Argumentative Essay: Is College Essential?

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Is College Essential?
Over the years, the route for a large majority of students after high school has turned into the road of pursuing higher education. While some critics argue that enrolling in institutions is simply unnecessary or a waste of money, it is undeniable that college benefits those who pursue it economically and intellectually.
The heaviest factor against college seems to be the cost. Of course, college is costly, however the gain of education is much more valuable than dollar bills. More realistically, there are programs to help pay the cost of college, and the career one gets after going through college will help pay, too. Additionally, those who received a college education on average earn $20,000 a year more than those who did not, according to Pew Social & Demographic Trends. Those with only a high school diploma make 83 percent less than full time workers with a bachelor’s degree, as reported by David Leonhardt of the New York Times. Furthermore, Leonhardt stated, “College graduates, though hardly immune from the downturn, are also far less likely to be unemployed than non-graduates.”
Once financial situations are set aside, it is certain that college provides an opportunity for personal growth. “A successful liberal arts education …show more content…

In short, college is essential to improving quality of life.

”Is College Worth It?” Pew Research Center’s Social & Demographic Trends Project, 15 May 2011 Leonhardt, David. “Even for Cashiers, College Pays Off.” Google Groups, Google, 25 June 2011

Roth, Michael. "What's a Liberal Arts Education Good For?" The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 01 Dec. 2008.

“Thiel Fellow Ship Pays 24 Talented Students $100,000, Not to Attend College.” The Chronicle of Higher

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