The Benefits of Obtaining a College Degree - Essay Example

As the demand for college education keeps on soaring in America and the rest of the world, the cost of attaining the same is not left behind. In this regard, people of all caliber and ages are in a race to get college degrees no matter what the cost might be (McMahon pp. 309-46). Nevertheless, is it worth incurring heavy financial expenses in order to obtain a college degree if the future of making the maximum use of the same is not certain? While the cost, effort, and time involved in obtaining a college degree may appear enormous in terms of sacrifice, there is still a strong belief that the benefits of a college degree outweigh the drawbacks especially going by the lucrative job opportunities that it brings along with it.

Although the cost of getting a college degree may be quite prohibitive, it is evident that the job opportunities that come with the possession of one are innumerable besides the flexibility in the profession (Bacila pp. 531-48). Essentially, getting a college degree helps a person to be predisposed to many job opportunities and therefore they are able to get a decent job upon the completion of their studies. This actually means that they are in a better position to secure decent jobs if they have a college degree than when they do not possess one. Additionally, the many job opportunities that present themselves to people who have college degrees have the luxury to choose the jobs or professions they want to pursue since a college degree qualifies them in a number of fields and hence they can be flexible in terms of switching professions (McMahon pp. 309-46).

As far as work experience is concerned, it is important to mention that a college degree benefits the holders by enabling them to accumulate work experience in their respective areas of specialization (Bacila pp. 531-48). Certainly, education up to the college level places a person in a better position to quantify the specific experience that they hold in a particular professional field as opposed to the general experience of unqualified staff. This experience is beneficial to their career progression. Perhaps another point worth noting about the work experience of college degree holders is that the work experience they gather while they study or work at various positions can be beneficial to them when they venture into private practice (Anakwe, and Greenhaus pp. 95-111).

Perhaps the most important aspect of getting a college degree irrespective of the huge cost is better wages and salaries. Undeniably, a college degree holder has higher chances of getting higher salaries than one who does not possess one (Suhre pp. 207-26). This means that one is able to get the full financial benefits of getting a college degree through attractive financial compensation. Besides, people who acquire loans in order to pursue college degrees are able to repay the loans since their chances of getting jobs with high remunerations are huge. This does not only improve them personally, but they also have to develop in terms of their academic qualifications and live decent lifestyles as per their salaries (Bacila pp. 531-48).

Owing to the fact that college degree holders are in a better position to secure high profile and decent jobs at various organizations, it is worthy to note that their chances of promotion at their respective workplaces also go up. Indeed, higher academic qualifications lead to higher wages and consequently enhanced competence in the degree holders (Anakwe, and Greenhaus pp. 95-111). Their competence subsequently yields their recognition that they are able to go up the corporate ladder. Furthermore, people who pursue college degrees while working are seen to be committed to excellence and personal improvement and this is a very positive image to the organization that they are working for. For this reason, they are able to secure job promotions at various levels, which is rarely the case with non-degree holders (McMahon pp. 309-46).

In conclusion, the benefits of obtaining a college degree are evidently far much better as compared to the cost in terms of salary, job promotions, and job opportunities. While the cost, effort, and time involved in obtaining a college degree may appear enormous in terms of sacrifice, there is still a strong belief that the benefits of a college degree outweigh the drawbacks especially going by the lucrative job opportunities that it brings along with it. Certainly, ignorance is the most expensive to those who shun college degrees due to the heavy fees incurred.