What are the benefits of going to college (aside from presumably higher pay)?

Question

"I don't care where someone went to school, and that never caused me to hire anyone or buy a business."

-Warren Buffet

Is it worth $40,000 to attend four years of training (discounting the presumably higher pay)?

Answer 1

First, understand the difference between education and training - there is a distinct and significant difference. Then understand that your $40,000 could be either very high or very low. It's possible to earn a bachelor's degree for very little to no money and as possible to spend $100,000+ on it.

That said, if your only objective is money then logic dictates becoming a physician and that requires a college education. Many people are interested in specific careers (with or without the interest in money) and some of those careers require a college education.

If you want to become an engineer, teacher, accountant, architect, etc... those require a college degree and therefor being able to pursue your career plans is the benefit.

Many fields don't require a college degree but the experience with professionals in the field that you can gain in college helps prepare you for that profession. Art, music, theater, writing, etc. are examples. The benefit becomes studying with the teachers of those arts to improve your art.

Some people (myself included) find benefit in gaining knowledge. I want to know and understand. I want to create and synthesize. In addition to a wide range of experiences, I get that benefit of knowledge from studying in college. (I've been in college since 1981) It's not about money or parties or anything other than - there's still cool stuff I don't know yet.

Then too, there is the social benefit of attending college. Whether right or wrong, there is a social impact to simply being a college graduate. There is a level of respect attained by simple possession of a degree. Further, there comes the ability to engage in discourse over a wide range of topics. This is beneficial in both business and social interactions.

Academic research tells us that those who have graduated from college generally lead healthier lives with a higher standard of living. Some of this can be attributed to a higher income but much is directly related to the education and knowledge.

Not least, the children of college graduates are more likely to excel in school and to graduate from college themselves. This creates a generational socio-economic advantage that the children of non-graduates do not enjoy.

A dean at my Alma Mater once said; "a good education makes your brain a better place to live for the rest of your life" -- it's true. The greater understanding that comes from a good education is great. I've always been amazed by the amount of stuff that I just don't know.

Answer 2

College helps broaden your view, allowing you to see things from different angles. It arouse your interest to read more and seek knowledge. It gives you the principles to understand an issue and how to solve them. Some people are smart and they may already know how to do these without going to college. However, most people aren't and that's why we need to get help there.

Answer 3

High concentration of pooonahnie

Answer 4

the experience.