People’s lifestyles can depend on the kind of education they get. It can either prepare them for a good job or not. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2021, 61% of high school graduates enrolled in college the following fall. Getting a higher education has become a norm in the United States. There are many reasons why people choose to pursue higher education, but here are the top five benefits:
Better Earnings
The first thing to consider when pursuing education is that it can lead to better earnings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that, in 2019, workers with a bachelor’s degree earned an average of $907 per week, about $100-$200 higher than those that don’t have a degree. That is a significant difference in earnings!
People with a bachelor’s degree earn more because they have more opportunities to get better-paying jobs. They also have a higher chance of being promoted and receiving better benefits. Additionally, people with a degree are typically more knowledgeable and skilled in their field, which allows them to demand a higher salary.
The main reason why companies do this is that people with a degree usually already know a lot about their field and can hit the ground running. They don’t need to be trained much, so they are less risky for the company. They are also more likely to stay with the company longer.
Better Job Opportunities
As previously mentioned, people with higher education usually have better job opportunities. As a result, they are more likely to get hired in the first place and be promoted within their company.
They also have a more comprehensive range of jobs to choose from. People with a degree can choose jobs requiring different skillsets and knowledge bases. It allows them to find a job that they are passionate about and that will make them happy.
Some people may think they don’t need a degree to get a good job. While this may be true in some cases, it is not the norm. In today’s economy, employers are looking for people with degrees because they know these employees have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed.
Higher Education Leads to Higher Lifespan
It may seem unrelated, but studies have shown a correlation between higher education and lifespan. For example, CNBC states that people with a bachelor’s degree can live longer than those who don’t have one.
The reasons for this are not fully understood, but it is thought that people with higher levels of education are more likely to have better jobs, which leads to better health insurance and working conditions. They are also more likely to care for their health and make healthy choices.
In addition, people with higher education tend to be more active in their communities and have a more robust social network. These things can lead to a healthier and happier life.
Higher Education Leads to Lower Crime Rates
There is also a correlation between higher education and lower crime rates. The Brookings Institution reports that people with a college degree are less likely to commit crimes.
The reasons for this are not fully understood, but it is thought that people with higher levels of education have better job opportunities and are more likely to be employed. They also have a more robust social network, which can provide support and discourage criminal activity.
Now that you know the various benefits of pursuing higher education, here are some things you can do to further these benefits forward.
Pursue Even Higher Education
Those with a master’s degree earn about 20% to 40% more than those with a bachelor’s degree. However, it’s not something that you should rush. Instead, you should take time for this degree as it can benefit you later. If you’re looking for what you can do after your master’s, you can continuously pursue a doctorate. A doctorate’s degree typically requires 4 to 6 years. It gives you access to even higher-paying jobs, and you become more qualified the higher you go.
Start Teaching
If you want to improve your benefits further, you should consider teaching on the side. Teaching can help you gain more knowledge in your field, and it also enables you to share your passion with the next generation. In addition, it’s a great way to give back and help you earn a little extra money.
There are many ways to get started teaching. For example, you can volunteer in schools, become a tutor, or even teach online courses.
Do Research
Research is an excellent option if you’re looking for an intellectually stimulating activity. Research helps you stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in your field. It also allows you to contribute to the body of knowledge in your field.
You can do research on your own or with a group of people. Either way, it’s a great way to learn more and deepen your understanding of your chosen field.
Pursuing higher education has many benefits that can improve your life in various ways. From gaining knowledge and skills to improving your lifespan, there are many reasons to consider pursuing higher education. Whatever route you decide to take, make sure to enjoy the journey.