What Are The Real Benefits of College Education – A Complex Reality for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

While some are busy figuring out the best college major, others are decided not to go to college at all. The value of a college degree depends on how a person looks at it. On one end, people who have a degree also have the potential to earn higher pay. Based on data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, college graduates earn $1,416 median weekly earnings compared to $789 for high school graduates (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, July 2020).

However, not all employers are looking for a college degree. LinkedIn released data on the top soft and hard skills in 2020 and found that many skills don’t require a bachelor’s degree. These include cloud computing, sales, creativity, and adaptability. These skills can be learned through online classes like Udemy and at one’s initiative. Sue Bhatia, founder of the staffing agency Rose International (Chesterfield, MO) hit the nail on the head: “Our young professionals are educated for a world that will not exist as it currently does" (SHRM, October 2019).

The world might be better off without college—but, really? How can one turn a blind eye to the pay advantages of going to college then? This article aims to find the middle ground, not to validate one over the other, but to give context to both arguments. We believe this is not a black-and-white scenario, rather, there are grey areas of varying shades in between. Applying the general education meaning for learners, this write-up not only answers the question “What are the benefits of going to college?" but also highlights the statistical pros of going to college. For anyone who believes in pursuing college, a question lingers: what is the best degree to get in college?

Is College Worth It? Table of Contents

How Can You Reduce the Financial Burden of a College Degree?
The Disconnect Between College and Job Market
Real Benefits of College Education
College Statistics Show Its Advantage
College Education on Personal Development and Life Satisfaction
Can a Master's in Early Childhood Education Enhance Your Career Prospects?
Can Online Teaching Degrees Bridge Technological Advancements and Educational Excellence?
Can Advanced Online Nursing Programs Elevate Healthcare Leadership?
Which College Majors Provide the Best Return on Investment?
Can Accelerated Online Degree Programs Propel Career Growth?
Could a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Transform Your Career?

Popular Online Degree Programs for 2025

MSN Nurse Administrator

Becoming a nurse administrator entails taking on more managerial work, such as recruiting new nurses, drafting financial reports, assigning floor schedules, or conducting performance reviews. In addition, they serve as the bridge between nurses and top-level chiefs, ensuring alignment of organizational goals. This program can be taken in as short as two years, with several universities offering online options. Students will learn about healthcare delivery systems, quality improvement, organizational design, financial and resource management, and leadership. Moreover, they will encounter hands-on experiences through clinical placements in various healthcare settings.

Forensic Accounting

A degree in forensic accounting equips students with critical thinking and analytical skills, in addition to mathematical and statistical capabilities. Graduates of this degree typically work in public accounting, consulting, and law firms, as well as in insurance companies or government agencies. As part of their jobs, forensic accountants not only draft reports and identify financial losses but also conduct investigations on laundering and fraud, work with law enforcement, or even testify in court proceedings. This specialization in accounting features courses in cost management, federal income taxes, auditing, fraud examinations, and data analytics. Students complete coursework either online or in person and train under licensed professionals.

Child Psychology

Child psychologists deal with understanding children’s behaviors and helping them and their families improve their development and learning. Some courses that students will encounter in this program are lifespan development, pediatric neuropsychology, interventions, and research methods. Moreover, students need to undergo clinical experience to put their skills and knowledge to the test. Graduates of the degree are usually employed in schools, community health centers, mental health clinics, or through private practice. In addition, they can also work as counselors, social workers, behavioral therapists, or school psychologists.

Library Science

Careers in library science are often flexible, with graduates working in libraries, research centers, schools and universities, museums, hospitals, media, and law firms. Specializations in archival studies, legal informatics, music, medical, or youth librarianship, are available in several institutions. In class, students will take courses in information organization, access and knowledge inquiry, research methods, literacy and learning, and information stewardship. Undergraduate students are also immersed in internships while graduate learners complete dissertations or other research projects. This program is usually offered online though in-person classes are also available.

Dental Assistant

Students who wish to enter the field of dentistry can pursue a dental assistant program. Dental assistants engage in a number of tasks and responsibilities that aid professionals in their daily work. They not only schedule appointments but also sterilize dental equipment, conduct X-ray scans, prepare patients for procedures, or update records. A career in this field entails completing a certificate program that covers courses in oral pathology, dental anatomy, oral health and nutrition, radiation health safety, and cosmetic dentistry. This program can be completed in one year or less, with most institutions offering internships or field experiences.

How Can You Reduce the Financial Burden of a College Degree?

Strategic financial planning can play an essential role in managing college expenses and safeguarding long-term career prospects. Exploring an array of financial aid options—such as scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and low-interest loans—helps mitigate immediate tuition burdens and minimizes long-term debt. In addition, alternative educational pathways offer flexibility and affordability without compromising academic rigor. For example, enrolling in cheapest online educational leadership programs can provide cost-effective credentials and practical leadership skills that align with current market demands.

The Disconnect Between College and Job Market

No question, the argument against college is valid. Students spend so much time gaining literacy and numeracy mastery since elementary. Yet, a great chunk of this knowledge bank seems wasteful when one pits it against what jobs demand today. Taking a look at top job sites such as LinkedIn and Indeed, we can see that the in-demand skills in 2020 require less of the broadstroke approach of college in education and more of a laser-focused learning afforded by specific workshops or online classes.

For instance, the top job skill-cloud computing-have 893,676 students learning it over Udemy, a non-degree, skill-specific course provider. The other top job skills, likewise, are readily available via online class (Udemy, n.d.). For the second sought-after job skill, Udemy has 3,449 courses on artificial intelligence, while Coursera, another top course provider, has 989 (Coursera, n.d.). Both providers have a combined 7,850 courses on sales leadership, too, the third most in-demand job. In short, if you want to get hired today, a quick course on one of the top job skill requirements should see you through-no college needed.

If we have students learning business and technical writing instead of literature in high school and college, we would not have writing skill as one of the biggest gaps in workplace preparedness (ISHN, 2017). This is sad considering that 73% of employers prefer applicants with writing skills (Inc., 2016).

Moreover, unless one pursues a STEM job, mastering mathematical proofs like trigonometry, geometry, and physics throughout formal education only to take on a sales job or video editing job, two of the top job skills, looks wasteful. Where do we use humanities, art, and music, too, if the job involves blockchain technology or AI?

From this perspective, college looks detached from the real world. It did not help that several educators lack workplace experience, as well.

Still, the high school dropout rate is decreasing and college graduates are rewarded with higher pay. This is not exactly because they know more, but employers presume so. It is no surprise that most CEOs in the U.S. (and elsewhere) have post-secondary degrees: 38% with bachelor’s while 57% with master’s (study.eu, 2017). This is despite the fact that an MBA does not make a better manager always. “What is a PhD then?" one would ask. Like with master’s programs, its efficacy of skill development, in relation to the time and costs involved, is largely inconclusive.

A study by Development Dimensions International revealed that MBA graduates were outperformed by managers with only undergraduate degrees in the fields of coaching, results in orientation, and visionary leadership skills (Times of India, 2016).

The world seems to be better off without college, it seems-but only if we look at half of the picture.

Real Benefits of College Education

On the other side of the fence, perhaps the most notable of the benefits of attending college is that it presents a bagful of opportunities and the argument is not without basis. On top of conferring some marketable skills, namely literacy and numeracy, what makes studying college so important is where a job requires art and culture. And this usually means management and leadership positions.

The art is knowing what to apply when and how, while culture is the best practices collected into one vast knowledge bank. Where students lack both the art and culture of a given field, college provides them with a quick fix.

The lessons learned and knowledge imparted in college classes are the result of decades, if not centuries, of research and application of the best practices that have governed a given discipline, say, engineering or communications. College, in short, provides students with a proven system to organize volumes of knowledge that they may not need, but should they, can tap into. In most cases, a refresher is all it takes to rekindle this knowledge bank that lies deep in the recesses of the learned mind many years later.

In this scenario, students gain the following college benefits that otherwise are found wanting in short, skill-specific courses:

Leadership role. Having an understanding of the art and culture of a job prepares the student for a management role. It is no surprise that most CEOs have postsecondary degrees then.
Broad perspective. College provides students with something about everything. The idea is to help students see the whole forest. This 360-degree perspective comes in handy when running or managing a business or developing strategies or policies.
Focus on deliverables. Students learn different courses in a limited time and submit the requirements within a deadline. This rigorous process disciplines the mind to stay focused on time-bound accomplishments, a valuable trait in the workplace.
Knowledge bank. Not only do students have access to volumes of knowledge materials (e.g., library, books, notes), but they are guided on how to organize knowledge in a meaningful way.
Inspiration and guidance. College and university teachers are themselves highly trained and profess an encompassing understanding of their discipline. Many of them teach, not just to impart knowledge, but to challenge and inspire students to contribute to such knowledge. This, in fact, is the rationale behind completing a thesis prior to earning a bachelor’s degree.

College Statistics Show Its Advantage

Data is easy to come by reinforcing the perceived benefits of a college education. Take a look at these college statistics:

The median annual salary of college graduates in the U.S. is $45,000 compared to $30,000 for high school graduates (Wall Street Journal)
83% of college graduates are employed vs. 68.8% (U.S. Census Bureau, 2018)
There is 3.5x lower poverty rate among college graduates vs. high school graduates (Association of Public 7 Land-Grant Universities)
About 99% of jobs created since the 2008 recession were awarded to candidates with postsecondary degrees. (Georgetown University

Can a Master's in Early Childhood Education Enhance Your Career Prospects?

Advancing in early childhood education develops niche expertise in curriculum design, classroom management, and policy implementation, paving the way for leadership roles in educational institutions and administrative bodies. This specialized degree equips professionals with the tools to drive strategic initiatives in early learning environments, meeting the growing emphasis on quality childhood education. For further insights into career pathways and potential roles, refer to masters early childhood education jobs.

Can Online Teaching Degrees Bridge Technological Advancements and Educational Excellence?

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, online teaching credentials play a pivotal role in equipping educators with modern methodologies and digital literacy. These programs emphasize the integration of interactive learning platforms and data-driven instruction, thereby enhancing both teaching practices and learner engagement. Professionals who pursue such qualifications can leverage flexible curricula and real-world applications to foster innovation in academic settings. For those exploring paths that combine technology with pedagogy, exploring accredited online teaching degree programs provides valuable insights into contemporary educational standards and practices.

Can Advanced Online Nursing Programs Elevate Healthcare Leadership?

In today’s evolving healthcare landscape, advanced online nursing programs create a unique pathway for clinicians aspiring to move beyond bedside care into strategic leadership roles. These programs blend in-depth clinical expertise with sophisticated management principles, fostering an environment where evidence-based decision-making and innovative problem-solving are paramount. By leveraging flexible online formats, nurse leaders can efficiently acquire competencies that address contemporary challenges in healthcare administration. Prospective candidates are encouraged to explore opportunities through affordable online MSN to EdD programs that are designed to bridge clinical practice with executive leadership, offering a cost-effective and focused approach to career advancement.

How does college education impact personal development and life satisfaction?

While much of the focus is often placed on the economic benefits of a college education, such as higher earning potential and job prospects, there are also significant personal development gains that come from pursuing higher education. These often-overlooked aspects of college education contribute to overall life satisfaction and personal growth. Here's how college education positively impacts personal development:

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills: College education encourages students to think critically, analyze information from various perspectives, and develop solutions to complex problems. These skills are not only useful in the workplace but also in daily life, enhancing one's ability to make informed decisions and navigate challenges.
Improved communication skills: Through writing assignments, presentations, and group projects, students develop both written and oral communication skills. Effective communication is vital in all areas of life, from professional environments to personal relationships, leading to stronger connections and a more fulfilling life.
Increased self-confidence: Completing a college degree can significantly boost self-esteem and confidence. Knowing that you have the knowledge, skills, and qualifications to pursue your chosen career path fosters a sense of accomplishment and self-worth, which translates into greater life satisfaction.
Expanded worldview: College exposes students to diverse ideas, cultures, and people, broadening their understanding of the world. This expanded worldview encourages empathy, tolerance, and a deeper appreciation for different perspectives, making individuals more well-rounded and open-minded in their personal and professional lives.
Lifelong learning mindset: A college education instills a love for learning and the importance of continued personal and intellectual growth. This mindset drives individuals to seek new knowledge and skills throughout their lives, contributing to both personal fulfillment and adaptability in an ever-changing world.
Stronger social networks: College provides opportunities to build lasting relationships with peers, professors, and professionals. These networks can offer emotional support, career opportunities, and collaboration on personal or professional endeavors, enriching one’s life beyond the academic setting.

Which College Majors Provide the Best Return on Investment?

Analyzing the economic and career outcomes associated with different fields of study reveals that the choice of major is critical to long-term financial success. Data-driven insights indicate that STEM and business-related disciplines often yield higher immediate returns in terms of salary and advanced career opportunities, while humanities and liberal arts majors offer distinct advantages in critical thinking and communication skills that benefit long-term professional adaptability. Prospective students are encouraged to examine rigorous studies and labor market trends when making their decision. For example, specialized areas, including a degree in English, are valued for enhancing analytical prowess and fostering creativity that resonate across various industries.

Can Accelerated Online Degree Programs Propel Career Growth?

Accelerated online programs offer a streamlined pathway to advanced expertise without the extended time commitment of traditional routes. They provide tailored curricula designed to address specific career needs and evolving industry trends, enabling professionals to upgrade their credentials while maintaining work-life balance. Notably, programs like the fastest online EdD program exemplify how innovative, flexible learning models can deliver leadership acumen and specialized knowledge in a compressed timeframe, directly supporting career advancement.

Could a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Transform Your Career?

Pursuing a doctoral degree can offer advanced skills in research, strategic problem-solving, and leadership theory that distinctively prepare professionals for high-level management roles. This level of study not only deepens subject matter expertise but also cultivates an aptitude for innovative decision-making and effective change management. For professionals aiming to move into executive positions, specialized doctoral programs emphasize both academic rigor and real-world application, bridging theoretical insights with industry practices. Interested candidates can review the top organizational leadership PhD programs to assess how these credentials could uniquely position them for long-term career advancement.

Is College for You?

Is college worth it? A better question, perhaps, is, are your expectations worth a college degree? If you have a short-term need to get a job, a skills-based program makes more sense. Getting a college degree while working, then, is your long-term approach to climb the corporate ladder. On the other hand, if you are capable of pursuing college straight out of high school and willing to wait it out to land a job, getting a college degree first should be a good strategy.

In both cases, the benefits of getting a college degree are quite clear. College is worth it. It should, because it drives our social, economic, and political lives through collective knowledge and experience. The world is definitely better off with college. It is how we utilize college that, perhaps, makes us think otherwise. If you’re an educator, these thoughts must not be lost to you so you could impart the wisdom to your would-be students. Better still, you could make a case for them if you’re pursuing higher education via an online master’s degree in higher education or better.

Continue reading about college statistics and trends such as the safe space movement.

Key Insights

Earning Potential: College graduates earn significantly more than high school graduates, with median weekly earnings of $1,416 compared to $789.
In-Demand Skills: Many in-demand job skills like cloud computing, sales, and creativity do not necessarily require a college degree and can be acquired through online courses.
Soft and Hard Skills: Employers value soft skills such as adaptability and creativity, which can be developed outside of traditional college education.
College Degree Benefits: Despite arguments against the necessity of a college degree, it provides valuable opportunities, including leadership roles, broad perspectives, and a structured knowledge bank.
Economic Advantages: College graduates experience lower poverty rates and higher employment rates compared to high school graduates.
Educational Guidance: College offers guidance and inspiration from highly trained educators, helping students develop a deeper understanding of their chosen fields.

FAQ

Why do college graduates earn more than high school graduates? College graduates typically earn more because they possess specialized skills and knowledge that are in higher demand in the job market. Employers often associate a college degree with a higher level of expertise and capability.
Can I get a good job without a college degree? Yes, many jobs, especially those requiring specific technical skills like cloud computing, sales, and creativity, do not require a college degree. These skills can be acquired through online courses, certifications, and practical experience.
What are the real benefits of a college education? A college education offers numerous benefits, including higher earning potential, broader perspectives, leadership opportunities, and access to a vast knowledge bank. It also helps in developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Is it true that college education is disconnected from the job market? While some argue that college education may not directly align with current job market demands, it still provides essential skills and knowledge that can be applied across various fields. College education also fosters adaptability and lifelong learning.
How can I save on college application costs? To save on college application costs, consider applying to schools with no application fees, seeking fee waivers, applying online, and creating a balanced list of target, reach, and likely schools. Additionally, check if schools have test-optional policies to save on standardized test fees.
What are the statistics supporting the advantages of a college degree? Statistics show that college graduates have higher median annual salaries ($45,000) compared to high school graduates ($30,000). They also have higher employment rates (83% vs. 68.8%) and lower poverty rates. Additionally, 99% of jobs created since the 2008 recession went to candidates with postsecondary degrees.
Is college worth the investment? College is worth the investment for those looking for long-term career advancement and higher earning potential. It provides valuable skills, knowledge, and opportunities that are beneficial for personal and professional development. However, it may not be necessary for everyone, especially for those seeking specific technical skills that can be acquired through alternative means.

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