The Advantages of Having an Education

Most people attend college to get an education and pursue a field in which they are interested. College students study hard and learn about a variety of subjects, often expanding on what they learned in high school. Additionally, college students have many social experiences in college as they broaden their horizon on potential career choices. Consequently, there are a variety of advantages to having an education.

A person with an education or degree is most always qualified for more jobs than the average high school graduate. Each year, it seems that more employers are seeking college graduates for careers in retail management, sales and other jobs that at one time did not require a degree. Also, during economic downturns, college-educated students may have an advantage over other people for the fewer available jobs.

A person with a college education typically earns more during her lifetime than someone with only a high school education. In 2010, people ages 25 and above with bachelor's degrees earned an average of $59,635 versus $33,609 for those indivduals with a high school education, according to the University of Maryland's article "The Benefits Of A College Education." Moreover, a person with a bachelor's degree can expect to earn an average of $2.9 million in their lifetime, while those with a high school education will average about $1.6 million.

People with an education are more likely to work in a field they enjoy. People go to college to specialize in a certain field that they choose. Those without an education have fewer options and often choose higher-paying labor jobs to support their family. However, some people without degrees have to settle for minimum wage jobs.

A person with an education generally has more cognitive skills than someone that does not. College courses can be challenging. Professors expect the college student to think, often including essay questions on exams that test the student's practical knowledge beyond the scope of the textbook. People with a college education also tend to have better writing and communication skills, which are highly desired skills in the employment world.

People who have a college education likely have better social skills than those who joined the workforce right out of high school. Many college students have to learn to live with roommates that they do not know which teaches them how to compromise and get along with others. Additionally, a number of college students are also members of social groups like sororities and fraternities, which can enhance their social skills and better prepare them for future working relationships.