The foundation for higher education in the United States was conceived in 1636 upon the establishment of Harvard University (Geiger). American society has greatly transformed since the 1600s and higher education has transmuted as well. As the price, time, and effort required for college education have risen over the years, many have begun wondering if college education in the United States necessary for success despite the cost, time, and effort required by universities. Through the historical and futuristic lenses, research has led to the conclusion that despite the large amounts of time, money, and effort required a college education has become increasingly needed to succeed in today's society and job market. College education in America has changed as time and society have progressed and the possession of a college degree has gradually become a requirement for success. Success did not always require a college degree as, throughout the early 1900s, college was a place of education the majority of Americans never …show more content…
Pew Research Center reports that “On virtually every measure of economic well-being and career attainment, young college graduates are outperforming their peers with less education.” The success of young college graduates is the result of society changing and as job competition increases those who have college degrees will have more success than those who do not. This success is measured by the salary gap between college graduates and noncollege graduates, which has been increasing for decades, but “...the pay gap was significantly smaller in previous generations” (Pew Research Center). This is due to additional jobs requiring college education because as society advances, job complexity does as well. This only magnifies the necessity of a higher education in the United States and why college education can aid one in succeeding in today’s society and job