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Why College?

Should My Child Go To College?

There is no doubt that the decision to go to college can change your child’s future. Nothing opens doors of opportunity like a college degree. With today’s quickly changing workforce and increased reliance on technology, more and more jobs require an education. In the “old” days, employees would stay in one job for most of their life. Today, employees may change jobs up to 7 times over a lifetime. Therefore, employers look for those people who already possess skills necessary to perform the job. Even entry level jobs that previously required a high school diploma may now require more complex skills and education.

The top 10 reasons to send your child to college:

1. Today, most of the good jobs require a college degree. 60% of new jobs created between today and 2010 will require some type of education after high school.
2. More than two-thirds of the fastest growing occupations require college degrees.
3. An education after high school will give your child more career choices.
4. A college degree will help your child earn, on average, twice the amount he/she could earn with a high school diploma.
5. Exposure to new thoughts, people, and experiences can help your child expand his/her world and learn to think for him/herself.
6. Those with a college education have more job security, since job opportunities are greater than for those with a high school education.
7. A degree allows preparation for a specific career, therefore, college can help your child get a job in a career in which he/she is interested.
8. Going to college may allow your child to continue pursuing extra-curricular interests such as athletics, music, drama, cultural activities, etc.
9. The college experience can help your child learn independence, self-awareness, and responsibility.
10. So your child won't still be living in your basement at 30 years old!

Sources:
U.S. Bureau of Census, Current Population Study, Educational Attainment in the United States 2006
U.S. Bureau of Labor - Bureau of Statistics May 2006 State Occupational Employment Statistics Survey