So…Is College Worth It?

It’s a question that comes up more often these days, and I understand why. The rising cost of tuition, the stories of people buried in student loans, and the success of those who bypass college altogether can make the whole idea of higher education feel questionable. For some people, it really might not be the right fit. Trades, apprenticeships, certifications, and entrepreneurial ventures are all legitimate and rewarding paths. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

But for many others, college still has real value. In fact, despite all the headlines and hot takes suggesting otherwise, higher education continues to offer benefits that are hard to replicate elsewhere.

When I think about the value of college, I don’t just look at the statistics. I think back to my own experience. I was a first-generation college student, and walking onto campus that first day was one of the most overwhelming experiences of my life. I didn’t know the unspoken rules. I didn’t know how office hours worked or what a syllabus really meant. But I figured it out, step by step. Over time, I found professors who mentored me, friends who challenged me, and opportunities that helped me grow into someone who could navigate the world with more confidence. That experience didn’t just give me a degree. It gave me a sense of direction and agency that I hadn’t had before.

For many careers, a degree is still the entry point. If someone wants to be a teacher, nurse, architect, or social worker, there’s really no way around it. Employers and licensing boards still expect formal education, and not having it can close off entire industries.

Financially, too, the numbers are clear. While there are always exceptions, the average college graduate earns significantly more over a lifetime than someone without a degree. It’s not just about salary, either. People with degrees are more likely to have jobs with health insurance, retirement benefits, and stability. That can mean a better quality of life for decades.

But even beyond the career and money side of things, college is a place where many people learn how to think critically, communicate effectively, and work through complex problems. Those skills matter in any field, and they’re often what help people move from just getting by to truly thriving. College also connects you to a network of people—professors, classmates, advisors, alumni—who can offer guidance, inspiration, and connections that last well beyond graduation.

There’s also something to be said for the personal growth that happens in college. Leaving home, managing your own time, taking responsibility for your success or failure—it’s a training ground for adulthood. For a lot of people, it’s the first place they get to fully explore who they are and who they want to become.

So, is college worth it? It depends. It depends on your goals, your learning style, your financial situation, and what you hope to get out of the experience. It’s not the only path to success, but for many people, it’s still a powerful one. It certainly was for me.