The Value of a College
Degree
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The
value of a college degree for job seekers in today's
workforce cannot be understated. The number and of jobs
available for college graduates is much greater and
they often have higher salary and benefits.
Availability of Jobs
The number of jobs that require a college degree or
where a college education is an advantage is increasing.
In previous generations, there were many levels of jobs
available for those without a college education or in
some cases, even a high school diploma. However now
many of these jobs simply do not exist any longer, or
now require college education.
Industrial jobs, trades and skilled labor were more
prevalent before the rise of computer technology. Now
many industries require a smaller workforce because
of technological advances. Even though not as many assembly
line workers are needed, there are many jobs available
in engineering, management and business administration
in which a the value of a college degree is evident.
Types of Jobs
The value of a college degree in scientific, manufacturing
and engineering fields is very high. College students
can now study highly specialized science related degrees
that apply directly to business settings. Safety engineering,
environmental science and DNA analytics are examples
of highly specialized fields that have become in demand
in just the past 10 years or so.
The value of a college education is also the educational
opportunities that it presents to students. Students
are required to take a variety of basic education courses
such as math, sciences, literature and basic computing
and to choose electives. Often students discover during
one of these courses that they have an interest or talent
for a subject and begin to understand its potential
in the job marketplace.
While obtaining a specialized degree is necessary in
some fields, sometimes just having a college degree
is important, regardless of the field of study. Employers
want to know that their employees have a well rounded
basic education.
The value of a college degree will be proven when your
resume is chosen over those who did not make the commitment
to complete their education.
Salary & Benefits
A value of college degree is evidenced in higher wages
and salaries. In the Winter 2004-05 Occupational Outlook
Quarterly, The US Department of Labor reported that
"In 2003, workers who had a bachelor's degree had median
weekly earnings of $900, compared with $554 a week for
high school graduates-that's a difference of $346 per
week, or a 62 percent jump in median earnings."
These figures are a bold statement about the value of
a college degree for attaining higher paying jobs.
Job seekers will also find that positions that may not
actually require a college education will still pay
more to those who have a degree. Jobs seekers with a
college education will earn higher salaries, even when
the degree is not directly required for the job.
Jobs that do not require a college education often have
fewer benefits. These jobs often provide no retirement
or health insurance benefits which are imperative to
financial security and the stability of the family.
The Value of a College Degree: Conclusion
Attending and graduating from college is the best way
to prepare for a career that pays well and provides
a means to a secure future. The value of a college degree
is increased job opportunities, higher salaries and
benefits and expanded educational ho
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