Never a better time to earn a college degree | Guest Opinion

The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably changed things and caused many of us to reflect on our lives and livelihoods. As we explore and prepare for the future, one thing stands out: there has never been a better time to earn a university degree.

Why? A college degree provides greater access to job opportunities and provides a more stable employment future. Consider the last economic downturn in 2008. According to data from the Bureau for Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for bachelor’s degree recipients was 4.5 percent compared with the 8.3 percent of those with just a high school diploma in 2012 following the last recession.

And, a college degree really pays off — literally. In Washington state, college graduates earn an average of 86 percent more than those without a degree. This translates to a potential average earning difference of $1 million more over a lifetime, according to a study by Georgetown University.

Additionally, a four-year degree perpetuates successes for generations. Studies show that children whose parents attended college are much more likely to attend and graduate from college, themselves. At WSU Tri-Cities, 42 percent of students are the first in their families to attend college, creating a legacy for their families.

You may be asking if you can afford college. Great question. Consider that a university degree is more affordable in Washington state than most other states. With the backing of the Washington College Grant, many students are eligible for generous state funding. Combined with other grants and scholarships, 50 percent of WSU Tri-Cities students pay zero out-of-pocket expenses for tuition. By living at home and attending WSU Tri-Cities locally, students can save an upwards of $40,000 over four years in room and board and related expenses. Mix that with the cost of public state tuition and average student loan debt at graduation remains low, with an average debt in the range of a reasonably priced car. A leg up for your future for the cost of a new car? You really can’t go wrong with this investment in your future.

This month, we announced our fall plans for instruction at WSU Tri-Cities amid the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are planning for a mix of in-person and virtual offerings, all while following strict safety protocols as outlined by our state and federal agencies. Because we get to know our students and their educational needs, we can also be flexible with those who are unable to come to campus. Regardless, students will experience the same personalized approach to career-focused learning, all while learning an assortment of new skills that stand to best prepare them for their future career. In fact, WSU Tri-Cities students are learning how to utilize an assortment of technologies used in industries now and into the future, as part of a component of virtual instruction.

Join WSU Tri-Cities, a community of students who are working their way through the college process together, supported by helpful resources and family-like environment where we want EVERY student to succeed. In turn, both you and your family win. Now that deserves a Go Tri-Cities Cougs!

This story was originally published June 22, 2020 at 2:30 PM with the headline "Never a better time to earn a college degree | Guest Opinion."