As recently as a few years ago, having a college education meant that employment doors were opened to grads, as they tapped their school and class contacts to help them a land a decent job. With several years of hard work, on the job training, and personal growth, many employees would find themselves established in their careers within about five years of their graduation.

Today, it seems that the value of getting a college degree has been diminished.

No, I’m not saying that you can’t earn a decent salary as a college graduate, rather there are opportunities for you to still make a lot of money without even taking one class. The difference today seems to be new earning opportunities — including the internet — where some people are gaining big riches through starting a new site, via ad revenue, or providing some other important web based service.

But, what I find lacking with some of these financially successful people, are some things which are best gained by attending college. These include:

A global education — Today’s college students have access to the entire world, thanks to the internet. But, internet access is only part of the equation — receiving instruction from a learned professor pays far more dividends than anything else. Great minds have much to share and college campuses have many people who can impart much including staff, grad students, and college leadership.

Peer challenge — The solitary lives that some people lead who work exclusively online means that they are missing out on being challenged by their peers. There is much energy that can be tapped from like-minded people who have a challenge set before them, a goal which they want to reach. The Biblical adage, “iron sharpens iron” is applicable at quality colleges and universities, giving you an opportunity to be built up while you build others up.

Diversity — The code word for learning today is diversity, but that often signifies only those people who look different from you. While diversity in this limited form can still be quite good, a diversity of ideas is what I’m talking about. Engaged students who are encouraged to share their ideas, problems, and resolutions can stimulate the mind. If you’re with your own limited people group all of the time will you be able to flourish? In some cases group thinking prevails where a diversity of ideas isn’t encouraged.

Good health — College graduates are generally healthier than their non-college peers, smoking less and eating better. A report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control revealed that college students have a better grasp of health issues and exercise more often specifically, “Among men, significant increases in regular physical activity were observed among respondents aged 45–64 years, non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, high school graduates, and college graduates — CDC Data & Statistics.

Better citizens — While making more money is often given as the chief reason why students should secure a college degree, for generations college was recognized as being a place to instill them with the knowledge and understanding that will make them more responsible citizens –Georgia Tech Research News. Citizenship seems to have taken a beaten of late — no wonder that so many people don’t vote or are disengaged civically. Personally, good societal health is guaranteed when citizens are involved.

Certainly, you can make a compelling argument why you shouldn’t go to college, perhaps grades, finances, or a lack of interest stand in the way. Yet, for people who finish up school, they’re much more likely to contribute back to society, something that can benefit everyone.

Further Reading

Promoting Healthy Eating and Physical Activity for a Healthier Nation (pdf)

The (Non-Monetary) Value of a College Degree

The Social Value of the College-Bred

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