By the end of this speech, I will present some actual statistical facts and sound reasoning to persuade my audience to prioritize college education. I am sure all of you want to live healthy, happy, and fulfilled lives without fearing financial instability due to a high risk of losing your jobs. Indeed, according to Trostel (2015), many believe that a university degree’s only benefit is that it allows applying for high-paying job positions. However, I will show you that a college education will not only allow you to have a better income but also help you live longer and be satisfied with your life.
First of all, let me focus on superior financial stability among college graduates since it is an essential aspect of the modern world in which the market economy is predominant. Indeed, Gagnon (2022) claims that people with a four-year degree were found to have weekly earnings of $524 greater than individuals with only a high-school diploma or less (para. 2). Think about it, if a person works for 40 years on average, one can get $1 million more if that individual possesses at least a bachelor’s degree (Gagnon, 2022, para. 3). In contrast, according to Trostel (2015) those who only graduated from high-school earn approximately $24,000 per year, which is about $12,000 less than any worker with a college education receives annually (p. 9). Thus, it is unsurprising that the number of Americans pursuing higher education has significantly risen over the past four decades (Trostel, 2015). As it can be seen from this data, a bachelor’s degree or higher can boost an individual’s financial stability.
Secondly, people with college degrees tend to live longer than their counterparts who lack higher education. Trostel’s report states that a 2013 survey revealed that 73% of respondents with a university diploma reported excellent or perfect health (p. 27). In contrast, those with only a high-school degree gave positive answers only in 50% of cases (Trostel, 2015, p. 27). The reasons for such drastic differences are the higher chance of having health insurance, better diet, engagement in physical exercise, better living conditions, and a supportive social circle for a college graduate (Gagnon, 2022). Moreover, Bareham (2022) claims that studying at a university creates networking opportunities, professional connections, and long-lasting relationships. All these factors contribute to better mental and physical well-being.
Thirdly, a college degree provides higher job security because intellectual tasks allow preserving one’s position if remote work is required. The statistics show that only 5% of college graduates experience unemployment compared to 9% among those with a high-school diploma (Gagnon, 2022, para. 4). Indeed, if one had a chance to study at a university, that person was not only taught professional knowledge. College gives an opportunity to take various courses to become a well-rounded individual with a wide range of skills that are helpful in interpersonal communication and personal growth. Employees with such characteristics are more desirable candidates for good positions and are less likely to be fired.
Fourthly, a college degree is not only about gaining a profession for life but a process of learning various skills that can help one succeed in any area of life, personal or professional. For example, in terms of the former, children born to people with higher education are more likely to be healthier, more literate, and happy (Trostel, 2015). Indeed, a mother who is a college graduate tends to take better care of her fitness to give birth to a healthier child (Trostel, 2015). Additionally, college graduates are more likely to stay married than those without degrees (Gagnon, 2022). Regarding professional success, people with at least a bachelor’s degree can pursue almost any career because they know the strategies for studying and learning new knowledge and skills (Bareham, 2022). The college lays the foundation for your future prosperity by teaching you how to navigate life.
Lastly, all of the above is possible due to the fact that academia is a place of personal and intellectual growth. According to Pew Research Center (2016), 77% of individuals with a post-graduate degree and 64% of bachelor’s program graduates agreed that college was crucial for their overall intellectual and personal development (para. 14). In fact, academia is not only the place where you take courses and complete assignments, but it is also a site of maximum concentration of individuals with various cultural backgrounds and interests. For instance, more than 200 students at Stanford University won Olympic medals in water polo, soccer, fencing, swimming, volleyball, and others (Stanford Athletics, 2016). This environment encourages students to read, learn, and explore more, facilitating personal and intellectual development.
I understand that a college education, especially here in the United States, may seem costly for some of you, but I hope you comprehend its long-term benefit now. Higher earnings, better health, longevity, and personal satisfaction are a set of advantages that you will obtain with your degree. I want to end with the quote from Malcolm X: “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” So, make sure you get that passport to a prosperous life for you, your loved ones, and your future children.
References
Bareham, H. (2022). 7 reasons to go to college. Bankrate. Web.
Gagnon, D. (2022). Top 10 reasons why college is important. Southern New Hampshire University. Web.
Pew Research Center. (2016). The value of college education. Web.
Stanford Athletics. (2016). Olympic medal history. Stanford Medicine. Web.
Trostel, P. (2015). It’s not just the money. The benefits of college education to individuals and to society. Government & Civic Life, 4, 1-72.