In the magazine Newsweek, a journalist posed the question to readers: “Is college a lousy investment?” This question is in reference to the increasing cost of a college education and the challenges posed to parents and students when paying for college tuition - many taking on serious debt to do so. Taking this into consideration, please respond to the journalist’s question, “Is college a lousy investment?” Additionally, share with the committee in what ways receiving the Fry scholarship will have an impact on your ability to receive a college education.
With college prices continuing to outpace inflation many skeptics have questioned the true worth of attending a postsecondary school. Obviously, those in question have forgotten the true incentives of spending four-plus years at a university. The simple fact is that young adults with college degrees earn much more than those only with only a high school diploma. However, the true worth of college lies deeper than the numbers. Students that graduate college who think they may have been better off without their degrees were unable to grasp college’s primary goal. While these students worked hard for their degrees, they did not realize the true benefits their school could have provided. The secret behind college becoming a wise investment rests on the student; if he is willing to put everything into academics and learning he will get a tremendous amount out of his time and effort. A young adult may enter school unbeknownst of his place in the world. When he leaves, he leaves not a graduate, but a man on a path to success.
The main benefit to college lies in the compensation earned after graduation. Despite the rising costs to attend a university, its graduates are earning much more than those with just a high school diploma. When a man applies for his first job after graduation, he can be certain his degrees will impress the firm and his interviewers. Job placement is also reasonably high for college graduates, providing security that the student will be able to pay off their student debt. Colleges also provides opportunities for internships and communication with high-end employers. These opportunities are special perks of attending a big university like IU that others who do not attend college will not have access to.
College and universities are enriched with tradition and pride. Their history and roots extend beyond their campus, spread by graduates sharing their new knowledge and wisdom. Many of these graduates will climb the ladder and become successful innovators and notable businessmen. It is almost certain that if potential businessperson opts to not attend college, he will lack the competitive combativeness and professionality that college graduates proudly carry themselves with. Universities such as Indiana attract the brightest and most ambitious minds. During the time these students are learning from some of the brightest professors in the country, they are able to interact with other exceptionally intelligent students who are eager to make their mark on the business world. Traits such as professionalism and integrity become immersed into a student’s character during their time at college, growing strength in character that others without a college education may never attain.
Indiana University is, without a doubt, my first choice for academics next year. The Kelley School of Business is the perfect starting point for me; the unique opportunities and knowledge at Kelley can not be acquired anywhere else. However, the price for attendance is still uncomfortably high. If I received the Fry scholarship, it would mean that my dream of attending IU and progressing my career in business would come true. I have high ambitions with goals that Kelley School of Business can help me reach, much like notable graduates Mark Cuban and John T. Chambers. With their rich history, Indiana University and Kelley School of Business is worth the price of attendance.