Is Getting a College Degree Worth It?
Veterans and military members earn college degrees for various reasons. Usually they include getting a better job, buying a bigger house or being able to provide for a family at a higher level than if the breadwinner did not have a degree.
And it is true that having at least an associate’s degree and preferably a bachelor’s degree or higher, will earn the recipient a higher salary. Four reasons make that possible. Surveys consistently show by having degrees, employees:
- Accomplish more work in the course of a day.
- Choose a career field with more potential for advancement.
- Start out at a higher pay scale.
- Generate more tax revenue for communities and nation, due to increased productivity and a higher salary.
In today’s job market, most employees will switch employers an average of four times during their career. Having a degree gives employees more options to get better jobs throughout their whole career.
While having a rewarding career and making good money are certainly two good reasons to earn a degree by using the GI Bill, there are other equally important reasons that are seldom discussed.
Family
Most veterans thinking about going to college are generally older than their classmates. Many have a family to support, so providing a better life for them can be the motivation needed to get a degree. Having a degree and job commensurate with that degree, a family will have:
- More discretionary income to spend
- More quality time to pursue hobbies and leisure-time activities
- Better decision-making skills when it comes to managing money
Financial
Over the course of a career, bachelor’s degree holders earn approximately twice that of a worker only having a high school diploma or equivalent. According to the Census Bureau, a high school graduate earns around $1.2 million; a bachelor’s degree holder approximately $2.1 million.
Social
College graduates are generally better all-around citizens. They participate more in the election process, understand and vote accordingly on public fund issues on the ballot and have more informed opinions on race, gender and equal opportunity issues.
Health
In general, degree holders are healthier; they are more health conscious so they:
- Smoke less, if at all
- Exercise more to stay in shape
- Eat healthier, because they can afford to make better food choices
- Are less prone to depression because of a more positive outlook on life.
And that health consciousness carries down into the family. The children will make better health decisions because they were taught healthy eating and good exercise habits.
While toiling away at a degree and trying to support a family, there may be times you question if it is all worth it. It is – for the reasons in this article and many more.
