The plan of going to college is an important value that has being instilled in teenagers worldwide. However, the biggest concern about attending college is the cost. Many often wonder if going the extra step is even worth the cost. When someone thinks about what he is paying for, the extra time and money, in the long run, will pay off. The saying that practice makes perfect can also be applied to continuing one’s education. Going to college gives someone a leg up on other people he may be competing against in the job market. There are jobs that do not directly require a post-secondary degree; however, it could give him a stronger chance at getting one. For example, in 2010, it was reported that the pay gap between full-time workers who had a bachelor’s degree and those who only had a high school diploma was 83 percent (Source D) and even earn, on average, $20,000 more because of their degree (Source F). Spending a large amount of money in the beginning, later allows one to reap what he has sown. …show more content…
Taking out numerous loans could only set someone back financially even further. By the end of it, the rewards may be much less than what he had expected. The economy is forever changing and unpredictable; In fact, “since 2000, America’s young college graduates have seen wages adjusted for inflation, deteriorate” (Source C). For low and middle income families, this could be a risk they could, quite literally, not afford to make. The initial shock of a hefty sticker price on a university is jarring to families during the decision process. This, while important, should not completely dictate one’s choice. There is a number of financial aid opportunities available for a student to attempt to offset the cost of loans. Afterall, the average net tuition and fees at public four-year colleges are only about $2,000 once financial aid is taken into account (Source