1. Make More Money

For many, one of the most convincing reasons to go to college is the allure of a more lucrative career in the future. While not every college grad makes more than every high school grad, on average the numbers show that people with a bachelor’s degree make significantly more than those without. Over the decades, this difference in pay can have a major impact on your lifestyle. A study mentioned by the LA Times suggests that graduates earn 84% more over their lifetime.

2. Find Yourself

On a less materialistic note, college is a great place to find yourself. It sounds cliché, I know, but it’s true! In college, you will be exposed to people from all walks of life, whether they be professors or fellow students, and they will shape you into the person you were meant to be. Knowing who you are is arguably the most important discovery you can ever make, and college provides a nurturing environment for that sort of discovery to take place. If you are struggling with new perspectives, this environment will definitely help.

3. Make Friends

Although high school was a nice place to make friends, college will be even better! No matter where you live, your college is likely to have many international students, meaning you’ll meet people you would never have met otherwise. Who knows, your future maid of honor—or even future spouse—could be waiting for you at college! These good reasons to go to college often include finding your lifelong tribe.

4. Make Connections

Along with making friends, college is the ideal place to make connections. I’m not suggesting that you befriend others for the sole purpose of using them later in life, but consider the potential. On your campus may live the next great inventor, leader, or genius! When you attend college, you will be surrounded by people full of potential, and will make plenty of professional connections you can rely on later in life. For more on building your future, check out our guide on reasons to stay in school.

5. Broader Perspective

You may need college just to get some perspective. If you grew up in a small town or community where everyone basically thought the same way, attending a diverse college will do you a lot of good! The classes you take and friendships you make will allow you to form a broader perspective and view the world through brand-new eyes. This is one of the primary reasons why people go to college today.

6. Have a Plan

Attending college after high school means you have a plan—a safe, well-supported plan for that awkward after high school period. Looking for a job instead of attending college is a plan, but still leaves room for uncertainty. Most plans can go wrong, but with college, you have a generally sound plan for the next several years. If you're wondering why attend college, having a structured path is a huge part of the answer.

7. Transition Period

The college years are the transition period many youths need between high school and the real world. There’s no surefire way to prepare yourself for independence aside from actually becoming independent. College allows you to exercise independence, while still providing a sense of security from your school and family. It's a vital step in learning why is it important to attend college for personal development.

8. Fun

College is fun! If it wasn’t, people wouldn’t keep going. There will be plenty of activities, events, and parties to keep your college years worth enduring. However, with the other routes you might take—getting a job, creating a company, starting a family—you won’t necessarily have as much time for reckless, youthful fun. Enjoying the social aspect is one of the top reasons why you should go to college.

9. Learn

Maybe you really just love to learn! For natural-born learners, college is the perfect path to take. Each day, you’ll learn something new, eventually becoming both street smart and book smart. Understanding the purpose of going to college often comes down to this simple joy of discovery.

College is a scary time, and applying isn’t an easy decision to make. Hopefully, reading these reasons to attend college helped assure you of your decisions regarding post-high school life. What makes you want to go to college?