Education: America's Pathway to Prosperity and Progress

544 Words2 Pages

Imagine our country in poverty, children not having a chance of a stable future, and no technological advances. Now, imagine America as a strong, educated country, with knowledgeable citizens, advanced discoveries that can save lives and provide for future generations, and the people having a true right to be proud to be an American. Our country can only achieve the latter if America’s young adults have a proper education. Going to college will help each individual have a better chance at a secure future, stable job, and income. The USA will eventually be turned over to the students of today, and those students need to have every opportunity possible to make America the strongest, happiest, most educated country on the planet, which means …show more content…

For people working fulltime, year-round, U.S. Census Bureau statistics show that employees with an associate degree earn 19% more than those with a high school diploma alone, employees with a bachelor's degree earn 62% more, and those with a master's degree earn almost double the pay of high school graduates. There is a $400 weekly earning difference between high school graduates and those with bachelor degrees. High school graduate today are unable to obtain the high-paying jobs they once were. According to the U.S. Government Info Web site, “… a high school graduate can expect, on average, to earn $1.2 million [over their lifetime]; those with a bachelor’s degree $2.1 million; and people with a master’s degree $2.5 million.” Obviously, a higher education pays off very well over the course of a lifetime, since it guarantees better lifetime savings. However, college education is very expensive. It costs an average of $20,000 per year in the U.S., 38% of the average entire family income. The average student debt is 26,500. That is not necessarily a reason not to get a college education, though. Most graduates’ degrees pay them back in the long run. There are also options such as scholarships, FAFSA, and student loans available to many students. If an individual wants a college education, there will be some way for them to get it, whether it be community college or some other

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