Higher education in the United States of America is often times looked upon as a necessity to secure a high-paying job, increase employment opportunities, or further an individual's list of life achievements. However, is college truly worth its value in the long run? Today, nearly sixty-six percent of high school students go straight into college, regardless of tuition cost. As the price range to obtain a higher education continuously increases every year, teens all over are less likely to attend. This topic interests me because as a current college freshman, the process of going to college and getting a bachelor's degree is what has been the expectation since kindergarten. I am qualified to discuss this topic and relate how expensive but necessary a college education is to the majority of Americans. This particular subject caught my attention mainly because of its financial aspect. Personally, regardless of the cost, a college education will always be worth it. I propose that the cost should be lowered, which in return will enroll more students and hopefully boost the economy. Parents shovel money out each semester, hoping that their student's efforts in the classroom will bring respectable jobs, and a comfortable life. In reality, attending college virtually tests our financial stability as Americans citizens. Graduates should feel confident and qualified with the proper training when entering the workforce, not the burden of years in tuition to pay back.

Student loan debt is an increasing focal point in America's issues, but it seems the cost of going to college could definitely be cut down. However, earning a college degree not only shows your work ethic and dedication. It also allows graduates to grow into mature intellectuals and competitive candidates for jobs. The first source refers to an article by New York Times writer, Rebecca Mead, stating college institutions teach students "to nurture critical thought" which develops an ability of "listening actively but responding intelligently." Yes, college creates a financial burden on most, but the exposure and learning experiences students gain are critical as young Americans looking to enter the workforce. Employers usually seek out applicants based on education levels. A college degree screams "that you have spent four years in a place where you were forced to consider new ideas, to meet new people, to ask new questions, and to learn to imagine," making that expensive tuition you are still paying off worthwhile. Paying for college is also worth it because more and more jobs are making it a requirement before hiring. The emphasis placed on a bachelor's degree today is equal to what the high school diploma was forty years ago. This source is credible because the author herself once had to pay back student loans while in her professional career. This leads to the bias that college is so expensive but worth it all at the same time. 

In fact, the second source states that Georgetown University calculated that in 2018, 63% of jobs will require some form of college education. That is a significant amount, considering how many students are already struggling with making payments towards attending college. As time moves forward, the workforce will only continue to get more specialized and specific. Desirable jobs will also become less saturated as the focus moves more toward education and less towards "another application."  As a pre-pharmacy student, exposure in the field and superb grades are what the admissions office hone in on when accepting students. It's no different than a boss choosing the most qualified person to work under them. Without a college degree the average working class population will not be competitive. This source (pro-con.org) is credible because it is a non bias database that is used by judges, scientist, and professors. Statistics used throughout this article are legitimate and document, making the facts on this topic credible as well.

Besides grades and a solid resume, college is an experience that teaches students life lessons that will also play a role in the real world. Critical decision making, the value of relationships and being exposed to many cultures is something college students admire the most. These traits build character as well, allowing college to have a positive, everlasting impact on students. Rather than just being thrown into the work force immediately after high school, college acts as an ideal transition stage that gives young Americans the option to explore any field of choice before choosing it to be their occupation. However, this phenomenon of choosing your own major leads to underemployment as well. The last thing any parent wants to see is their child working in a field they are over-qualified for after paying thousands of dollars for a college education. Source three states that in 2011, 50% of college graduates under 25 years old had no job or a part-time job. Due to the fact more jobs are looking for extremely qualified candidates, competition for them is increasing drastically, making life a living hell for recently graduated students. Job security is a serious topic that is shocking to most students that have not yet found a job by graduation day. This source is credible with little bias because it uses a random survey to ask people their employment status. Underemployed took the lead by far.  A college education is worth it simply because students with at least a bachelor's degree are better off in pretty much every category (interpersonal skills, salaries, health, etc.) than those without. Earning the title of college graduate does not guarantee me a happy, comfortable life, but hopefully fulfills the standards set by my parents, teachers, and counselors. 

