Reasons Why NOW is the Time to Go to College



There’s been a lot of talk about the perpetual state of the unemployment rate in this country. When that mixes with the record level of college enrollment seen in the United States, including online programs such as online accounting degree and business degree programs, the resulting thought can be a little bit more than intimidating. But it’s abundantly clear that when jobs do return, they will almost exclusively return for the college educated. It’s come down to a choice between almost certain defeat and an uphill battle. Statistics don’t lie: it doesn’t matter if we’re talking about business degrees, accounting degrees, or even English degrees, having a diploma is guaranteed to significantly improve your chances of getting a job.

Here are some additional reasons why now is absolutely the time to get yourself enrolled in a four year college or graduate program:

FINANCIAL AID HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER AND MORE SECURE

It's time to go to college. Are you going to?In 2010, the government made big changes to the way financial aid is disbursed to college students, essentially taking private banks out of federal loan equations. This is projected to lower interest rates and reduce the overall amount of student loan debt college graduates acquire by the end of their academic careers. In addition, faithful payment for two decades results in the leftover balance being forgiven. Never has getting the money for school been easier to get and dutifully pay back. It’s time for you to think and start acting now.

THE MORE YOU KNOW, THE MORE YOU MAKE

The higher your academic achievement, the more money you’re likely to earn throughout your lifetime. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics those with a PhD earn nearly $15,000 more annually than those with a Masters, and the numbers keep reducing from there. Sure, more school means more student loan debt to pay back, but the debt does not increase as exponentially as your earnings do. In addition, the aforementioned adjustments in student loans will reduce this burden in the long-term.

THE OFFICE JOB IS GETTING OLD

Plenty of people don’t see the value of a college education if it means that they will be sitting at a desk for eight hours a day once they receive their degree. If that’s the end result, they aren’t interested nor motivated. But that end result is changing because the business dynamic itself is changing. Increased mobility and reliance on cloud systems is giving businesses the incentive to give their employees more freedom to do their job. Sure, you might have to sit at a desk at some point, but eventually the desk is going to become obsolete. Therefore, you should not consider college a death sentence.

College is a gateway to a better life. Without it you’re destined to fight it out for the few scraps that our modern society has left for everyone else. Tough times are ahead: no doubt about it, but you can make it a little easier on yourself by getting back to school in the meantime. There are plenty of reasons to do so.

What do you think?

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About Brandy Olson ( ↑ )

Brandy is an internet marketer, writer and lover of all things outdoors. She currently performs market research for 43a.com when she is not contributing her own thoughts and observations to the online community.





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86 Responses to Reasons Why NOW is the Time to Go to College

  1. Nonoy August 8, 2011 at 12:56 am #

    I wish I can go to college again. I wish I have the money.

  2. Matt @ Mini Trampoline August 8, 2011 at 6:29 pm #

    Great points Brandy. I would also add that you should make sure your choice of degree should be focused on something that will further your career in the direction you want it to go.

  3. Santoo August 9, 2011 at 12:32 am #

    I think Brandy has experienced a lot on this article..well keep it up brandy for the nice post

  4. Karinna @ Love School August 9, 2011 at 9:53 am #

    “College is a gateway to a better life.” Yes, nothing can beat a good education. There are new and good opportunities waiting for a college graduate versus no college at all. Yes, it’s true that not all who got lucky in life have college degrees but in terms of opportunities college graduates got more.

  5. Mia August 11, 2011 at 1:56 am #

    When things are tough, then you need to press the reset button, and start all over again. I have to admit that it’s scary but, indeed learning is the best approach – not only that it will keep you focused, but also will enrich your mind.

  6. Andrew August 15, 2011 at 1:26 pm #

    College is the key to your success. It’s never too late to go to college.

  7. suhu news August 16, 2011 at 9:26 pm #

    This tear, I apply to college. but I can’t manage my time between work and studying :(

  8. Direct to Garment Printer August 17, 2011 at 4:31 pm #

    You can never go wrong with higher education. Not only do you learn but you get and make so many more opportunities for yourself.

    I say never take the easy way out.. Always go to college!

    • HP Printer Repair August 27, 2011 at 5:13 am #

      I agree! still people who graduated on a college degree will get many opportunities but it doesn’t mean even you had graduated work will easily come it still matter how you handle things. I knew few billionaires even though they not finish their studies only on 1st degree level but now are billionaires.

  9. Viktoria Reina August 18, 2011 at 4:55 am #

    Glad to know that going to school really makes a difference, maybe the results cannot be seen right now, but those who have gotten an education have brighter prospects than those who didn’t get good education.

  10. Wesley August 20, 2011 at 11:12 pm #

    College is not the only place you can get a “higher education.” Many people will throw away tens of thousands of dollars on an education only to compete for a job with other graduates. Many businesses today just want people who can produce results. If you have trusted people that say you are GOOD, that will go much further toward you reaching your goals than a diploma. There are so many options… The college education is not the fix-all, that’s for sure. Sorry to rain on this parade. :)

  11. Ahmad Zahir August 21, 2011 at 2:17 am #

    Kinda hard to agree with you on the point: “THE MORE YOU KNOW, THE MORE YOU MAKE”

    A friend of mine with PhD in science field is barely making any money and having ends meet…I would say it is all about the network of people you know.

    My two cents.

  12. Zara August 23, 2011 at 2:37 am #

    I agree with what you say “College is a gateway to a better life”. That’s why whenever you have the chance to enroll in College, be good at it as well as develop well your skills and potentials. For when you finished it especially with medals, definitely you achieved what you’re yearning for and become successful in life. =)

  13. Mel Lifshitz August 24, 2011 at 8:51 am #

    I second all your thoughts. Though some of the millionaires we know are drop out from college but they are exceptions of the rule. If you have a college degree you’re definitely one-step ahead from the others.

  14. touch August 24, 2011 at 11:33 am #

    I disagree unless you have a full ride. College cost too much and most people will never pay their college loans back.

  15. toii August 25, 2011 at 2:46 pm #

    college isn’t always the answer a lot of people are self taught. College loans and other things that put you in debt can be hard on you later in life.

  16. George@Los Angeles DUI Lawyers August 29, 2011 at 12:07 pm #

    This is a nice article..and i agree with most of your points…and your reasoning.

    You should make an article about,why not fall in love next,^^

    My cousin finaly decided to go to a college,about time!

    well thanks for this great article!

    have a nice day!

  17. Spelmaskiner August 31, 2011 at 2:25 am #

    Not only is going to college important but standing out at college is also very important. The job market is currently so flooded with qualified people that you must be the cream of the crop is you want to get noticed.

    If you can find a way to get experience with an intern program than i would definitely recommend doing so this will at least give you that much of an edge against all the other graduates.

  18. Nathal September 4, 2011 at 10:51 am #

    I have left me studies due to some negative circumstances …. But after reading this .. I am feeling a new energy inside.

  19. good college grades September 6, 2011 at 5:59 am #

    College is a good idea if it is financially affordable, and using the right system can help tremendously with getting good grades in college.

  20. Blogging Tips September 6, 2011 at 6:37 pm #

    There is no time like now! The longer you put off going to college the more difficult it becomes.

    Driving home today, I heard an announce on the radio saying that 56% of employers now look for some post-secondary education. That’s an amazing statistic when you think about it.

    You need to make yourself more marketable and this is one sure fire way!

    • Eyelash Reviews September 7, 2011 at 9:06 am #

      Wonderful post. It serve motivation and to open the mind of the teenage out there that study is important. So, if theirs opportunity study hard and be thankful.

  21. Wendy September 7, 2011 at 1:08 pm #

    Thanks for the information.

    My daughter is in grade 12 and has many decisions to make. :)

  22. Susan September 9, 2011 at 5:13 am #

    Going to college to have a degree is most appreciable thing in front of me instead of doing anything even a job too, because once you have completed a bachelors degree in your favourite discipline then you will gain a nice job with a good salary too or you can continue studying masters with some part time job that matches your educational qualification. So that you will gain experience while doing a job. Thanks for posting.

  23. Medhotel Group September 12, 2011 at 1:40 am #

    “College is a gateway to a better life.”

    I agree with everything that you said. Thanks for making me realize how important college is.

  24. Miami Attractions September 13, 2011 at 4:16 pm #

    Yeah, I’m trying to go to college as well, waiting for the financial aid to contact me.

  25. Ted September 14, 2011 at 7:09 pm #

    You make good points Brandy. I am believer in self education though. Even though I have a degree, I would recommend today that someone engage in self study pretty much no matter what the subject is. If someone wants to learn badly enough, all the knowledge they seek is at their fingertips without ever attending college. Things have changed over the last decade.

  26. German Translation September 15, 2011 at 1:38 am #

    It is indeed time to go to college. Unemployment rates are quite high and it’s difficult to go into labour without an added value.

  27. crystal healer September 19, 2011 at 5:19 am #

    College is a great way to lever your way into a respectable position. Happiness can be achieved by positivity and knowing exaclty what is you want to do. :)

  28. driving school sunderland September 19, 2011 at 8:43 am #

    There are alternatives one can pursue without the academic qualifications. College is great also for developing social interactions but hard work and business oppportunities are not only available for the educated.

  29. removals glasgow September 19, 2011 at 8:45 am #

    Education should be a right not a choice only available for the wealthy!

  30. office furniture london September 19, 2011 at 8:46 am #

    Great article, insightful. Thanks for sharing this ;)

    • the rock cena October 3, 2011 at 6:05 am #

      I agree with what you say “College is a gateway to a better life”. That’s why whenever you have the chance to enroll in College, be good at it as well as develop well your skills and potentials.

  31. Posao September 19, 2011 at 1:11 pm #

    No money = no college

  32. bong shops london September 20, 2011 at 2:23 am #

    Great article, college is great. A great social activity that can lead to great parties, meeting lifelong buddies and formulating ideas that solve lifes riddles – for an hour or two sometimes :)

  33. cotswold roof tiles September 20, 2011 at 2:42 am #

    If we could all become academics the world would be a cleverer place :)

  34. recycling in belfast September 20, 2011 at 3:51 am #

    Live in a skip and learn the pleasures of recycling, for a brighter future get to recycling now :)

  35. skip hire worsley September 20, 2011 at 4:42 am #

    Elvis says you website is mighy fine, and college is cool and not too cool for cats, meow uh hahah!!

  36. ready mixed concrete essex September 20, 2011 at 5:02 am #

    Don’t be an ostrich, get back to school you fool!

  37. epc north yorkshire September 20, 2011 at 8:36 am #

    Well said Brandy! Go to school, learn at college and make it at university. It’s your god given right to learn.

  38. Derek Stephens September 21, 2011 at 11:24 pm #

    I agree with Brandys comments however I would add that if I had the internet back when I went to college I would have saved several thousands of dollars. As a marketer I have seen people make a great living off only social media like facebook fanpages and like myself many people are making a killing with apps like iphone app development so I would say to those that think a quality education is out of reach that they need only to begin surfing the web!

  39. Val Gardena September 22, 2011 at 12:24 am #

    Some good thoughts there, you are probably right on most things. I am 24 and I won’t go back to college though. I already tried it, but I have given up. Im quite happy with the job I have at the moment.

  40. newbuild epc September 22, 2011 at 6:27 am #

    Reading and writing are a prerequisite for the attendance of college, learn to read and write wella nd go far :)

  41. Charles September 22, 2011 at 8:16 am #

    Hmm.I never got a college degree,and am not really planning on getting one right now. But it is hopefully something I will go through at some point in my life.

  42. playa Tormindo September 22, 2011 at 10:42 pm #

    I totally agree with your post about the college because College is a gateway to a better life

  43. vet in KC September 23, 2011 at 6:06 am #

    Yes, it can be a good way for someone to be able to earn more and get hired for a wider range of jobs.

  44. search engine optimisation September 23, 2011 at 8:45 am #

    College never did me any harm. It was a great place, for academic reasons as well as a great time and I’ve now got contacts through what I do for a living today. Great read Brandy :)

  45. SEO Company Nashville September 23, 2011 at 11:14 am #

    Student loans are tough. Good to know they’re making changes to make that aspect a little easier.

  46. Personal trainer blackpool September 26, 2011 at 6:44 am #

    Enjoy school while you can, then train, train, train until you become what you want to be.

  47. Burglar alarms Birmingham September 26, 2011 at 6:51 am #

    Go to College unless you have wealthy parents with a business.

  48. swimming pool kits September 26, 2011 at 7:07 am #

    Education is the way forward for all.

  49. silver dollar coin September 29, 2011 at 12:35 am #

    The concept of this blog is good if people are more educated then he will get still more job and other more low level job vacancy, which will raise employment level….

  50. Euro 2012 Football Shirts October 1, 2011 at 1:18 am #

    We shouldn’t wait for anything. Now is always the best time to do the thing we have in mind. Thanks for the encouragement. More power!

    • Stroke Prevention October 3, 2011 at 7:11 am #

      Well some of your points are really useful and I will keep in mind.

      • Fayy@Best Eye Cream October 4, 2011 at 4:58 am #

        This is a very significant post indeed. I’ve acquired a lot of helpful information from your article. Thank you for sharing such relevant topic with us. More Power!

  51. Real 911 Truth October 4, 2011 at 5:15 am #

    If you can afford it, yes, go to college, get financial aid to help if needed, consider online degrees from accredited institutions.

    And continue to learn more on your own, including learning the Real Truth about what happened on 9/11/01.

  52. the rock cena October 4, 2011 at 5:52 am #

    Great article about college motivation, its more informative than the I expected, I’ve been looking for something like this for a while. I’ll be following along with more posts, looking forward to studding more posts.!

  53. Solar panels manchester October 6, 2011 at 8:31 am #

    Great site. And yes! Go to College, educate yourself if necessary and question everything.

  54. Electric Cig October 8, 2011 at 8:37 am #

    Education is really necessary if you want to be successful in your life. It plays a vital role in one’s future. So if you can still go back to college, do it. Don’t hesitate!

  55. Matt | Canvas Printing October 8, 2011 at 10:42 am #

    Going to college was really good, lots of wonderful things might happen to your life, meet new friends. Find out what’s your passion is really was. After graduation, finding a job wouldn’t no longer be difficult.

  56. Web Design Newcastle October 11, 2011 at 6:36 am #

    Although I agree with you, I think it largely depends on what your career path is and where you are currently located. For example in the UK they just tripled tuition fees and repayment will eventually be well over £50,000. That combined with the fact it’s some times possible to take an apprenticeship in the same role where no loan is required can point to an obvious choice.

  57. time clock london October 11, 2011 at 11:42 pm #

    There was a time when we were younger and have been said to us. If you do study at higher level you will get higher salary package job but i think today the scenrio has been changed now. Today if you dont have creativity in your work or in other words, company is not getting such benefits from you then there is very hard chance to save your job either your qualification is not as high as it demands probably.

    • Bangkok Lawyer October 12, 2011 at 3:38 am #

      Enjoyed the article. Particularly with the lack of union manufacturing jobs in the US, it’s hard to imagine a situation where a bright person going to college would be the wrong choice.

  58. Homes for Sale in Chesapeake October 12, 2011 at 8:57 pm #

    Yeah this is true and i do agree with the ideas and concept of the writer that this time is really the exact time to go for college. If ever, you can’t make it today, maybe tomorrow or if possible, the sooner the better. Just bear in mind that, it is really different if you as an individual have a degree to be proud of. No one will surely put you down. Anyway, I enjoyed reading your post. Hope to see you soon on your next post.

  59. Carine October 13, 2011 at 2:26 am #

    I absolutely agree with you. The more knowledge you have, the more chance you get in your life. Let’s go to college.

  60. Andy October 13, 2011 at 7:34 am #

    Great article Brandy. College degrees are often disparaged by many so-called self-made men. But without an education you may well be at a disadvantage, especially if you are not a natural-born entrepreneur. And even if you are, a bit of college never hurt anybody.

    College is not just about gaining the certificate at the end of it either, but expanding your horizons and exposing your mind to things that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.

  61. Kate Belle Townsend October 16, 2011 at 8:28 pm #

    Very good topic! Education is the only key to success..

  62. albert October 17, 2011 at 12:41 pm #

    Good to know that it is easier to get a student loan. I hope people are taking advantage of that in order to better themselves!

  63. ASHRAF October 21, 2011 at 1:03 am #

    Wow amazing post,,,,,,,,

  64. Austin @ Magic October 21, 2011 at 3:08 am #

    A college education, if you can get it, is something that I would suggest everyone should aim for. At the same time, let’s not give the impression that it is the only route to worthwhile employment. There are many areas in the arts and entrepreneurship, for example, where self-motivation, guts, ability to assess and take risks and good forward planning will take you wherever you want to be without any formal education at all. Don’t misunderstand me, I’m not devaluing the college route, merely wanting to balance the argument. It is not the only way. Most of the most successful people in history flunked college. :)

  65. Used trailers for sale NJ October 24, 2011 at 2:47 am #

    I was surfing through internet and suddenly found your blog and your article so interesting and attractive that i have to stay here and read this until it finishes. Now am a subscriber of your blog and waiting for more from you.

  66. Artincal Computers Front Royal October 27, 2011 at 10:04 am #

    Nice work, i keep myself updated with this kind of info

  67. Sports Therapy Port Macquarie October 31, 2011 at 11:31 am #

    I would like to back to college, but when you have financial responsibility like a mortgage, it becomes next to impossible, Perhaps i will have to wait until i retire.

  68. Yasai Chan November 2, 2011 at 3:35 pm #

    It would be best to get a university level education. However, there are trade and technical schools that take as little as two years to complete. These schools are still widely attended in Japan since they are cheaper and more practical than universities.

  69. SEO companies manchester November 3, 2011 at 9:36 am #

    Brilliant article, college is a great way to go for not just the individuals future but for the future of the planet. :)

  70. Andy Nathan November 4, 2011 at 12:17 pm #

    Gathering knowledge is always good. It just simply adding value to the life of any one.

  71. Louie@Internet Marketing Australia November 6, 2011 at 8:52 pm #

    College is a very important thing to consider in life. Great people like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and Einstein, who have never finished college stated then that if given a chance, they would pursue to finish a college degree. Well, at least, Bill Gates can still finish a degree…

  72. Visagederma November 8, 2011 at 2:59 pm #

    I would argue against college education, it’s expensive and everyone has one now days. I believe in near future we are going to be short of skilled workers and too many too educated workers as it seems to be the trend now. Don’t go to college right after high school, figure out what you want to do first and try something on your own and only then go to college if your sure what you want to do!

  73. Gothikid November 8, 2011 at 6:47 pm #

    I just graduated and I saw how essential it is to be a degree holder. So take advantage of the chance of going to college.

  74. banesmith November 13, 2011 at 4:26 am #

    Such a good idea for not going to college and you can be a better without go their.

  75. Eric November 30, 2011 at 8:23 am #

    Everyone should be able to educate themselves throughout life. College is a great springboard :)

  76. Benson January 17, 2012 at 4:32 am #

    You should learn some additional reasons why now is absolutely the time to get yourself enrolled in a four year college or graduate program

    • Bes Zain January 19, 2012 at 5:27 pm #

      Hmmm, could you explain more Benson?

  77. Nancy April 5, 2012 at 6:15 pm #

    There are many opportunities for people to go to college. If it is something that people are interested in, then YES they could look for ways to go back. Thank you for the post.

  78. Nancy April 10, 2012 at 6:31 pm #

    School is very important to help you get the job you truly want that will make you happy.

    • Bes Zain April 10, 2012 at 7:20 pm #

      Thanks Nancy! :)

      In your view, can one succeed at an equal rate without school? Or when it comes to something like starting your own business?

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