15 Reasons Why People Get a College Degree

A college degree can be elusive for some, but for those who grab one by the tail and hold on tight they’ll enjoy the ride for a very long time. A college degree opens many doors and says a lot about you. A college degree says you were disciplined enough, for at least 4 years, to add more earning power to your life, and to expand your knowledge base. Generally, college graduates make more money in their lifetime than those who do not have a college degree.

Here are the statistics:

• A high school graduate makes approximately $1.2 million dollars in their lifetime.
• A graduate with an Associates degree makes approximately $1.6 million dollars in their lifetime.
• A graduate with a Bachelors degree makes approximately $2.1 million dollars in their lifetime.

There are various reasons why people pursue a college degree. Some reasons are valid, but others are a bit wacky or quite out of the norm. Let’s take a look at good reasons and not so good reasons for getting a college degree.

1. Family Expectations – So often some of us go to college because it’s expected by our family. Not only that, some families even expect a certain college to be attended, so a choice of college is not an option for some. People are pushed to continue the long line of family college grads, and breaking that expectation would be unheard of.
2. College is a requirement for certain occupations. You can’t become a doctor without college and other training, even though some do try to practice healthcare without a college degree.
3. Some people get a college degree to piss other people off. That’s right! Some peoples’ best revenge for those nay Sayers is to succeed by getting a college degree.
4. People get a college degree when others have told them that they would not amount to anything. For that, you should say, “I’ll show you,” and amount to everything you can.
5. A college degree is gotten for one’s own satisfaction. Some people feel incomplete without a college degree and very dissatisfied with their lives without one.
6. A college degree for some makes a statement. Some might say, “Yeah! Yeah! I’m educated – what about it?” A college degree should not give one a big head.
7. Some get a college degree because they have nothing else to do – I wish!
8. A college degree is expected in ones culture. Different cultures hold individuals in high esteem because of a college degree, and even expect some individuals obtain more than a 4 year degree.
9. A college degree, for some, earns them respect, and a certain position in a family. Some in a family that have the highest level of education earn the right to “head” the family.
10. People get a college degree in order to get a promotion and a raise. This is a real good reason to pursue a college degree. Some companies are looking for a more educated workforce that will suite their growth and development needs.
11. People get a college degree to follow in the footsteps of someone they admire and respect. There’s nothing wrong with being someone’s hero if it causes them to do something good whether it be for themselves or for someone else.
12. People get a college degree to encourage others. Parents, in particular, who go back to school, show their children that one is never too old to go to college, and to encourage them to do the same so they’ll be able to be self-sufficient and go further in life.
13. Some people pursue a college degree to network. You can make some great connections in college from jobs, to travel opportunities, to joining great organizations.
14. Some people pursue a college degree so they can marry in a certain circle or a certain type of person. That’s right – you can leave college with a degree and a spouse. That’s what I’m talkin’ ‘bout.
15. Some people get a college degree to fulfill a bucket list, or to complete what they had started now having the time and resources to do so.

A college degree is a valuable asset that can’t be taken away – some may not agree, but nevertheless, the numbers or statistics don’t lie about what a college degree can do for a person. College may not be for everyone, and if not, then one must map out and outline what skills, abilities, gifts, and talents will help provide viable ways to be self-sufficient. You must ask yourself the question – “Is a college degree for me, and what is my reason for getting a college degree?”