17 Reasons College is Worth Every Penny

Doubt, regret and apprehension is often associated with higher education these days. It’s understandable, considering the associated costs and general state of dysfunction in academia. Whether you’ve already graduated or are considering going (back) to school, ditch the dry lecture-hall drone and dive into a technicolor tour of why college is worth every penny (or, at least, every Ramen packet):

Experience

You’ve heard it a million times before, experience is priceless, and it’s true when it comes to college. There are infinite possibilities and novel experiences to be had while at school, no matter where you end up. These experiences will truly be whatever you make them out to be.

School/Life Balance

Even if you’re studying medicine, engineering or any other majors, schoolwork is to be done on your own time. You can choose when your classes are held. It’s not often in life that we can obtain this sort of control over our time.

Social connections

This is perhaps the most consistent benefit of going to school. Making new friends and building on existing relationships is the main idea of our existence; there's just nothing like it. You have all the time in the world to realize just how pleasant the college social atmosphere truly is.

Networking

Forget the stuffy suits and LinkedIn profiles, college networking is a jungle gym of opportunity. You'll rub elbows with professors who are giants in their fields, classmates who might be future CEOs, and guest speakers who can drop career-changing nuggets of wisdom. It's like having a secret handshake to a world of possibilities, opening doors to internships, jobs, and maybe even that coveted coffee date with the cute barista.The more formal way of making friends.

Look, you aren’t going to end up being pals with everyone on campus. But friends of friends, faculty and classmates end up forming quite a large network if you’re doing it right. Investing in your network while still in school can reap huge professional benefits down the line. It’s never too late to reignite those connections either. Just make sure you’re providing value to those in your network.

Academics

This is what school is all about. Rigorously learning something from an experienced pro is what you’re paying for. It’s knowledge that can last a lifetime, and if you put your mind to your studies, you might actually enjoy it.

Living Alone

For many, college dorming is the first true experience of flying solo. No, mom isn’t going to be around to cook or do laundry, but you do have the personal space and peace to really lock in on your goals. Unless you have a couple disruptive roommates …

Accountability

Since you’re not living at home, you’ll now need to take charge of what’s yours. Your studies, your room, your relationships. This can be overwhelming, but that’s real life; unrelenting and ruthless. It’s better to get started on it while you’re young.

Discipline

Developing a strong sense of self-awareness will happen in college. For some, it's necessary, considering the stressors of campus and social life, as well as staying on top of studies. This is a very useful skill for the professional world.

Fun!

Don’t forget that college is about letting loose and enjoying good times. There are parties, extracurriculars, sports, school projects and so much more. Having fun with whatever shows itself in college is the key to a fulfilling experience.

Getting Better at One or Several Things

Here’s where the money is. Developing or honing in on a skill over time is what separates you from the pack. While in college, there are several professionals and experts pertaining to your desired skills, as well as like-minded students willing to sharpen your sword against theirs. This is a priceless opportunity to get a leg up for the professional world.

Limited Distraction

In college, it’s your world. Aside from mandatory classes, you’re free to do whatever you’d like with your time. If you’re smart that means limited distractions. It can sound mundane, but having just a few things to focus on is pleasant on the mind and soul.

Bragging Rights

Hey, I went to college. I studied my ass off. I made a ton of friends. No one can take that away from me. Sometimes, it’s as simple as having something to show for yourself. You’ve earned it.

Weight of Degree

Depending on what you study and where, the gravity your degree holds is powerful. You can use it to get hired or to start a conversation. Your bona fides from school travel with you forever.

Lifelong, True Friends

You don’t get to choose your family – that’s what you’ve always been told. But in college, you’re given another chance to pick the brothers and sisters that will last a lifetime. Something about bonding under challenging circumstances really brings us closer together, and wills us into similar experiences with each other down the line.

Density of Like Minded, Ambitious Individuals

Great advice for young professionals trying to climb the ladder is to move to a big city, where similarly ambitious and intelligent individuals are inhabiting. It’s a true brainstorm; you can choose to see these people as competitors, or you can recognize their worth as contemporaries.

Love

Something I rarely hear talked about when it comes to college. Love is everywhere. It may not be like a Disney movie, but young love can truly be cultivated in college environments. Think about it – thousands of peers your age with low responsibility and high potential for giving. Spending time at unlimited clips. New perspectives and no shame with experimenting. College is one of a kind. Just be careful out there.

Discovery

Finally, there is no better place for a young adult to discover themselves than at school. All that time alone and challenging day-to-day tasks forces oneself to look inward. There is much power in this sort of reflection.

Recognize that while each person’s experience with college is different, it is experience nonetheless. In an age where socializing, networking and even learning is difficult, the bones of a college structure pays many dividends for the young adult looking to accelerate their potential.