“Is College Still a Good Investment?” – HigherEdJobs.

“…when we survey those with and without college degrees, we find significant personal benefits accrue to those who have college degrees. In its Trends in Higher Education Series, Education Pays, The College Board documents the rewards to individuals: higher job satisfaction, less chance of unemployment, potential for higher earnings, greater social mobility, and better health – leading to a higher quality of life in general.”

— Eileen K. O’Leary, Assistant Vice President and Director of Student Financial Assistance, Stonehill College

While the cost of a college education has gone up by over 50% in the past decade, it is still a good investment if you are seeking a career that requires a college degree.

What I particularly like about this editorial from Eileen O’Leary is that she also asks her readers to consider the value-added aspects of having a college degree, discussing how our society as a whole benefits from its citizens being educated:

• civic involvement and votes rates are higher among those with college degrees
• regional economies are stronger
• tax revenues are higher where educational attainment is higher
• overall unemployment is lower
• retirement plan contributions are higher
• poverty rates are lower
• health insurance coverage is stronger
• public assistance participation rates are lower

One of my mentors said it the best: When the water rises, so do all the boats.

When we focus on helping others to achieve their greatest potential, it helps everyone!

Empowering others through education is still one of the most effective ways we have to inspire positive change on a large scale that is beneficial to all.