PURPOSE OF THE GUIDE
As a service to its readers, BAVUAL presents its first annual Fall Guide to undergraduate education in the U.S. A college degree has long been considered the surest route to the American Dream, and, for most black Americans, it is virtually the only route. Of the nation’s approximately 5,300 colleges and universities, only 101 are designated as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This guide will explore the significance of these HBCUs and how prospective students can gain access to them. Is a College Education Still Necessary? For centuries, the path to upward mobility began at the halls of academe. After the Civil War, newly free African Americans, especially those in the South who were denied admission to white colleges and universities, took advantage of the new schools of higher learning that sprouted throughout the South and Northern states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania. They became the educated professionals who played a huge role in advancing the cause of equal rights for their race. Over the last few years, however, skeptics have been questioning the value of a college education, which is now more than ever an expensive undertaking. While many consider a liberal arts education a quaint anachronism in a world of cold hard practicality and computer algorithms, these people overlook the opposing viewpoint that measuring the value of a degree only by how much money it can generate misunderstands the college experience and its value. A college education is a long-term investment that can often improve several facets of the graduate’s life. Listed below are a few reasons going to college may be worth it: You Will Likely Earn More. Studies have shown that individuals who go to college earn nearly a million dollars more over their lives than their counterparts who only have a high-school diploma. Ideally, the higher you advance academically, the higher your paycheck. College Education Can Lead to More Career Opportunities. College students receive training not only in their specific disciplines. They also learn other useful skills such as critical thinking and socializing. As students experience the life of a young adult on campus, they are pushed to practice self-discipline, commitment and analytical skills. They even improve their communication skills. This helps ensure that a college graduate is molded into a professional individual. College graduates can work in many environments, even those outside their specific areas of academic interest. Many jobs in the labor market today also require candidates to have a college degree. Therefore, going to college will likely put you ahead of the pack when seeking gainful employment. Better Networks. College is a great place to make valuable social and professional connections. Maybe the next owner of that Fortune 500 company is in your class or on the college football team. Even though you may not have your entire class in your phone book, the two or three lasting connections you make over the years might be responsible for meaningful opportunities you come across later in life. Networking on campus can also expose you to different career options or life choices, such as taking a semester to study abroad or volunteering for a local charity. You get to open your mind and gain new perspectives as you connect with a diverse group. Increased Personal Development. Your college years will probably be the time you make some of the most significant changes in your life. In college, you set the pace for the work you will do, the type of friends you will have, and the kind of life you will lead. Even though nothing is set in stone, going to college can give you a solid direction in life. First, you can develop your people skills, as many colleges will ask for group assignments, group research and presentations. Second, your creative and critical thinking skills might be significantly enhanced. Besides this, the college experience allows you a lot of time to yourself where you can reflect on important things and figure out who you are and what you want from life. Increased Job Security and Satisfaction. A college degree often makes you more valuable to your employer than someone without a college degree. Many employers regard educated staff as an investment in the company. There is often a lower rate of layoffs for college graduates, even during recessions. Job security often brings heightened job satisfaction, as many college graduates can testify. Other benefits include increased pay and opportunities for advancement across careers. A college degree not only serves as a safety net that you can fall back on but something to push you forward as well. BAVUAL
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FALL 2022
