VALUE OF EDUCATION

 VALUE OF EDUCATION

Higher education provides a deeper understanding of various subjects and develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Exposure to diverse perspectives and cultures during higher education fosters personal growth and self-discovery.

Education is a powerful tool for social mobility, enabling individuals to improve their socioeconomic standing. 

Higher education often leads to better job opportunities and higher earning potential. 

Universities are hubs of research and innovation, fostering new businesses and technologies. 

current situation- 

Higher education has changed dramatically over the past decades with increasing enrolment, student mobility, diversity of provision, research dynamics and technology. Some 264 million students are enrolled in universities around the world – a number that has more than doubled in the last 20 years and is set to expand. Yet despite the boom in demand, the overall enrolment ratio is 43% with large differences between countries and regions. More than 9 million students are pursuing their further education abroad. And among the world’s more than 123 million refugees, only 7% of eligible youth are enrolled in higher education, whereas comparative figures for primary and secondary education are 68% and 34%, respectively (UNHCR). The COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted the way higher education was provided.

The explosion in demand for higher education and increasing internationalization means UNESCO is expanding its work on quality assurance, helping Member States countries to establish their own agencies and mechanisms to enhance quality and develop policies particularly in developing countries and based on the Conventions. Such bodies are absent in many countries, making learners more vulnerable to exploitative providers.  

Help students gain confidence in their preparation for the world of work: It’s good news that more than half of graduating seniors say their institution prepared them well or very well for the next step. However, that leaves nearly half who aren’t so confident about their preparation.

For career services professionals, one big step toward this is implementing career readiness campus-wide. Faculty are critical to how students perceive their preparation for the world of work, and engaging faculty is the best means for helping students not only gain important competencies that they need to succeed in their careers but also recognize how their coursework is one of the most significant drivers of competency development.

Through our surveys and quick polls, we’re working to bring new and nuanced data to the forefront and provide our members with facts they need to be effective in their organizations and institutions. I encourage you to share your data with us: It benefits our professional community and provides important data that is needed at the national level with policymakers and other stakeholders. As such, your participation is vital to the overall mission and strategic direction of our professional community.

Career -Attending college and choosing the right major can lead to increased career opportunities as many professions require advanced degrees, which can be obtained through higher education. In fact, according to a report published in 2022 by the National Center for Education Statistics, individuals holding a college degree enjoy better employment opportunities than those with lower educational achievements. The study revealed that individuals with Bachelor’s degrees or advanced degrees exhibited higher employment rates than those who did not pursue higher education.

Social Connections

Sometimes, who you know is as important as what you know. So, in addition to equipping you with knowledge and skills, colleges also offer excellent opportunities for you to create a network that can lead to internships, jobs, projects, or mentorship possibilities. From interacting with your peers and alums to learning from experienced teachers and meeting professionals in the field, you can build a good network in college, which can have a long-lasting positive impact on your career.

Self-Sufficiency

Lastly, college is often a dynamic environment that imparts more than subject-specific knowledge. While students certainly gain expertise in their chosen fields, these institutions also assist students in cultivating essential life skills. In addition to mastering complex concepts, students learn the art of time management, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and various other areas. This way, colleges empower them with the practical skills and competencies necessary to succeed in a diverse and multifaceted world.

Eight Benefits of Higher Education for Our Society-

1. Drives Economic Growth and Stability

2. Promotes Justice and Fairness in Society

3. Encourages Civic Engagement and Political Awareness

4. Fosters Innovation and Technological Advancements

5. Reduces Poverty and Inequality

6. Improves Public Health Outcomes

7. Strengthens Communities with Educated Leaders

8. Promotes Cultural Understanding and Tolerance

Higher education equips you with not just technical skills but with the ability to think critically, collaborate effectively, and lead in an ever-changing world. So, if you’re on the fence about whether higher education is the right choice for you, remember that the value of a good education goes far beyond the classroom. It’s an investment in your future success, both professionally and personally.

Whether you’re considering enrolling in an engineering college in Coimbatore or pursuing a degree in another field, know that the benefits of higher education are immense and long-lasting. It’s not just about a job; it’s about shaping the future you want for yourself and making a positive impact on the world.

Geographical Situation

Where you live can influence both the cost of education and the potential earnings. For example, colleges and universities in urban areas tend to have higher tuition fees, but graduates may also find better-paying job opportunities in these locations.

On the other hand, going to a lower-cost college or university in a more rural area might limit job prospects but reduce overall educational expenses (depending on where you go).

The return on investment of higher education is a complex and multifaceted issue. While a college degree often leads to higher earnings individually and lower unemployment rates economically, the financial benefits can vary widely, based on factors like your field of study, institution type, and geographic location. Additionally, the rising cost of tuition and the burden of student debt can't be overlooked

This review identified key gaps in the existing iterature. There is little evidence on how outcomes for disadvantaged graduates vary according to the specific education pathway pursued. Additionally,there is a lack of evidence surrounding the role that additional factors play in causing the disparities observed in outcomes between disadvantaged and other graduates, for example, on how disadvantaged graduates’ prior attainment, ethnicity and home region affect how they benefit from higher education. Finally, there is a general lack of high-quality, UKspecific evidence on the value of higher education for disadvantaged students in terms of ‘softer’ outcomes,such as wellbeing and attitudes, in comparison to the evidence available on economic outcomes.