Value Of A College Education In The United States

For Americans, the dream doesn’t come easy. Many people are left short because of the lack of resources, money, and even education. Not the basic elementary education, but a college education. “The aim of a college education is to teach you to know a good man when you see one (William James).” The like American Philosopher, William James, many good men truly new the value of a college education. A value worth holding to experience the dream.
Having a college education is important for everyone. A college education fosters opportunities for people to generate, share, and establish knowledge, skills, and standards that build our country politically and economically. College educated people are equipped with intangible skills that elevate their readiness for the business world. Intangible skills

such as responsibility, initiative, and analytical thinking are critical preparing towards becoming marketable.
Business classes, internships, and volunteering are the many ways one can obtain these marketable skills. Many colleges apply business and professional-setting type classes so that the students will experience the aura of the business world. In business classes, “ ...many instructors implement hands-on` and real-world activities, giving each student an opportunity to participate and gain experience in teamwork. (Dawe 1)” This type of experience builds confidence and readiness for a career after gaining a college degree.
Aside from business classes, instructors also have internships available. Internships give students an opportunity to apply teamwork, leadership, communication, and class skills to projects and tasks with employers of career related jobs. Some internships even pay students for their work and dedication. "Graduating students with paid or unpaid internships on their résumé have a much better chance at landing a full-time position upon graduation. (Hering 1)” Not only will they graduate with a degree, students will earn internship certificates with cash in their pockets.
Volunteering is a great way attain valuable assets for a career. “Volunteering strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities. (Volunteering Benefits 1)” It is also a great way to boost confidence. “Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity. And the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future goals. (Volunteering Benefits, pg 1)” One could say that being hired for a job is difficult, but knowing your goals and preparing ahead of time is only half the battle.
College educated people recognize the power they have in the country. College educated people know to use the power they have to benefit those around them. Having said that, college educated people make advantageous choices politically and socially through their voting tendencies.
In Georgia, the college educated parents are passionate about their childrens education and look to help improve their communities through education projects. Many of these projects could not have been possible if it weren’t for Splost.
SPLOST stands for Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax – a 1 percent sales tax on retail goods. Revenues from the tax must be used for specific capital improvement projects at local schools.
According to the Cobb County Splost Updates, Splost receipts were collected for 32 months, including September 2014, for a total of $348,274,736. The majority of the money is for transportation projects while the rest is set for parks and recreation, municipal, public safety, and facilities.
“There were a total of 40,565 votes cast in the single-issue election, and of those votes 23,248, or 57 percent, were in favor of the tax, while 17,317, or 43 percent, opposed it. (Field 1)” Regardless of the decision of the voters, Splost has been a successful tool in improving Cobbs schools as well as its roads and infrastructure. As a result, according to the CCSD “Cobb County residents enjoy a high quality of life…”
College educated people are not only reported voting in their communities but look to practice their rights nationally.

“In the 2004 presidential election, 76 percent of U.S. citizens who were college graduates between ages 25 and 44 reported voting, compared to 49 percent of high school graduates. Among citizens between ages 45 and 64, 83 percent of college graduates and 63 percent of high school graduates reported voting. (U.S. Census Bureau Table 5, 1)” People with a college education are responsible, as it shows, and will always strive to improve their communities and the nation in which they live.
With a college education, one will improve their way of life, benefiting the community around them. Not only will they become knowledgeable, but will ultimately earn satisfying jobs and enrich themselves. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, among workers ages 25-34 who have an associate’s degree or higher, the average full-time year-round wage is around $30,000 to $65,000. Those with less or equivalent to a high school diploma average less than $30,000. Within three to four years, a college educated worker will easily earn $100,000 to $200,000 in annual

wages.
Despite the benefits, many people are discouraged from earning a college education. This is common for people with the fear of attaining student loan debt. Student loan debt can be considerably large amount for sum. But don’t worry, there are hundreds of financial aid packages for students who seek a college education. Even if the debt is not payed off by the end of college, one can always extend the deadline so that they can pay it off. And remember, with a college degree and the intangible skills earned, that check in the mail is only around the corner.
A college education by far is one of the most essential qualities a person has. Not only does it show through the way he or she speaks, but by the size of of their pocket and the quality of the life around them. It is not a desire, but rather a necessity. And when one has reached that level, only then can they truly say they’ve lived the dream.