4 Reasons You Should Attend College

Photo by Pang Yuhao on Unsplash

With so many options available for the future, it can be hard to decide if college is the best route for you. No one can deny that furthering your education is a big decision, and a lot of time needs to be put into deciding to attend. With the height of college application season nearing, many people find themselves wondering if college is worth the investment. Well, look no further because if you value any of the items below, college is the right pick for you.

Should you attend college?

If you value any of the following reasons below, college is a good fit for you.

1. More Career Opportunities

If you value having many options for a career in the future, college is right for you. Obtaining a college degree opens the door to many career pathways that would otherwise be inaccessible with a high school diploma alone.  According to research conducted by Georgetown University, almost 75% of jobs available in the US in the next 6 years will require some type of post-secondary education or training. While some jobs may not require a degree, they can still benefit from having one. Take being a YouTuber for example, being a Youtuber does not require a degree. However, a degree in Digital Media can aid in content creation or a degree in business can help them manage and monetize their personal brand. While a degree is not a barrier for entry into some fields, a degree will open up more avenues for you to explore.

Image from the Career Universal Pathway Agency.

2. Building Independence

If you want to become more independent, college is right for you. In college you make your own schedule by picking from your required classes and the times they are offered. You become solely responsible for ensuring that you are to class on time and that your work is getting done. Oftentimes, freshman year of college is the first time a young person lives by themselves. While there are new freedoms that come with living alone, there are even more responsibilities. Being on your own and attending school teaches you to balance working and maintaining a household. It can instill a sense of discipline and responsibility which help you become more independent.

3. Networking and Connections

If you want to be able to make meaningful connections, college is right for you. People are hard-wired to be social beings. An article from Berkeley’s Executive Education Program explains how our connections (or lack of) can have a major effect on our well-being. College offers many opportunities to form connections with like-minded individuals. Being in college can help provide you with a sense of community unlike anything else. While there are other communities within any college, you would have at least one thing in common with anyone you run into on campus. Attending that school. Additionally, while attending college you are able to join a variety of clubs where you can meet people with your same interests. You can also meet people in your academic program who have similar goals to you. College also provides the opportunity to network. You are likely to form good relationships with the professors who teach your classes. These same professors may have connections to people in your respective fields and can provide good references for jobs in the future.

Annual Club Fair Outside Student Center at Rowan University

4. Discovering Your Passion

If you are passionate about anything, college is right for you. No matter what you are passionate about, there is likely a college major for it or adjacent to it. MyMajors.com offers information on over 1,800 college majors that are available to study. Studying your passion not only allows you to gain a deeper understanding, but it also can open up more opportunities to get involved with your passion. Do you like video games? Well by studying video game development you can now make your own games. How about bees? By studying entomology, you have gained access to taking a Beekeeping class. The list can go on for what seems like forever. No matter what you like, college is for you.

Ready to Enroll?

While attending college may seem daunting, there is no need to be nervous. College is an investment in yourself and your future, and it is a great fit for almost everyone. If you aren’t sure what you want to study, you can always enroll as undecided until you feel out our interests. There are also multiple online assessments you can take to help you narrow down a major that is a good fit for you, such as the one by U.S. News. No matter where you are in life, it is never too late to continue your education. Gulf Coast State College boasts the motto “Start Here. Go Anywhere.” and is equipped with various associate and bachelor’s degree programs. If you are ready to take the next step in your education, reach out to the GCSC Office of Admissions and apply today!