When it comes to why college is important, continuing your education after high school by pursuing higher learning at a university leads to both practical and personal growth that can help you and others. A college education provides better job prospects, too, but it’s much more than that: It expands opportunities, boosts your earning potential, prepares you for future challenges, and builds important relationships.
The Benefits of Going to College
So, why is college important, exactly? Learn more about how the benefits of college can transform your life through the various opportunities it presents.
Expand Your Opportunities
Among the range of opportunities that college opens up for graduates include better job prospects, valuable skills that are transferable to numerous industries, and the ability to change careers. Colleges and universities also help students find jobs by hosting job fairs and career development opportunities.
The National Center for Education Statistics found that college graduates enjoy better employment prospects than those with lesser levels of education. Compared to 2010, in 2021, employment rates were higher only for those with a bachelor’s or higher degree. For this group, the employment rate generally increased from 84% to 86% from 2010 to 2021. For individuals with lower levels of educational attainment, the employment rate in 2021 was not measurably different from the employment rate in 2010.
Not to mention, many employers won’t even consider a candidate for a job without a college degree. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that about half of the occupations it analyzed typically require some type of college degree: associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, or professional. That greatly restricts the occupations available to candidates without a degree.
Additionally, the skills learned in college enable graduates to consider a career in a variety of industries. For example, many college courses help develop students’ writing ability, which is a valuable skill sought by employers in different industries. Such college-earned skills also make it easier for graduates to pivot careers.
Make a Difference
College isn’t just about finding a job and earning a paycheck; a college education can equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to address global challenges.
The role of higher education has expanded from one of teaching traditional work skills for future employment to offering advanced learning that can help tackle emerging, widespread problems like climate change. For example, Unity Environmental University offers an environmental studies program that allows students to embark on careers related to environmental issues by diving into topics related to sustainability, conservation, and global ecology.
In general, colleges offer a variety of degree programs that can prepare graduates for careers in environmental sustainability, public health, social justice, and more. These programs empower students to combine their passion with career opportunities where they can truly make a difference in the world.
Boost Earning Potential
Among the benefits of going to college is the greater chance graduates have to build a more prosperous and fulfilling future. College grads can bring in salaries and lifetime earnings substantially higher than those with a high school diploma alone. In 2023, the BLS reported that workers with at least a college bachelor’s degree received $1,493 in median weekly earnings, compared to about $900 for those with only a high school diploma.
Prepare for the Future
Colleges also prepare students for the future — no matter what it may bring — by equipping them with essential skills needed in a dynamic job market. This includes competencies like critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, adaptive learning, and emotional intelligence (EI or EQ).
As technology and innovation continue to transform future careers, colleges offer students advanced skills to succeed, such as digital literacy, data analytics and analysis, and programming skills. More employers value learning adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving skills in job candidates, which students can learn in many college courses and in their broad higher education experience that prioritizes continued learning throughout life.
Today’s economy requires workers to embrace lifelong learning and upskilling as markets evolve and industries change. It’s the only way for workers to survive — and college graduates hold a distinct advantage because of their higher education experience.
Explore Your Interests
College offers students a place to explore new interests and broaden their horizons. Classes provide rigorous instruction in a student’s degree program, alongside extensive training to help graduates achieve personal fulfillment in their careers. Students can pursue their passions and interests with experienced practitioners and professors who are experts in their fields. They can also learn more effectively through collaboration with talented classmates who share their interests.
With a range of courses available, students can venture outside their area of study to pursue other interests. College allows the opportunity to try new experiences and learn new skills students may not have pursued otherwise. Colleges such as Unity Environmental University offer a variety of areas of study, whether your passion is business or working with animals.
Develop Personal and Professional Skills
College fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that are relevant in today’s evolving job market. Students must navigate new challenges and technologies in college, much as they will have to adapt in the workplace. They learn how to approach complex problems with an analytic mindset through diverse coursework and real-world assignments, plus collaborate constructively with teams of classmates; skills that are essential in both personal and professional settings.
Also, college gives students the opportunity to experience new cultures and perspectives. They discover different ways of thinking through exposure to diverse students and multicultural coursework that cultivates cultural competence and empathy. College graduates enter the workforce equipped to meet the expectations of employers who require professionals to navigate global markets and contribute to inclusive work environments.
College graduates can uncover the value of networking, too, which is critical for job opportunities, personal growth, and career advancement. Students can build a professional network in college with their professors, student organizations, and classmates that can support their career success. This establishes a foundation to help graduates get a head start on their career path.
Build Relationships
Pursuing a college education also expands your access to opportunities by developing lifelong friendships and professional relationships that constitute a lifelong network of colleagues, advisors, professors, and mentors. These relationships built in college can flourish throughout your career, opening up opportunities and connecting you to industry leaders in your chosen field who can share ideas and present new ventures to explore.
In the current job market, building and maintaining relationships is critical to success. Beyond college classes, students have the opportunity to serve in clubs and organizations that support their interests. This introduces them to individuals who can help shape their future.
Stay Up to Date in Your Industry
As a student advances in their college career, they learn the latest developments and expand their in-depth knowledge with experts in their chosen industry. College professors are typically well-versed in industry trends and maintain strong networks of professionals who help provide real-world updates in their fields. This ensures that graduates are properly prepared to jump right into their new profession.
Some career paths require advanced learning — an opportunity college provides for students who realize they want more than a traditional associate degree or bachelor’s degree that serves as the foundation for their career. More advanced degrees like a master’s or an MBA help sharpen one’s knowledge to succeed in their profession after receiving their bachelor’s degree. Unity Environmental University offers a variety of master’s and MBA programs to help students advance in their higher education.
Even if you’re not sure that you want to pursue these higher degrees or the careers that require them, earning a bachelor’s degree helps ensure you possess the required educational foundation to pursue the option in the future.
Why Is College Important? Learn More at Unity
At Unity Environmental University, we offer a robust and supportive online learning program for those who are ready to transform their lives through the college experience. Learn more about how our accredited degrees can help you take the next step toward your future by contacting us or beginning your application for enrollment today.
