Introduction
The question of whether higher education still prepares people for jobs is one that has been debated for decades. Many think it does, while others don’t agree. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the arguments in favor of and against the idea that higher education prepares people for jobs—and what you need to know about each side’s perspective before deciding where you stand on this issue.
Significance
It’s important to understand that college degrees are still a valuable commodity, and they still have relevance. College graduates are more likely to earn higher incomes than non-graduates.
When you consider the fact that college costs have increased over time and wages have stagnated or declined for many Americans over the past few decades, it becomes clear how important an investment in higher education can be for those who want to eventually earn more money or advance their careers in high-paying fields like law enforcement or medicine.
College degrees are also necessary for many jobs—even if you don’t intend on pursuing one yourself! For example:
A physician must complete at least one year of medical school before entering residency training programs. If this requirement were not in place, too many doctors would be practicing full-time medicine without any experience.
Evidence of Higher Education’s Impact
While there is no doubt that higher education can help you prepare for a job, it’s important to consider the other factors involved in your success. It’s not just about what type of degree or certificate you get; it’s also about how long it takes you to find a job once you graduate and whether or not that job is stable.
One way to measure how much higher education matters is by looking at salary data from recent graduates who didn’t attend college at all versus those who did. According to PayScale’s 2016 “Salary Survey,” those who attended college earn an average $20K more than those who didn’t go through any form of postsecondary education (not including high school).
This makes sense since people with degrees tend to be better educated overall—which means they’re likely better prepared for their jobs as well!
