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The Top 5 Reasons Why a College Education is Important

Why is college important? It’s a question you may have heard among friends, or perhaps you’ve even wondered yourself about the benefits of earning a degree. And it’s a good question to be asking as you consider your future—and everything that will include, from earnings potential to starting or switching your career. Here are five facts you should know as you consider the value of a college education.

1. People with college degrees earn more on average.
According to averages calculated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), people with a bachelor’s degree earn around 64% more per week than individuals with a high school diploma, and around 40% more than those with an associate’s degree. Those with an associate’s degree earn around 17% more than those with a high school diploma.

Over the course of a year (52 weeks), those percentage differences add up. For example, if you compare the average median annual earnings for those with a bachelor’s degree to those with a high school diploma, you’ll discover a difference of almost $24,000 per year in income.

2. College can help you expand your network.
Salary is far from the only answer for why is college important. You may have heard this before, but who you know and who your friends know is important. No matter how talented you are, a strong network can help you start and advance in your career. 

At an Art Institutes school, you’ll not only have the chance to connect with instructors* who have worked in their fields, but you can also meet students in a variety of creative fields. These diverse connections may well benefit you in the future. Plus, you can also participate in professional groups, community activities, and industry conferences where you can grow your circle even more. Your Career Services department may also connect you with alumni in your field and can continue to provide networking support after graduation!

3. Gaining new skills can help enhance your current career.
Building your skill set and industry knowledge can help you move forward in your current career, and the skills you learn go beyond the obvious. At The Art Institutes, not only can you build your technical and artistic skills, but you can also develop your critical thinking, communication, and teamwork.

Earning your degree can demonstrate to a current employer that you’re serious about your career, and that you’re prepared to take on bigger projects and more responsibility. In the long term, when you apply to new jobs in your field, having a degree can provide you with a competitive edge. Even if the job doesn’t require a degree, your education—along with the quality of your work—may help you stand out among applicants.

4. Your education can prepare you to transition to a new field.
Ready to explore a new path? A creative arts degree program can prepare you with the knowledge, skills, and credentials you need. While the thought of making a big change can be intimidating, working in a career you love can bring so much happiness into your daily life. Having that college degree, and knowing that you’re ready for the workplace, can give that you an extra boost of confidence as you build the kind of life and career you’ve envisioned for yourself.

5. A college degree is correlated to lower unemployment rates.
BLS data suggests another answer to questions of why is college important: job security. The BLS reports that college graduates may benefit from increased job security, as individuals with college degrees have a lower average unemployment rate than those with a high school education. In fact, among people 25 and over, the lowest unemployment rates occur in those with the highest types of degrees. Having a degree may not only help you land the job you want--your education could also help you maintain it.

Considering earning your creative arts degree?
Take the first step by contacting us to discuss your creative career interests and goals. After we talk with you, we’ll be better able to provide a personalized answer to your question, ‘Why is college important for me?” and recommend which program may be right for you. Request information online today or call us at 1-855-730-1052.

*Credentials and experience levels vary by faculty and instructors.