Higher education has many benefits for individuals and societies alike. Here are some of those benefits:
Personal benefits
Most people agree on the importance of education. However, only a few people are aware of the higher educations’ personal benefits, which include: (1)
Securing a better income
Higher education offers individuals multiple career advancement opportunities. This means greater responsibilities, a higher salary, and added benefits. (1)
Being healthier
Studies revealed that more years of education was highly linked with better health, well-being, and health behaviors. (2)
Other studies have found a positive correlation between health and higher education. It claims that young people with higher degrees are expected to live longer than their peers who don’t pursue a higher education. (2) page 12
Being more civic-engaged and more likely to volunteer
Studies have shown that graduates are more confident of the state’s welfare, more likely to participate in politics, since they think their voice matters, and are more positive on immigration than those with lower education levels. (2) page 17
Furthermore, a US study found that 9% of graduates volunteer for charitable organizations or social welfare groups, compared to only 4% of non graduates. (2)
Social benefits
The societal benefits of higher education include:
Poverty reduction
Insufficient education is one of the main reasons behind poverty. Students who acquire a higher degree gain insight on the root of the financial problems their families used to encounter. This enables them to make changes to avoid facing the same problems. (3)
Also, people with higher education have higher salaries, which enables them to break the poverty circle in their families. (3)
Promoting equality and empowerment
Higher education promotes equality and empowerment within societies. It makes people more open to the perspectives, opinions and ideas of others. It also empowers people to make choices and lead independent lives by providing them with the necessary knowledge and valuable skills. (1)
Environmental benefits
Individuals with higher education are often more aware of environmental crisis, such as climate change, so they are more likely to take advancement measures and regulations to achieve sustainability. (3)
In conclusion, higher education has a definite impact on your future as an individual and a society member. This is by giving you the tools to become a more financially stable, knowledgeable, skilled, and overall happier individual. (1)
References:
(1) 15 Benefits of Education That Can Impact Your Future – University of the Potomac
