by Kay Fielding

Created on: October 03, 2009

Having a college education can be a huge benefit to the person who owns it. It is not for everyone, but everyone who gets a college education can find value in it. Some people would argue that a vocational education is just as good. I would not disagree, but I believe that a college education opens less limiting doors.

The most important part of college is the feeling of success one feels when it is completed. Completing college is a high point of one's life, and it makes a person feel like they have accomplished things that they had not before. Additionally, in the work force, I found myself more respected once someone knew I had a college education. Prior to getting my degree, I was just another woman. But once I got a degree, strangely, I was more important. My viewpoints had more value. I was more desirable as a worker. I'm not saying I agree with this, but the status of a college education is definitely real.

Another area that a person can find a huge benefit to a college education is in the money they make. A person with a college education is estimated to earn double what a person with a high school education earns. http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+Public+and+Social+ Benefits+of+A+College+Degree-a01073765072 This is significant, and it will affect your life and your children's lives because they will have the advantages of your income as they begin their college careers. Annual earnings, based on degree, are: high school diploma, $32,500; associate's degree, $42,000; bachelor's degree, $53,000; master's degree, $63,000; and professional degrees, $100,000+. http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/starting-po ints/156.html Some may not agree, but in our society, money gives a person what they want in life. Money can buy nearly everything you might want, and there is a significant difference between $32,500 and $63,000 a year. In my community, $32,500 would not be able to purchase a house without a huge saving account.

Another issue that is significant is that mothers with college educations tend to raise children who get college educations. Parental education levels affect not only a child's health but what they will achieve in education and even their academic performance. www.rikidscount.org/.../08%20Factbook%20Indicator%20 5.pdf Parental education is a significant indicator of what a child will do in his or her life.

Another important reason to get a college degree is that you can go to higher levels. If you decide to complete a four year college degree and you do, later it is easy to get a master's degree. You might even get one in another subject area. However, you will have to complete less hours later if you finish a degree earlier. But if you stop your degree midstream, you will have to take many other classes to complete the degree before moving on to another higher degree.

College degrees not only make you feel better about yourself, they also help you earn more income. Earning a higher income gives a person more security. It also gives your children a greater chance to get educated and have a higher income. It is very important, and it makes a significant difference in your life to complete college.

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