

Students who don’t graduate in four years are affected in more ways then they might realize. Only 56 percent of students complete a four-year degree within six years. And approximately 75 percent of college students will change their major at least once before graduation. And if a student doesn’t graduate in four years, they lose an estimated $45,000 by delaying their entrance into the workforce.

Despite the struggles different students face, whether it be financial, from being a parent, or from having a mental illness that is worsened by the stress of college, having a degree will earn someone on average $17,000 a year more than someone without a degree. But besides financial benefits, attending college will help an individual develop skills that will be useful in their career, but also outside of their career.

Read all twelve stories on whether or not college is worth it:

“It Was Worth It,” letter from the Editor-in-Chief, Miranda Carney

If there’s anything I’ve learned from five months of research on the cost of college, it’s that it is worth it.

“The Mental Cost of College,” reported story by Katie Grieze

Around 86 percent of college students are overwhelmed by their responsibilities, but this stress can worsen the symptoms of mental illness for some students

“A Balancing Act,” feature by Vanessa Ford

Just like Sarah Loyd, 26 percent of college students balance financial, emotional, and college stresses with the added responsibility of parenthood

“What Comes Next,” reported story by Taylor Meyers

Sixty-one percent of college graduates are prevented from moving forward after graduation by their student loan debt

“Changing your Major,” feature by Jackie Miller

Approximately 75 percent of college students will change their major at least once before graduation, and can suffer financial repercussions because of it

“The Cost of Leaving without a Degree,” feature by Carli Scalf

Only 56 percent of college students complete a four-year degree within six years

“A Team Effort,” essay by Michele Whitehair

Sixty percent of families feel they must collaborate to provide a successful education

“The Worth of Higher Education,” Q&A by Taylor Hohn

Not everybody goes to college, but those that do often have more career benefit

“When Parents Pay for College,” essay by Samantha Stevenson

Students who have their parents pay for their college may be missing out on a lesson in financial responsibility

“Not Graduating on Time,” essay by Hannah Sordyl

Students will lose an estimated $68,153 if they don’t graduate in four years

“Words From a First-Year Freelancer,” column by alum Joseph Knoop

Graduate of Ball State’s Department of Journalism in spring 2015 talks about the worth of his college education

“Different Decade, Same Value,” column by alum Jim Billings

A Generation X alum shares the worth his journalism degree and ROTC education gives him decades after graduating from Ball State

