Should Students Be Paid After High School?

Juniors, You’re probably feeling the pressure of post-secondary activities after high school. You may even know that according to the National Center for Education Statistics, that students who enroll later after high school, instead of right away, are at considerable risk to not complete their degrees or never attend at all. Moreover, reported by the Huffington Post, that those who skip out on college will lose over $800,000 over a lifetime after student loans are paid off. You’re probably sweating right now just thinking about it. The looming question for students is what’s the ‘right’ path. But the ‘right’ path is different for every individual.

First, there are many reasons why people start college later in life: They decide to travel,

According to College Atlas, 30% of freshmen dropout of college. Being unable to balance school, work, and family is mentioned to be the main reason to dropout. Others, drop out after the first year because of stress, health, and finances. However, not all people are alike, other 18 year olds are very mature and determined to finish their degree. Getting a job in high school and saving just those couple years will substantially help with student loan debt. Also, attending AP or duel credit courses in high school will also cut back on college expenses. Attending a local college or university will give you a clear idea of how much living expenses will be and what can be afforded (maybe living at home). Going to college right away will give you the opportunity to gain life-changing habits and create connections for that degree. In conclusion, it comes down to financially affording to go to

Many 18 years olds right after high school simply can’t afford to go to college; rather, it’s the opportunity to save money that makes the gap year so appealing. In fact, many older students are generally more focused and driven than their younger peers, as they have a much clearer idea of what they want from their investment in college. While the younger peers are getting used to just having independence. Taking time off can give undecided students an opportunity to figure out their degree. Also, students who took advanced classes in high school, like AP or duel credit that help with expenses later, may end up burning out too soon. Some colleges are implementing deferred plans, where students can enroll right after high school while they still have the momentum, and agree to a gap year or two, and be ready to attend classes the year after. As mentioned above, there’s still the risk that individuals will have other distractions or priorities above attending college and never jump back into the educational pool; however, determination and planning is