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Every once in a while, an article appears in the media about the need for higher education. The argument almost always goes like this: In the United States, a typical high-school graduate will earn about $1.2 million; an associate's degree holder will earn about $1.6 million and a bachelor's degree holder will earn about $2.1 million.

According to the University of Maryland University College, nationally, workers 18 and over without a high-school diploma average $26,277 annually. Those with a high school diploma earn $35,725. Those with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of $57,220.

If one deducts the cost of education from the above earning potential, there is a substantial difference between how much a high school graduate will earn and what a college graduate will earn over their adult life. This is usually the personal financial/economic reason touted for encouraging people to pursue higher education.

I contend that there are other equally valid and compelling reasons why higher education is important. For example:

● A higher revenue base translates into higher state and federal tax revenues.

● Higher education tends to correspond to lower unemployment and poverty.

● College graduates pay more income taxes which translate into an increased ability of the state and the nation to invest in social and environmental infrastructure.

Another compelling reason was given by Cohn and Geske in 1992 in their work: “Private Nonmonetary Returns to Investment in Higher Education.” They argue that "college graduates appear to have a more optimistic view of their past and future personal progress." In addition, they contend that highly educated women spend more time with their children, so therefore better preparing children for the future.

A college education helps people develop reasoning, tolerance, reflection and communication skills which can help them resolve conflicts and solve crises. A college education also helps people understand one another's viewpoints and to disagree sensibly.  I am not arguing that one cannot develop these skills without going to college. But the college environment is an ideal place to practice and polish these skills in a nurturing atmosphere.

There is also a positive correlation between education and better health outcomes. People with a higher education tend to live longer, take better care of themselves and are better advocates for healthcare needs. College graduates tend to have better job security, less prejudice, are better informed about world affairs and become better citizens. Of course, that is not to say that people with no college education don’t have these skills. However, college enhances the ability of one to argue these requisite skills for a better informed citizenry.

Like many students here at UW-M/WC, I was the first person in my family to go to college. Every year, we get students from all walks of life and from all social backgrounds, and I see myself in many of them. The beauty of college is that it gives you the tools to begin to carve out the life you want, not the life you grew up in.

A college education is both a personal investment and a societal investment..  Take a walk or drive to our campus.  Visit with our Student Services staff.  Our doors are open for you. We are here and ready. Please take advantage of that.

Dr. Iddrisu Adam is an assistant professor of Geography/Geology at UW-Marshfield/Wood County, a freshmen-sophomore campus of the University of Wisconsin.