How Important Is a College Education?
The importance of a college education is dependent on what you want to do for a living. Pursuing an education can be important for expanding points of view, cultural perspectives, historical understanding, methods of thought and career-based understanding. Continue reading to learn about some high paying and fast growing careers.
College Education Importance
Consider what you might like to do for a living; if it involves the building trades or being a ship crewman, you don't necessarily need a traditional college education. These careers mostly require you to graduate from high school and complete an apprenticeship. However, most professional careers these days may require you to complete at least a 2-year college degree program. According to CollegeBoard.org, prospects with a 4-year college education are twice as likely to beat unemployment.
High-Paying Careers
The highest-paying careers are topped by various doctors, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists and orthodontists. To start a career and work toward success in these fields, you will need to pursue a medical degree after earning an undergraduate degree. Similarly, lawyers must hold 3-year law degrees. Chief executive officers typically have graduate-level education as well. Engineers enter their field with bachelor's degrees, and if they wish to advance in their career, they may need to earn master's degrees. CollegeBoard.org also states that college graduates earn more than $22,000 per year compared to those without a college education.
Fast Growing Careers
You may want to note that higher-level degrees don't necessarily equal better employability. However, you do need to be aware that the career with the highest level of education may also offer the highest salary potential. The occupations in the following chart are ranked in order of expected job growth:
| Occupation | Percent growth 2008-2018 | College Education Level |
|---|---|---|
| Personal, homecare and home health aides | 69.4-70.5 | None (on-the-job training) |
| Biomedical Engineers | 61.7 | Bachelor's or Master's degree |
| Brickmasons, tile and marble setters, blockmasons and stonemasons | 60.1 | None (on-the-job training) |
| Carpenters | 55.7 | None (on-the-job training) |
| Veterinary technologists and technicians | 52.0 | Associate's degree |
Growing in Importance
As a higher percentage of Americans have gained some college education, more employers expect employees to hold college degrees. A special education aide, for instance, is now required by most employers to have at least a 2-year degree. Some child care centers may hire potential candidates without completing a college degree program, but may still prefer applicants to have completed some college education courses.
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