It has often been said that knowledge is power. Knowledge, after all, is the key to being successful in all facets of life; business, love, and all other important aspects. It is so important that great American historical figures, like Benjamin Franklin and Jane Addams, spoke at length about the need for improved education in this country. “America’s future,”Addams wrote, “will be determined by the home and the school. The child becomes largely what he is taught; hence we must watch what we teach, and how we live”.
Luckily for all of us, Americans these days are the most educated they have ever been. 30% of U.S. adults over the age of 25 have a Bachelors degree. Groups that were classically kept from seeking out education now number among the brightest in the country. African American males, for example, have seen a jump from 28% to 35% college graduation rates in the last decade.
Success in education is a good thing. However, in a way, success is its own enemy. Because of our society being over-saturated with college graduates, it is much harder to find a job. You can no longer go to a college. You have to go to a good college.
Three Markers of a Good College%3Cbr%3E
-
- Graduation Rates
%3Cbr%3E
Whether you are looking for the best colleges for forensic sciences or the best college for nursing, graduation rates are a good indicator of quality education. High graduation rates show that colleges are able to offer their students value and an engaging experience.
Across all Massachusetts schools, 69.2% of students working for a Bachelors successfully graduate. In New York, 62.7% of white males graduate from college successfully in under 6 years. More specifically, the University of Virginia has an 85% graduation rate for its four year programs. These are all examples of great graduation rates that future college students need to be on the lookout for.
-
- Return on Investment
%3Cbr%3E
According to Collegedata.com, the average cost of public schools and private schools is $22,261 and $43,289, respectively, per year. College students need to know that they are going to see an immediate return on investment after their education. This will allow them to pay back their loans quickly after attending the best colleges for forensic sciences or the best universities for architecture. What sort of job placement rates and median salary of graduates does your number one choice for school boast?
-
- Accreditation is Crucial
%3Cbr%3E
The Maryland Higher Education Commission recommends that all Americans only attend accredited colleges. The reason? Accredited colleges have submitted themselves to a review process of their staff, curriculum, and other factors to verify that they are a source of quality education. Subsequently, the best colleges for forensic sciences that are accredited, for example, and the best colleges for forensic sciences that are unaccredited are likely light years apart in terms of quality.
College is an expensive experience that, at the same time, is critical to your future success. Keep these three things in mind when looking for the best colleges for whatever you want to study. Doing so protects you financially while improving your life.