I was a university dean for 12 years and a college president for 20 years. Throughout those years, parents urged (insisted?) their children to attend college. Many veterans took full advantage of the G.I. Bill of Rights. Others attended college while working part-time or full-time. A college education was highly valued and acquired by millions. They provided a cornucopia of intellectual, scientific, business and liberating ideas while creating an age of prosperity.

Today, we live in an era dominated by rapid technological advancements, alternative learning platforms, and the rise of self-taught professionals. Some have begun to question whether college still matters. They argue that colleges are outdated, expensive, and unnecessary in a world where skills can be acquired online for a fraction of the cost. 

Given the rise of commercial tutorials, coding bootcamps, and online certifications, some believe that college has lost its relevance. Why spend four years and thousands of dollars when you can learn skills on your own? Sounds appealing until you look deeper. Despite alternative learning paths, college still matters. It matters for your career, your personal growth, and your ability to thrive in a rapidly changing society. The truth is simple: colleges remain a cradle of exploration, contemplation, and human development.  

I submit that colleges will continue to matter because they provide significant benefits -economically, socially, and personally – that are not available anywhere else. The core benefits of a college education remain undeniable and ever so beneficial. They matter dramatically. 

Economic Advantages

Let’s be blunt, college graduates usually achieve greater economic rewards. Numerous studies consistently show that individuals with a college degree earn substantially more over their lifetimes compared to those without one. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median weekly earnings for someone with a bachelor’s degree are nearly double those of a high school graduate. College graduates earn a million dollars more over their lifetime than high school graduates.  Indeed, college graduates earn 84 percent more over a lifetime than someone with only a high school diploma.

 That’s it in plain English. Graduating from college invariably provides the difference between financial security and constant struggle. 

 College graduates enjoy greater job stability. In times of economic downturn, individuals without degrees are often the first to be laid off, while those with higher education have more options and resilience in the job market. Employers still view a college degree as a signal of a person’s competence, discipline, and their ability to complete long-term goals.

Critical Thinking

College is not just about acquiring information; it is about learning how to think critically, solve complex problems, and communicate effectively. These skills are still valued for their adaptability and imagination. While online courses can teach coding or data analysis, they rarely replicate the depth of intellectual engagement found in a college classroom.

It is important to remember that employers consistently rank communication, teamwork, and problem-solving among the most desirable attributes they seek in candidates. These are precisely the competencies developed through a college education.

Social and Networking Benefits

 Going to college introduces students to a hub for networking, mentorship, and relationship-building. The connections made during these years often lead to internships, job opportunities, and lifelong professional relationships. Alumni networks, career services, and campus organizations create opportunities that are difficult to replicate outside of a formal educational setting.

Moreover, college serves as a transitional space between adolescence and adulthood. It offers students a structured environment to explore new and old interests, develop independence, and gain exposure to diverse cultures and ideas. These experiences contribute to personal growth and maturity, shaping individuals into well-rounded citizens prepared to engage with a complex world.

Addressing the Cost Argument

Critics frequently cite the rising cost of tuition as evidence that colleges have overpriced themselves. While it is true that higher education has become increasingly expensive, this does not negate its value. Instead, it underscores the need for systemic reforms-such as expanding financial aid, increasing public investment, and promoting alternative pathways like community colleges. The solution is not to abandon college but to make it more accessible and affordable.

Furthermore, the return on investment for a college degree remains very strong. Over a lifetime, the earnings premium far outweighs the initial cost for most graduates. When viewed as a long-term investment rather than a short-term expense, college continues to deliver substantial economic and personal benefits.

The role of college education in a changing world

The world is changing rapidly, and higher education will lead the charge. 

Colleges are increasingly integrating technology, offering flexible learning options, and developing experiential education. These innovations demonstrate that higher education is not static; it adapts to meet the needs of modern learners and employers.

While alternative credentials and online platforms provide valuable opportunities, they often complement rather than replace traditional degrees. In fact, many successful professionals combine formal education with continuous learning throughout their careers. College remains the foundation upon which lifelong learning is built.

Bottom Line

College still matters, not because it is the only path to success, but because it offers unique advantages that are difficult to replicate elsewhere. Colleges provide an education, not just training. It opens minds to a wide variety of human perspectives and introduces new career possibilities.

A college education provides a vast array of stimulating experiences, cultivates critical thinking, fosters social connections, and prepares individuals for the complexities of modern life. 

Before one dismisses college as “unnecessary,” ponder: Do you want a job—or a career? Do you want skills—or a future where you can continue to grow? Do you want to be a technician or an educated person? Colleges empower individuals with knowledge, skills, and opportunities that enrich both their lives and the world around them. 

College is not just about memorizing facts; it’s about learning how to learn. It challenges you to question assumptions, defend ideas, and collaborate with people from different backgrounds. These attributes, critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability, are what employers crave in a world where technology changes overnight.

Colleges will adapt to new realities and offer creative ways to provide a meaningful education. Be part of a marvellous future!