Numerous articles have reported that a student with a college degree enjoys higher employment rates and lifetime earnings than their peers who do not have a college degree. Another study estimated that the average lifetime earnings of a college graduate in 2009 were $1.2 million, even after paying tuition costs, compared to $780,000 for a high school graduate. Despite how clear the statistics reveal that college is an investment worth making, there are opposing factors such as student debt, which often leaves a student hesitant to attend a college. Over the past decade, student debt in the United States has increased exponentially. According to an article in the Economist, student debt tripled between 2004 and 2014, exceeding $1.2 trillion. The average student debtor would owe approximately $27,000 by the time they leave college. Students are left with the dilemma of what is more advantageous and profitable: attending college and paying expensive tuition or going straight into the workforce without obtaining a degree. Philip Oreopoulus, an economics professor at the University of Toronto, says, “Calculating the costs and benefits that prospective students face can make the decision to invest and attend university extremely complex.” Students coming across success stories of college dropout entrepreneurs like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, or rumors of high-paying jobs that don't require a college degree might lead them to lean against going to college. However, college is an investment worth making for both financial and non-financial reasons. Going to college will provide a financial advantage, provide non-pecuniary benefits, and provide opportunities such as an internship to enhance experiences. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The main reason for going to college is that college offers a financial advantage over those who have not attended. Statistically speaking, a 2002 Census Bureau estimated that the average earnings of the average college graduate were about $2.7 million, more than 75 percent more than those earned by high school graduates. Another statistic based on an analysis by the Economic Policy Institute in Washington, stated that in 2013, Americans with a college degree earned about 98% more per hour than those without a college degree. This compares to 89% 5 years ago and 85% 10 years ago. From the data it is possible to observe that obtaining a degree generates a surplus of money and that the benefit of earning is continuously increasing. That said, the previous statistics were only an average of all graduates; income differences also vary according to occupations. For example, comparing between a high school graduate and a degree holder in the healthcare profession; college graduates had 68% higher wages than those who only had a high school diploma. Furthermore, having a bachelor's or graduate degree offers the opportunity to continue in one's educational achievements. According to Carnevale, a third of graduates continue their studies to obtain a degree. All graduates should expect at least double the difference in earnings of a high school graduate, and the gap widens further between master's, doctoral and professional degrees. Those with professional degrees (especially lawyers and doctors) earn 61% more over their lifetime than those with a bachelor's degree, earning an average of $3.6 million. Clearly, simply obtaining a college degree has been seen to increase earnings, and the higher the degree level will always pay off. In addition to improving wages, attend 2,5%.. 2018.