This year, college enrollment continues to increase, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. Over 19.4 million people are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program. As of 2025, over 5 million students were enrolled in associate programs, and this number continues to rise. Current trends reveal that post-secondary education rates are at an all-time high. Millions of people are learning more about the world around them, and this benefits not just their livelihoods but society as a whole.
Higher education elevates a person’s emotional and physical health. According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, those who pursue post-secondary education typically have better health and well-being. They are usually less likely to report conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety and depression.
In addition, those with higher levels of education statistically have better employment options. They are more likely to be economically secure and have true economic success compared to those who only have a high school diploma. Overall, those who have achieved an education higher than high school are more likely to live a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Education not only benefits the individual and their life, but also the surrounding communities and economies. The Institute for Higher Education Policy explains that students who attended any college or university generated an estimated total of 73.4 billion in additional annual earnings compared to the earnings of a typical high school graduate. Even after accounting for the amount students invested in their degree. Those who graduate from a vocational school or from an associate’s program generate around 20.7 billion in additional annual earnings, compared to the typical high school graduate. Even after deducting the expenses incurred during school. This influx of revenue from graduates helps the economy run smoothly.
The influence of college graduates empowers local businesses, therefore aiding those in the community. Graduates of higher education bring with them new skills, ideas and spending power. People who have graduated from a post-secondary institution are more likely to spend more money, therefore keeping the economy circulating and bolstering the surrounding community.
However, post-secondary education is not accessible to everyone. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of college in the U.S. is $38,270 per student per year. Not every person can afford that hefty price tag. While there is aid available, there is not enough aid to help each student attend college. Additionally, students’ families may not be willing to send their child to college. Several factors can hinder a child from obtaining a higher level of education.
Hopefully, in the near future, these factors will begin to wane, allowing more people to receive a higher level of education. With more resources becoming available, more people will be able to get an education that will better their lives. This is important because the positive impacts of post-secondary education cannot be underestimated. It is vital that parents and students understand the importance of obtaining a degree higher than a high school diploma–whether it is an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree or an even higher degree. The overall quality of life of those with a higher education is significantly higher than that of those who only have a high school diploma, proving that higher education is drastically important for individuals to receive.
