We’ve all likely encountered articles with titles like “You Don’t Need a College Degree To Be Successful” or “Five Ways to Become a Certified Professional Without Going to College.” These narratives often emphasize alternative paths to success, which can indeed be valid because college is not without its flaws. The education system, as it stands, has its imperfections — ranging from outdated curriculums to high costs — and it won’t be able to teach you everything.
However, despite these shortcomings, there is substantial evidence that pursuing a college education — especially when approached thoughtfully — offers unique opportunities for personal growth, skill development and long-term career advancement. While not attending college may work for some, for many, higher education remains a powerful tool for expanding horizons and achieving lasting success.
For instance, college education remains an important factor in improving lifetime earnings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with higher levels of education consistently earn more than those with lower levels of attainment. For example, in 2023, those with a high school diploma earned about $191 in weekly median earnings more than individuals without one, and earnings generally increased with each additional level of education.
Furthermore, reports from Georgetown University show that a bachelor’s degree is typically worth $2.3 million in lifetime earnings, significantly more than the $1.7 million for those with a high school diploma and the $1.3 million median earnings of associate degree holders.
Employers often view a college degree as evidence of resilience, problem-solving capabilities and the ability to navigate complex systems, making them more likely to hire college graduates over non-graduates. This suggests that while alternative paths exist, the value of a college degree remains a strong factor in long-term career success.
At the same time, the road to earning that degree is not without its difficulties. As a student, it’s important to remember your “why.” When the pressures of multiple assignments and deadlines start to build, it can be easy to lose sight of the reasons you began this journey in the first place. College is hard, and the challenges of excelling — whether through maintaining strong grades or building meaningful connections — often only become clear once you’re deep into the experience.
Nevertheless, there was a reason you chose to attend college, whether it was to boost your future earning potential or to take on the challenge to expand your mind. Holding onto that purpose can help you push through any difficult moments.
That purpose also shapes what college success looks like. For some, it may be less about grades and more about the connections they make or the lifestyle they adopt — but no matter the individual focus, there’s usually an important goal in mind.
Once you’ve identified your reason for being in college and made efforts to remember it, the next step is to take actionable measures to achieve your dreams. This includes putting in consistent effort, asking for help when needed, engaging with others, attending events and participating in activities that align with your objectives.
As Jordan Peterson eloquently stated in a popular video, education equips you with a significant power: the ability to think critically. It enables you to organize your thoughts, present a well-supported argument and make meaningful contributions to society. The goal is not just to finish college, but to become educated — to develop intellectually and expand your capacity for learning.
Ultimately, while the system may not be perfect, the value of a college education lies in how you use it. By making the most of your time in school, you can navigate around its flaws, using its resources while seeking out knowledge beyond the classroom.
