As parents of high school students, you’ve probably spent plenty of time talking about college applications, visiting campuses, financial aid, and career possibilities. Yet the most important question we should ask often gets ignored: why college? For many families, college is the next logical step after high school. But I think we ought to probe deeper, especially with the high cost of attending college. Helping your student answer the question “why college?” can lead to better college choices, stronger academic performance, and greater satisfaction once they arrive on campus.
College is a Tool, Not a Destination
One common mistake students make is treating college as the goal itself. That’s not surprising when you take into account the “I got into twenty colleges” comparisons. However, college should be a tool or a means that can help them achieve larger goals.
To help them, ask your student:
- What kind of life do you want to have?
- What careers interest you?
- What skills would you like to develop?
- What experiences do you hope to have in your long-term future?
Some students attend college because they have a clear career path in mind. They see themselves as future teachers, engineers, nurses or accountants. And since they need a college degree to enter those professions, that’s a big reason they plan to go to college.
Other students may attend college to explore their career interests, or gain experiences that help them discover their direction. Having said that, I tend to think that—other than our push for them to choose a career at eighteen—most students can’t answer “why college” very well.
Financial Impact
For many families, one answer to “why college?” is economic opportunity. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics continues to show a strong relationship between education and earnings. In 2024, workers with a bachelor’s degree earned median weekly wages of $1,543, compared to $930 for workers whose highest credential was a high school diploma. Bachelor’s degree holders also experienced lower unemployment rates. These statistics suggest that, on average, higher education often results in stronger employment outcomes and higher earnings.
Keep in mind, however, that not every profession comes with a high salary. In addition, you have to factor in the cost of attending college along with the potential benefit for your student. The value of a degree depends heavily on factors such as major, institution, cost, and whether the student actually completes the degree program. Families should discuss return on investment honestly and realistically.
Personal Growth is Part of the Equation
College is not only about preparing for a job, as anyone who has spent decades in student affairs work will tell you. College also offers other benefits to students, many of which are intangible to the average high school student. These include meeting people from diverse backgrounds, become more independent, and develop leadership skills. I’ve known many college students who intend to enter their family business after graduation. And while they might enter it without a college education, most know they need the seasoning and wider background resulting from college before doing so.
College also presents students with the opportunity to transition from adolescence to adulthood in a challenging yet supportive environment. Therefore choosing the right college can help students mature personally as well as academically. So, if your student hints at these experiences as their reason for going to college, they understand part of the story.
College Isn’t the Right Answer for Everyone
As parents, it’s important to remember that asking “why college?” may reveal that college is not the best immediate choice.
Some students thrive in skilled trades, apprenticeships, military service, entrepreneurship, technical certification programs, or direct entry into the workforce. These pathways can lead to rewarding and financially successful careers.
The goal isn’t college for every student, regardless of what a school district may tell you. I push high school students to understand that they will almost certainly be engaged in post-secondary education or training of some kind. That’s certainly the case for a skilled trade, but it also applies to those enlisting in the military. I ask the “why college” question to help every student find the pathway that best aligns with their talents, interests, and long-term goals.
And to be clear, a student who attends college with purpose is usually more successful than one who enrolls simply because it feels expected.
Three Questions Every Student Should Answer
Before submitting their applications, encourage your student to answer these questions:
- What do I hope to gain from going to college?
- How will college help me achieve my future goals?
- Am I choosing college because I want it, or because others expect it?
The answers may evolve over time, but the process of reflection itself is valuable.
Final Thoughts
The question “why college?” is more important today than ever before. College remains an excellent investment for many students, but their success depends on making intentional choices and having clear goals.
As parents, one of the greatest gifts you can give your student is helping them think deeply about their motivations before they enroll. When students understand why they are pursuing higher education, they are more likely to choose the right institution, stay committed when the going gets tough, and graduate prepared for the future they imagine.