Are you currently trying to decide if you want to go to college or not? Many people will tell you that you need the college education to live in this world. While others will say it is not necessary. The college has its advantages but it also has disadvantages. Have a look at our list of pros and cons of attending college to help you decide if college is right for you.
PROS
The pros of going to college vary from person to person. However, there are general advantages of attending a four-year degree program.
1. Making Long-Lasting Friendships
When you attend college, you will meet people that you might not have met otherwise. Whether they are your roommates in a dorm, classmates, or a part of the basketball team, these people will form long-lasting friendships with you. Often times, many students end up finding their life partner while in college too.
2. Broadening Your Horizons
The college will force you to broaden your horizons in many different ways. You will attend courses and learn about a wide range of subjects. On the other hand, your social life will also expand. Many students see college as an experimental phase and want to try things they normally wouldn’t. In college, you will learn a lot about yourself.
3. Degrees Are Required for Many Jobs Today
In today’s job market, the bar continues to be raised. Having a degree will help you maintain the competitive edge over someone who just has a high school diploma.
4. Many Students Receive Financial Help
Most colleges and universities will provide grants or financial aid to the students that qualify. There are several thousand scholarship funds available too. Financial aid can greatly affect the decision of attending or not. But beware, financial help usually requires a certain grade level, so make sure you study hard.
CONS
The college has its downsides and often many people shy away from college because of them. Here are the cons of attending college:
1. Degrees Don’t Guarantee a Job
Just because you’ve worked hard for four years does not mean that your degree will guarantee a job once you have graduated. The job market is very competitive and young people are finding it hard to land a job in the field in which they’ve studied so hard. It is common to see college graduates working in bars, cafes, or as retail workers because they cannot find a job within their degree.
2. Costs and Debts
Although there are several financial aids available, often they cannot cover the full costs of attending college. Many graduates face overwhelming debts that will take years and years to pay off.
College costs include but are not limited to:
- Tuition
- Dorm or rooming costs
- Parking fees
- Books and supplies
- Meal Plans
3. Cheaper Alternatives
Thanks to the online world, many people are taking advantage of getting certified for things that would normally cost ten times the amount and take years of your time. In fact, many universities put courses online for free and while it might not lead to a degree, you can still take advantage of learning what the course has to offer.
4. Not Every 18-Year-Old is Ready
Choosing to go to college is not for everyone. Many high school graduates are not ready to face the real demands of college life and this is where the drop-out rates come from. Whether it be mentally or emotionally, some people are not mature enough to attend college.
To conclude, attending college is a personal decision. If you are weighing the pros and cons, we hope that this list will help!