One of the most important reasons to contemplate is the financial benefits. The United States Department of Education estimates that a person with a high school diploma makes approximately $32,000 a year. A person with an associate degree makes about $37,000 a year and a bachelor's degree will get you approximately $53,000 a year, at the time of this publication. You cannot escape the facts of these figures when deciding on whether to attend college. Throughout your 40-year career life, you will make about $840,000 more if you attend college and get a bachelor's degree.
A college degree or at least some college will open up more career avenues. Today, more jobs require training beyond what is taught in high school. More than half of the 20 fastest growing careers require an associate degree or above, according to the Department of Education. Your job opportunities increase and you have more options when it comes to deciding on a career if you attend college.
The United States' ever-changing economy finds people without jobs. One important reason to attend college is job security. According to the Department of Education, as well as other sources, you have a much higher chance of finding and keeping a job if you have a college degree. Your chances of getting a job increases by 50 percent if you have a college degree.
The psychological benefits from attending college must not be overlooked when contemplating the reasons to attend college. Not only will you make friends, but you have the opportunity to ease into adult life. Attending college is the transition period from relying on your parents to relying on yourself. The Importance of College website states that going to college makes a more rounded person, gives you a better outlook on life and allows you time to decide what you are going to do for the rest of your life.