For most individuals, education is an investment. It requires learners of any age to devote most of their time, money, and social life to their academic responsibilities. After high school, the academic pressure on most learners proceeds to swell if they choose to enroll in higher education. 

Furthermore, pursuing education above an undergraduate degree is something many reflect on for a long time, as it demands a lot of commitment from the individual.

Vocational Centers vs. College

Many high school graduates choose to pursue education further in the first place so that they can survive the era of free-market capitalism. Though vocational centers can help them develop hard skills to get employment in their field of interest, a certified graduate degree can equip learners with many soft skills. 

Soft skills are a desirable trait for employees in many industries because they help individuals adapt to different positions and challenges. Meanwhile, the company is saved from diminution in reputation at the hands of its employees.

Learners enrolled in vocational centers are bound to get job-specific training. These centers are cost-effective; therefore, it is expected that these workers will get lower pay than workers with a degree, especially if those with a degree have a high cumulative GPA.

Why Go Back To College?

This survey shows that there is a gradual reduction in learners enrolling in undergraduate programs. Though the reason remains unclear, many individuals choose to join college well after their high school education. Chances are, they see a particular benefit in going back to college, which convinces them to return.

Here are some reasons learners fresh out of high school or in the middle of their career might ponder going to college.

• To get a degree necessary for their career
• To obtain knowledge and the skills required for the career, they are switching to
• To polish their hard and soft skills 
• To get an advantage against the competition in the job market
• To utilize an educational assistance program

How Big Of an Investment Is College?

College is a massive investment. Considering that the national learner loan debt is over $1.6 trillion, many learners are unmotivated to enroll in costly institutions for fear that they won’t be able to handle the academic pressure. 

College drop-outs struggle to pay off their debts, as their earnings do not support their living costs alongside their debt payments. Undergraduates stand a better chance of gaining employment from which they can yield a decent living and pay off their debts swiftly. 

Besides money, college demands a considerable time commitment from most learners for them to be able to maintain a decent GPA. 

Concluding Thoughts

A high school GPA normally reflects the potential performance of learners in college. There may be a good chance for learners to make a decent living and have a promising career with a high school diploma, but a degree can help learners’ work and personal life.