Ken Shaw: The benefits of a college education

Many communities would love to have two institutions of higher education within their neighborhoods. Having Hill College and Southwestern Adventist University in Johnson County is a real blessing. If students graduate from Hill College or Southwestern Adventist University, they are more likely to remain in this area. It is our graduates that will fill the openings within our businesses and will continue to be active in our community.

I recently read an issue paper published in 2015 by the Lumina Foundation that reminded me of the benefits of a college education, not only for the graduate, but for the community as well.  

 

Benefits to the college graduate

College graduates with bachelor’s degrees benefit in the following ways compared to high school graduates never attending college:

1. Their annual earnings are $32,000 higher with lifetime earnings being $625,000 higher.

2. Their probability of being in poverty is 3.5 times less likely.

3. They have a 47 percent higher likelihood of carrying health insurance and 72 percent higher likelihood of having a retirement plan.

4. They have a 24 percent greater probability of being employed.

5. Their age of retirement is higher.

6. The likelihood of reporting their health to be very good or excellent is 44 percent greater.

7. The likelihood of being a regular smoker is 3.9 times lower; while the likelihood of exercising, having a heathy diet, and seeking preventative medical care are significantly higher.

8. Their life expectancy is 7 years longer.

9. Their probability of being married is 21 percent higher and their probability of being divorced or separated is 61 percent lower.

10. The likelihood of their being happy is significantly higher.

Benefits to the 

community 

There are also many substantial benefits to the community in which the college graduates live:

1. Their lifetime taxes are $273,000 greater; this supports government services and social insurance programs.

2. They rely much less on other taxpayers.

3. The crime rate is significantly lower.

4. They volunteer 2.3 times more often.

5. They provide 3.4 times higher cash donations to charities.

6. Their voting and political involvement are significantly higher.

7. Their participation in school, community, service, civic and religious organizations is substantially (1.9 times) higher, with leadership in these organizations being 3.2 times greater.

8. They are 2.6 times more likely to be involved in their community.

9. Their neighborhood interactions and trust are significantly higher.

10. Their employment in the nonprofit sector is twice as likely. 

 

Texas also recognizes these benefits as they have boldly proposed a 60x30TX Higher Education Plan, which focuses on having 60 percent of the 25- to 34-year-old Texas population holding a certificate or degree by 2030. The current status is 41 percent. Increasing this to 60 percent will aid the state in being a global economic player, with an educated workforce to meet the needs of industry and business.  

Higher education makes a positive difference in the lives of graduates and impacts the communities where they live. I am sure my respected colleague, Dr. Pam Boehm, president of Hill College, would agree with me that working for this community in preparing young people to obtain a certificate or degree is an awesome responsibility and a tremendous privilege.  

It is rewarding knowing that when students successfully complete their requirements and receive their certificates or diplomas, they and their families will be greatly benefitted throughout the remainder of their lives, and the community will be the added beneficiary of their education.

 

Dr. Ken Shaw is president 

of Southwestern 

Adventist University

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