Attending college has various benefits, but despite them, people still question whether it is worthwhile, especially in the social media era, when individuals can make it in life without needing higher education. Author Bridget Terry Long in ‘College is worth it- some of the time,’ debates whether attending college is worth it. She agrees that college is essential because “individuals with at least some college education make more money than those working with only a high school degree” (45). She is logical and uses facts to persuade her readers about the benefits of having a college education.
Long believes that to determine the value of higher education, we must consider three factors. They are; the college attended, the course being studied, and how much debt is amassed during this time. In a study, she discovered that individuals at the top of income distribution usually had greater returns from their education (45). Therefore, segregation should be increased in these institutions to ensure diversity among students. Top colleges also have more benefits since they spend more resources on their students. The course a student takes significantly influences whether their college experience will be worthwhile. Students majoring in the sciences, education, and engineering benefit the greatest. They gain employment faster, and these fields have more stability in the long run (46). However, these benefits must be measured against the costs since “debt is a reality of higher education today” (46). Students should, therefore, receive guidance on how much debt is appropriate for their plans to ensure they are not affected in the future.
Before one enrolls in a college, they should consider the institution they are signing up to, the course, and the debt that may be generated as a result. The credentials from higher education are incredibly beneficial, but an individual has to ensure their interests, resources, and talents will be fulfilled in these institutions for maximum returns.