You may be asking: Why should I pursue
a higher education?
The decision to earn a college degree is an important one. Many people question
whether pursuing a higher education is right for them, but most who enroll find
it’s one of the most worthwhile decisions they have made. Earning a degree
has become more and more important, especially today in an increasingly
competitive job market for many career fields.
As a service member or military spouse, this decision can be complicated by the
unique military lifestyle that may require you to move frequently, work
unpredictable hours, and deploy overseas for long periods of time defending our
country. Despite the challenges, going to college is typically a life-changing
decision to can have positive effects on your life and career, both in the
military and beyond.
 |
more |
Hello and welcome. We hope you’re here because you’re interested in pursuing a higher education. Your decision to work toward a college degree is personal. That’s why we offer our services the old school way: in person, helping service members and military spouses face-to-face at military events nationwide.
This website provides a basic overview of military higher education and how we can assist you. We encourage you to check it out. But we’d rather help you on a more personal level – talking one-on-one about how you can achieve your life and career goals. Contact one of our helpful, experience representatives today.
Here are reasons why you should consider pursuing a higher education:
The number of employment opportunities is far greater for people with college degrees. In fact, earning a college degree increases your chances of getting a job by nearly 50%*. The higher your degree level, the less likely you are to be unemployed.
A college degree can help qualify you to work in fields that interest you. More jobs than ever are now requiring specialized training and college degrees. Of the 20 fastest-growing occupations, more than half require a college degree*. The more education you earn, the more qualified you will be, and subsequently, the more choices you will have.
With a college degree you will most likely earn more money than without one, which in turn will enable you to have a better lifestyle. Generally, the higher your degree level, the higher your income will be. For example, someone with a bachelor degree will likely earn twice as much as someone with only a high school diploma (see below for details).
Jobs for college graduates typically offer better benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans, than jobs just requiring a high school diploma. This is an important consideration for service members and families leaving the military without a pension.
A college education generally makes you a rounded person. It shapes your communication skills, expands your knowledge base, and exposes you to a whole new world of learning. College grads are generally more confident, emotionally and financially secure, make better partners and parents, and have a deeper understanding of human nature**.
Pursuing a higher education gives you a chance to make connections with people who share your interests or are further along in their career path. Fellow students and professors can serve as great connections after you graduate. These connections can be just as important in your professional life as the degree you earn, opening up new opportunities.
College graduates tend to live healthier lives and have a better value system. Working in a field you are passionate about, combined with the ability to earn a higher income and receive benefits, can provide a better quality of life for you and your family.
A college degree gives you the best possible chance to succeed in finding and keeping a job that interests you. This makes it possible to successfully plan for the future.
Earning a degree gives you an opportunity to turn your passions and interests into a way to earn a living. It can transform your basic need to work from a financial standpoint into a more fulfilling desire to work in a field you are passionate about. Also, it’s important to remember that choosing a certain degree program does not necessarily limit you to one type of career – a higher education in general can lead to many opportunities in different industries.
Education is something that cannot be taken away from you. No matter what happens in your life and career, your college degree is an achievement of timeless value.
Average Annual Earnings Based on Different Levels of Education. Figures are for full-time, year round workers in 2006. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
It’s important to remember: These figures show national
average incomes, based on level of education completed. These are NOT
representative of entry level salaries and there can be significant geographic
and/or market differences. While no school can guarantee employment or range of
possible incomes by completing its programs, investing your time and resources in
higher education gives you the opportunity to either start a new career or possibly
advance in your current career, in or outside the military.
If you’re convinced that pursuing a higher education is the right decision
for you, but wondering how you’ll pay for school, there’s great news:
As a member of the military community, the government has programs that can help
you achieve your goals. Learn more about Military Education Benefits.
* www.college.gov
**www.todaysgibill.org