Everyone,” written by Robert  Reich states, “The biggest absurdity is that a four-year college degree has become the only gateway into the American middle class.” Although this text is somewhat true there is an alternative. This includes community college which costs significantly less than a 4-year university.

As opinions began to flood the minds of individuals on whether to attend college, I believe that college is worth it because it provides job stability, gives you a college experience, and increases your median weekly wages after attending. If not going to college future success is going much more difficult. Go to college and pave the way for success.