Why do people go to college? For some, it’s the expected next step after high school—the standard requisite for a successful career. For others, though, the path is not so linear. Many people go to college years later, after starting a career, raising a family, or simply deciding it’s time for something new. National data shows that 63% of high school graduates still head straight to college, but nearly one in five (17%) undergraduates today are aged 30 or older. Education isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, and college isn’t just for the “traditional” student anymore. Whether you’re 18 or 38, higher education—and the opportunities that come with it—never loses its value.

College has the power to open doors, inspire personal growth, and bring about success, whatever that looks like for you. Let’s explore the primary reasons why people go to college, and why you, too, might be drawn to higher ed.

Top reasons to attend college

1. Establish a career.

The most common reason that people go to college is to jumpstart their careers. Many career paths require postsecondary certificates, diplomas, and degrees. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that more than one-third of occupations today (37%) require some level of college education. About 1 in 4 occupations necessitate a bachelor’s degree for entry.

2. Advance or change a career.

Similarly, going to college is a great way to prepare for a shift in your career. You might be hoping to get promoted—going back to school to learn new skills can help you better stand out. Alternatively, you might be changing career paths entirely, and looking to develop the foundational needed for a future role. For example, we’ve seen many people change careers to nursing or healthcare professions; after working in an administrative job, they desire something more hands-on.

3. Increase earning potential.

Perhaps the most popular reason why people go to college is the desire to succeed financially. In fact, one study shows that close to 60% of students admit salary potential is their driving factor in college. Not only is higher education needed for many jobs today, it’s (in turn) commonly required to earn a comfortable paycheck. Those who go to college tend to have higher earning potential. Recent data from the BLS shows that people with a bachelor’s degree education earn about 66% more than those with a high school diploma. Students with an associate degree earn about 18% more than those with a high school level education.

4. Gain skills, knowledge, and expertise.

There are many personal reasons for going to college, one of which being personal growth. Some people have an inherent desire to learn and grow in their capabilities, and college is the perfect breeding ground for that skill development. Whether you want to learn about welding, medical technology, or button up your skills in web design, college can give you the tools and contacts to make that happen.

Within a college environment, you’re truly able to explore your interests and build them into a career. For example, many students start college undecided or in a General Studies program, only to explore different courses and find where their talents lie. At Goodwin, students have the ability to customize their course-load based on their interests and professional goals, as well as their schedule.

5. Build connections.

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “It’s all about who you know,” and this notion holds some truth: In most industries, networking is key to professional success. For people looking to grow their careers or start something new, college can be a great way to meet peers, mentors, prospective employers, and other like-minded professionals. Especially in a career-focused college environment, building a professional network can come easily through major courses, internships and clinicals, networking events, and the help of a career services team.

Benefits of higher education

The benefits of a college education, as you can see from the reasons above, are clear: Higher education translates to higher earnings as well as increased job opportunities, whether you’re just starting out in the workforce, looking to advance in your career, or changing paths entirely. Many high-paying careers—particularly in business, healthcare, technology, and education—cite a degree as the baseline educational requirement, meaning college opens doors that might otherwise remain closed.

Beyond these benefits, a postsecondary education can often mean job stability for graduates. Unemployment rates are much lower for degree holders than individuals with a high school diploma or less. Prior research also shows greater stability among people with college degrees in hand.

The benefits go beyond professional success, too, as college builds other important skills that you can use in life. Critical thinking, communication, leadership, and collaboration are just some of the many examples. College fosters new capabilities, experiences, opportunities, and even relationships, which is why so many people go.

Wrong reasons to go to college

Many people go to college for these benefits, ultimately to build a meaningful and successful career in the future. However, some people might find themselves drawn to college for the wrong reasons, so we want you to be aware:

Don’t go to college solely because you feel obligated or forced.

In a previous article, we found that a notable 86% of high school students feel pressured to pursue a four-year college degree. Whether from family members, teachers, or societal expectations, going to college has always been considered a norm.

But this shouldn’t be your primary reason for going. Those who go to college out of force tend to be disengaged or unmotivated, leading to lower grades and even dropping out in many cases.

If you are unsure if college aligns with your goals and interests, consider alternative pathways. You might take a gap year to think about it before investing, or you might consider a short-term program like a certificate or associate degree. There are many fast-paced or low-commitment programs that can qualify you for a high-paying, in-demand career in a matter of months. Take a look at some of them, here!

You shouldn’t go to college to party or for the social scene.

While long-lasting friendships often come from college, and a lot of fun can be had on campus, the social experiences gained in college should be secondary to the academic experiences you’ll gain. College is an investment in your learning and your future, first and foremost, and focusing too much time on the social scene can actually hinder your academic potential. Some of the most successful college students find ways to balance both their social and academic standings.

Money shouldn’t be the driving factor.

While many students cite a high salary as a key reason for going to college, it shouldn’t be the only reason. Choosing a degree only for financial gain can be short-sighted; it’s important to consider your interests, goals, and what will ultimately lead you to satisfaction in your career. It’s not uncommon for people to choose a high-paying field only to burnout and realize their passions lie somewhere else entirely, leading to a career or major change.

Why are you considering going to college?

As you consider attending college, ask yourself what your own “Why” is.

Ultimately, the decision to attend college is deeply personal and should be guided by your own goals, interests, and aspirations. Take the time to reflect on your true motivation—whether it’s building a career, developing new skills, expanding your network, or pursuing personal growth. College can be a powerful stepping stone, but its benefits are maximized when your “Why” comes from within.

If college is in your future, you can always start your path (or an alternative one) at Goodwin University. We offer a range of career-focused certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s programs. Learn more today!