9 Reasons to Go to College

There’s not really one reason to go to college. Instead, there tend to be many, including furthering your education to expand your career prospects, earning a higher salary after graduation or over the course of your career, and learning about a subject you’re passionate about.

The costs associated with college can be high, making your education an important investment. As a result, knowing what you want to get out of college—the reasons for attending, in other words—can make your return on that investment all the clearer. 

Discover some of the most common reasons to go to college and whether that choice is the best one for you.

Is a college degree worth it? 9 reasons to go to college

When people talk about attending college, they usually mean earning a bachelor’s degree, which can take anywhere from four to six years, depending on several factors, including whether you attend part-time or full-time and whether you know what you want to major in or need more time to figure that out.

Getting a bachelor's degree usually includes completing around 120 credits, though the exact amount varies by school. Of those credits, your first two years will involve general education to strengthen your overall foundation in a variety of key subjects, like writing, science, and math. Then, you'll declare a major and spend the rest of your time completing requirements around that area, as well as electives to round out your education.

Let's review some of the major reasons to go to college and pursue a bachelor's degree.

1. Broaden your career opportunities.

While it is possible to get a job without going to college, you may find that you qualify for more roles—and more advanced roles over time—with a bachelor’s degree. Plus, if you’re interested in earning an advanced degree, like a master’s degree, you’ll also first need to earn your bachelor’s. 

A bachelor’s degree is required to work in numerous industries. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 178 occupations typically require a bachelor’s degree to enter many fields [1]. Among these, the role of general and operations manager is expected to lead in annual job openings, with an average of approximately 320,800 open positions projected each year [1]. Your degree may also correlate with job satisfaction. A study by the Pew Research Center found that 59 percent of workers with a bachelor’s degree view their job as a career. In comparison, only 44 percent of those with some college education and 35 percent of those with a high school diploma or less say the same [2].

2. Increase your earning potential.

Attending college and graduating with a bachelor’s degree can also increase your earning potential. Even if a career path doesn’t require a degree for entry-level roles, it may expect that credential to advance to managerial or leadership positions. 

Bachelor’s degree holders also tend to earn more compared to high school graduates and associate degree holders, according to the BLS [3]. 

3. Develop key skills in your area. 

College can be a great place to build your technical skill set because you’ll have dedicated time to learn and improve key skills. 

When you select your college major, you’ll likely learn specialized skills associated with that area, which can be beneficial when you begin looking for relevant jobs or want to grow in your career. The coursework you take for your major will encourage you to learn and strengthen different technical skills. For instance, an English major will likely improve their writing skills, while a computer science major will improve their programming skills. 

4. Strengthen important workplace skills.

Along with technical skills, college also provides the time to strengthen valuable workplace skills that are important for many different types of jobs. 

Workplace skills refer to your abilities when it comes to work in general, such as attention to detail, time management, communication, leadership, and more. You hone these skills at college through group work, practical assessments, internships, student clubs, and in myriad other ways. 

5. Gain exposure to new ideas.

Going to college expands your knowledge in many different areas. When you pursue a bachelor’s degree, you’ll typically take two years of general education requirements that help you build a solid foundation in the world of arts and science. Then, you’ll select a major—and perhaps even a minor—to develop specialized knowledge in an area or two. All of your learning is meant to broaden your understanding of the world and deepen your understanding of a particular area. 

Beyond academics, you’ll meet people from different cultures and backgrounds, exposing you to other experiences, which is a prime opportunity to expand your perspective. 

6. Build your community.

College is a great place to build a lasting community. Whether you attend college in person or online, you’ll get to meet different students in your classes and can build a community from those interactions. Student groups, volunteer work, and campus organizations are also great ways to meet new friends. 

Being part of a community can improve mental health, build confidence and motivation, and create a sense of belonging. 

Learn more about how UNT alumnus Steven Schmidt met a good friend through his online program.

What is the best reason to go to college?

The potential increase in lifetime earnings may be one of the best reasons to go to college. According to Georgetown’s Learning and Earning by Degrees report, a college education remains the most dependable route to “middle-class” stability. The data show that 74 percent of workers with college degrees hold good jobs, compared to 42 percent of those who entered the workforce straight from high school [4]. Additionally, a degree improves job security because graduates have lower unemployment rates. It also provides access to specialized occupations like teaching or nursing that call for a formal education. In the end, college prepares students for both personal and professional success.

7. Network with different people. 

College is a great resource for meeting helpful and influential people, such as alumni and faculty. These can help you when it comes to writing letters of recommendation or referring you for opportunities that might seem like a good fit, such as an internship. 

Beyond the students you take classes with, you’ll also get access to your college’s alumni network, which can be beneficial when it comes to your career search. Alumni events can be a great way to introduce yourself to those who are already doing the kind of work that interests you. 

8. Hone your independence.

Studying at college is synonymous with a time for growth, including learning things about yourself. For those who go straight from high school to college, it can be their first time away from home, which comes with a new sense of independence.

And for all students—including adult, professional, or returning students—college fosters independence because it often requires the ability to be a self-starter, work autonomously, and stay organized. 

9. Gain access to resources and facilities.

Going to college does more than just grant you access to classes. College students often have access to a whole host of resources and facilities that can have profound benefits on health, fitness, recreation, future career opportunities, and financial support. These include gyms and fitness areas, counseling services, societies and clubs, a dedicated career service center, and financial aid assistance.

If you attend college online, you may have access to career resource support, alumni networking events, virtual symposiums and webinars, and a host of other resources and opportunities. 

Going to college? Earn your bachelor’s degree on Coursera 

If you’re thinking about earning your bachelor’s degree, you’ll find affordable, flexible, and in-demand majors with university partners on Coursera. Learn more about your bachelor’s degree options. Study computer science, information technology, marketing, general business, or a host of other in-demand concentrations from esteemed partners like the University of London, Illinois Tech, and the University of North Texas.