Why Go To College

Haven't quite decided if you want to go to college? Well, whether you attend a four-year college or university, community college, or technical school, there are many reasons why you should continue your education after high school. A college education could equal more money, better job opportunities, and more personal assets for your future. It is also a chance to build a great network as well as an opportunity to build life long friendships. To make a long story short college is a win win situation.

Money
	On average, College educated individuals make more money than those with just a high school diploma.
	High school drop outs typically earn around $20,000 or less a year. This is in the poverty range.
	Workers with a bachelor's degree earned an average of $56,788 in 2006; workers with a high school diploma earned $31,071. See table for better understanding:
Education Average Income Increase Drop Out $20,873 - High School $31,071 48.9% College $56,788 82.8% Advanced $82,320 45.0%
Jobs & Career
	A college education increases employment opportunities. As a matter of fact, the number of jobs requiring higher education is expected to grow 43% by 2010.
	Jobs that require a college education are more likely to provide important benefits such as health and life insurance and savings and retirement plans.
	Most job promotions require a college degree, so having a higher education can make career advancement easier.
Personal
	A college education makes you a more rounded person. It shapes your communication skills, expands your knowledge base, makes you organized, and exposes you to a whole new world of learning.
	Education beyond high school gives you a lot of other benefits, such as meeting new people and taking part in new opportunities, and experiences.
	Education provides an opportunity to further your education at any point in life, and the option of teaching others what you have learned.
The Risks of NOT Going to College
Aside from the many benefits, there are a lot of risks to not attending finishing high school and going to college
	An increased risk of poverty. Dropouts typically earn less than $ 20,000 a year.
	A shortened life span. The life span of a dropout is about 9 years shorter than a high school graduate.
	A greater chance of going into a criminal life, going to jail. Nationally, 68% of prison inmates are drop outs.
	Your future is less secure because you have fewer career options to choose from. Businesses need to hire people with skills to think and solve problems. These skills are developed through college level course work.
	Most good jobs require more than a high school diploma. 80% of jobs require some sort of education beyond high school.
Still not convinced? Check out these sites for more reasons to finish high school and go to college.
http://www.actstudent.org/college/index.html http://www.thinkcollegeearly.org/whygo.html 10 Reasons To Go To College