Garrett MacDuffee

Mrs. Stewart

ENG 101

2/1/11

Higher Education

A college graduate makes, on average, twice as much as a high school graduate. The best

way to procure a job with substantial pay is to gain expertise in the vocation being applied for.

Plato once said “The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future life.”

Universities are an ideal location to pursue this education. An adequate portion of society should

attend college; in today’s life it is detrimental to be uneducated. By attending college students

can receive an education, which is the key to a successful life, students will unknowingly acquire

life experiences that will aid them throughout life, and by obtaining these education and life

skills it will lead to a more successful life.

Today’s world is based off a knowledge based prospective, so having an education is a

gateway to numerous opportunities. Attending an in-state college would reduce the cost of

tuition substantially, not to mention is will be closer to home. When attending an in-state college

it is also much easier to attain grants and scholarships. The only disadvantage of attending a

university compared to a community college is that they have bigger class sizes. However, at a

University it is possible to complete a degree without having to travel elsewhere. The biggest

advantage is that there is a learning environment that is unrivalled.

While at college it is well known that life experiences will be amassed. Throughout the

time spent at college one important goal is to expand ones social networking. By doing so

students will have the chance to meet more influential people and lifelong friends. Most

importantly it will be a way to open many new doors in life. Above all else, time management

skills will be acquired. While in college it will be paramount to fully understand how to balance

school, along with work and maintaining an active social life. If someone can balance these and

can push themselves, it will build character and help them more later in life.

After graduation from college, the real world awaits. Having a college degree is a

necessity in today’s world. College graduates will earn a salary which amounts to twice as much

as high school graduates. The higher the education, or degree, the chances for a higher paying

job will be presented habitually. Statistics show that with a high school diploma $1.2 million will

be earned throughout their life, even if only a bachelor’s degree is acquired $2.0 million will be

earned. Also, having a college degree will qualify many for higher job placement, which is vital

in today’s economy. College degrees allow for exceedingly easier career advancement.

When deciding whether or not to attend college, there are three main points that need to

be remembered: education is essential, the life experiences that will be amassed, and how college

will aid later in life. The chances of being hired for an outstanding job only increase with the

more education received throughout life. No one should remain completely ignorant their entire

life, go to college and become a competent individual. The education a man receives throughout

life will guide them towards their future.