10 Key Reasons Why College is Important

From chasing your dreams to forming lifelong friendships, there are many reasons why you should go to college. Along with being an avenue to a successful career, it's also a time to explore careers you may have never considered and turn your passions into a profession.

In this blog, we’ll explore why college education can be a huge stepping stone for personal growth, job opportunities, and life-changing knowledge and skills.

1. It Prepares You for the Real World

Going directly from high school right into your career can be daunting, which makes college the perfect transition. It offers a unique opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, and in some cases, move away from home for an extended period of time. As a college student, you’ll be responsible for taking care of yourself, like buying groceries, cooking, and cleaning. 

College acts as a safe space, with resources and support, where you can adapt to the challenge of entering adulthood. The best part is that you'll be surrounded by thousands of students in the same position, meaning you'll never be alone. By the time you've finished college, you'll be prepared for the turbulence of working life, and with the added weight of a degree, your chances of a successful career become significantly higher.

2. Increases Chances of Employment

Depending on the industry you plan to enter, jobs can be extremely competitive. Positions in business and IT, for example, may receive thousands of applicants each year. When you earn a college degree, you separate yourself from other candidates and add credibility to your skills and experience. This is usually essential during the employment process and will increase your chances of getting the job.  

By choosing a major that aligns with your career goals, you’ll be able to explore topics in depth that will better prepare you for post-grad life. Also, some careers in fields like law and medicine require a college education. You'll want to make sure you choose a school that has programs you’re interested in and sets you up for graduate school, if that is a step you may be interested in pursuing. Use our School Search tool to begin exploring colleges by academics and more!

3. Enriches Your Social Life

From meeting new classmates to immersing yourself in extracurricular activities, college can offer many opportunities to meet new people. They are melting pots of various cultures, skills, passions, and expertise, and you’ll be exposed to perspectives that are both similar and different to yours. This can shape your worldview, and choosing to attend a Christian college can also provide the opportunity to enrich your spiritual life. Chapel, Bible studies, and mission trips are all experiences where you can connect with like-minded people and grow as an individual.

4. Develops Your Hard & Soft Skills

In college, you’ll gain valuable skills that you can apply no matter what career you choose. For example, you’ll learn to juggle classes, meetings, and extracurriculars, providing you with a foundation to time management and organizational skills. 

You may also find that college courses can be more rigorous than high school curriculum, which can stimulate you mentally, and mold you as a hardworking, punctual, and analytical individual. All of these qualities are certainly ones that employers will look for, and college gives you the unique opportunity to develop them and put them to the test.

5. Exposes You to a Variety of Careers

During high school, you might not have the chance to dive deep into the careers available to you, or ones that align with your interests. High school classes like biology, English, and math, set an important foundation, but rarely give you insight into how you can apply this knowledge to different professional experiences. 

College gives you plenty of opportunities to get to know what you’re interested in, what excites you, and what might be the right career path for you. Apart from the many professional resources surrounding you, like advisors and on-campus centers, you’ll get the chance to take specific classes in different fields and truly explore the ins and outs of your chosen major. 

6. Higher Incomes

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workers with bachelor's degrees generally earn more than those without. In 2022, BLS reported that college certificate holders earn over $7,000 more per year than high school graduates, and individuals with master's qualifications make $42,000 more per year. Not to mention, having a college education and post-grad career can impact your sense of fulfillment. A 2016 Pew Research Center report stated that 77% of employees with a postgraduate degree and 60% of workers with a bachelor's degree believe their jobs give them a sense of identity.

7. Specialized Guidance 

During college, professors with brilliant minds will be all around you, teaching your classes and providing insightful information. You can use your professors and advisors as mentors to ask questions about coursework, career paths, and how to prepare for life after you graduate.

Not only does this provide invaluable information for your college years and beyond, but the support system will boost your confidence and equip you with skills for your career path. Relationships with professors and mentors offer networking opportunities, internships, and job placements, easing your transition to the professional world.

8. Networking Resources & Opportunities

In school, you’ll gain access to professional gateways, whether through your courses, professors, or even fellow students. Many colleges, for example, host career fairs every semester, where representatives from numerous companies come to scout students like you. It’s a great way to explore your options and even secure a summer internship.

Not to mention, many schools also feature a career center, with dedicated teams, programs, and resources to help you identify your skills and interests. Some services that might be offered include resumé writing and editing, practice interviews, and career counseling.

9. Travel Opportunities

Another perk of college is the chance to travel through study abroad programs, which typically last from a semester to a year. Attending a Christian college will give you great opportunities to join missionary trips across the world, offering invaluable firsthand experience in the field, and allowing you to develop your religious beliefs while serving others.  

Immersing yourself in various cultures can be an enriching experience. Going abroad can allow you to learn new languages, get out of your comfort zone, and develop your cognitive and social skills. It also showcases your ability to adapt to different settings and cultures, differentiating you from other job applicants.

10. Allows You to Develop Your Identity 

College acts as a catalyst for transformation, allowing you to solidify your faith, explore new perspectives, and broaden your understanding of the world. This time of growth and self-discovery shapes your professional future and personal beliefs, setting you up for a well-rounded and fulfilling life.  

This environment encourages you to push boundaries and develop passions, allowing you to feel more comfortable with your ambitions. The best part is that you’ll have a support system of mentors, professors, and friends to guide you through the process.

Final Thoughts

Prioritizing higher education offers benefits that go far beyond academic knowledge. The diverse experiences and exposures during college can help you discover and refine your career passions, leading to higher incomes, an expanded network of friends and peers, and a greater sense of identity. 

We know finding a college can be tricky—there are over 4,000 universities to choose from across North America—but THE Guide is designed to help make your selection process easier. Check it out today for invaluable information on over 100 Christian colleges, from financial aid to top majors.