This document provides reasons for why one should go to college, including to improve career prospects, financial stability, and quality of life. It notes that a college degree leads to higher lifetime earnings and lower unemployment rates. College also allows personal and intellectual growth through expanded networks and experiences. While college may not be for everyone, common reasons for not attending such as cost, family background, or uncertainty can be overcome through financial aid, support systems, exploration of interests, and openness to new ideas.

1. Why Should I Bother Going 2 College? “To not only make a better name for myself but also to improve the name of my community” *Information gathered from Fastweb and College Board.com

2. Will Lead you to Success & an Overall Better Life Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today. – Malcolm X College allows you to take control of your future and determine what type of life you wish to have College allows you to surpass your own expectations, while meeting others expectations too Become a symbol of knowledge and wisdom. Become someone that others can strive to be.

3. Financial Stability Statistics show that the more education you receive, the more money you make over your lifetime!

5. Double your income by graduating from college.An Associate’s degree is worth $390,000 more than a high school diploma. A Bachelor’s degree is worth $1.2 million more than a high school diploma. A Doctorate (Ph.D.) is worth $1.7 million more than a Bachelor’s degree. A Professional (law or medical) degree is worth $2.9 million more than a Bachelor’s degree.

6. Study Now….Reward Yourself Later College will guarantee a better life style. After going to college for “X” amount of years and learning about the thing that most interests you… You will also be able to have the house, the cars, and the clothes you always wanted.

7. College as a Pathway In a global economy where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, a good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity – it is a prerequisite. – President Barack Obama

8. The Best Jobs Require a College Background All of the highest paying jobs require a college degree. Unlike most minimum wage jobs, jobs for college graduates include better benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans. College graduates have more job opportunities and therefore have lower unemployment rates than high school graduates

9. College = Lower Unemployment Rates The more you go to school, the less likely you are to be unemployed!

10. An Opportunity to Grow… Aside from money, college will help increase your understanding of the world around you You will learn how to think more critically and find solutions to the problems affecting you and your community Improve self-discipline , social skills, and confidence Become an independent, self-supported individual Expand your networks (its all about connections and meeting the right people)

11. College can help YOU help your Family You will be able to support your family with a larger salary. You will pave the way for your brothers and sisters and other relatives to go to college. You will be able to help your children with their homework and give them a better life. As a result, they will be more likely to attend college.

12. If you Study Hard, You can Play Hard too! College is a lot of fun. Outside from the studying, college opens doors to new experiences. You will meet people from different backgrounds, who have the same interests as you. Every college has up to hundreds of clubs and organizations, including Fraternities and Sororities School events are filled with tons of school spirit, which ultimately build the life-lasting pride you will gain for your alma mater

13. Reasons why People do not go to College Despite the many reasons of why people should go to college, many people still choose not to go. Although it is true that college is not for everyone, there are several reasons that should NOT hold you back from going.

14. Reasons why People do not go to college #1. I can't afford it. Most students get financial aid to help pay for college, and most aid is based on need. This means that the less money you have, the more aid you might get.

15. Reasons why People do not go to College #2. Nobody in my family has ever gone. Being first can be hard. For instance, you may have to explain to the family why college is important to you. On the other hand, being first is likely to be a source of pride, for you and for your family.

16. Reasons why People do not go to College #3. I don't know what I want to do with my life. Join the crowd. Thousands of college freshmen haven't decided on a major or on a career. College gives you the opportunity to learn more about what's out there. You'll be exposed to a variety of academic subjects, people, and new perspectives.

17. Reasons why People do not go to College #4. College is too hard for me. Most students think college will be too hard for them. Keep in mind, all colleges offer tutoring and student support. As confident as some students seem, no one goes to college knowing everything—if they did, why would they go?

18. Reasons why People do not go to College #5. I just won't fit in. Most colleges have students from many backgrounds. To get an idea of what to expect, explore colleges online, or better yet, visit in person. Also, there are several transitional programs that help you adjust as a college student. In addition, students have said that joining clubs of their interest has helped them feel like they “fit in” more at school.

19. BAD Reasons to go to College… Despite all the smart reasons to attend college, there a few reasons that don’t make any sense at all: Because others are telling me to do it Because everyone else I know is doing it Because it seems like the right thing to do Because I want to party for 4 years

20. Find the Purpose… Before you decide that college is something you want to pursue, make sure that you have a good reason for doing it. Make sure you are truly convinced that it is something that will be good for you and those around you. Don’t go to college without a real purpose in mind.

21. We will help you get there! If there are still things that puzzle you and make you unsure about attending college, make sure you get those questions answered. We are here to help! And if you’ve made up your mind and want to go to college, we will help you too! We will help you get to the college of your choice. We are here to help you follow whatever path you wish to take after you get your diploma.

22. For more information on different types of colleges and academic institutions, visit the following websites… www.californiacolleges.edu www.collegenavigator.ed.gov Or visit the College and Career Center.