Is College, the Gateway to Dreams, Worth It? For many years, students have grown up hearing that in order to achieve their dreams and have a successful future, they must attend college. For many families, college is a goal and an indicator of success. However, with the steady rise in tuition costs, that dream is growing out of reach for many students. So, is college worth the investment in time and money? Research shows that despite the risks and the cost, college is an essential investment.

A college degree offers greater employment stability and increased lifetime earnings. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2019 the unemployment rate for Americans with a bachelor’s degree was only 2.2% compared to 3.7% for those with a high school degree. The BLS also reports that individuals with an associate’s degree had a median annual wage of $52,830 in 2017 compared to $36,100 for individuals with a high school degree.

Although studies show that college graduates acquire jobs that pay more and offer more benefits, they still suffer financial burdens due to high student loan debt. Approximately 40 million Americans have student loan debt. In 2018, a study revealed that a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree has an average of $40,000 in debt. According to the US Congress Joint Economic Committee, over half of the college graduates have student loan debt balances that equal more than half of their annual income.

While student debt is financially crippling, there are many programs in place to alleviate student loan debt. The US government offers loan forgiveness programs for public servants, such as teachers, doctors, and members of law enforcement. Some employers offer tuition assistance for an employee’s continued education. Also, some employers offer competitive wages, which in turn provide college graduates more income to cover their student loan debt.

Despite the argument that college costs are not worth the investment, a college degree offers many financial and personal benefits. Without a college degree, many Americans may find themselves in jobs that offer no retirement and medical benefits. Given the long-term benefits, students considering college should ask this question: “What are my goals, and can college help me achieve them?”

1
Select the correct answer.
How does the writer refute the counter claim?

A.
by telling a personal story about his struggle with college debt
B.
by implying that college graduates seek better paying jobs
C.
by describing programs that can provide student loan debt relief
D.
by comparing student loan debt to average salaries of college graduates