5 Reasons Why it’s a Good Idea to Get a Degree

If you’re in any doubt as to the benefits of getting a degree, and think the main point is to be able to put a couple of letters after your name, you may want to think again…

Studies show there are many far reaching benefits of having a degree that are sustained throughout your whole life, and not just while you’re studying, or for the few years after. Here we take a look at some of the main benefits of holding a degree that have very little to do with learning.

1. Graduates Have Their Pick of Their Jobs

According to a recent report, a record number of graduates have turned down top jobs in the past year. This has resulted in more than 1,000 of these highly sought-after posts being unfilled.

With a degree in your hand you don’t have to settle for a job you don’t want, and if the job doesn’t sound right for you, then you can negotiate or completely turn it down. After all, you worked hard for your degree, you should be happy in the job you use it for rather than settling for second or third best.

Not only could you be in the job you want, but the monies won’t be terrible either. The same report revealed that the average graduate salary earned at the country’s top employers is expected to be £30,000 – nearly £3000 more than the UK average. Kerching indeed!

2. Graduates Have Better Health

A study carried out for London University’s Institute of Education discovered that graduates are likely to enjoy better health, have fewer accidents and are less likely to suffer from depression in later life.

The study leader, Professor John Bynner, said, “The critical issue is lifestyle. Going into higher education does produce a sort of lifestyle which is less prone to accidents and violence of various sorts. The friendships made at university could also mean that graduates had a social network to stop them getting depressed.”

Furthermore, the study also showed that graduates are less likely to smoke, are more likely to exercise, and are less likely to be obese.

3. Graduates Are More Creative

A University of Oxford study showed that those holding degrees were four times more likely to take part in painting and photography, five times more likely to be involved in dance and in crafts, and four times more likely to play a musical instrument than those without degrees.

Around 78,000 people were surveyed and they found social status didn’t matter, nor did wealth; it was having a degree which made the difference.

4. Graduates Are Good For the Community

More research by Professor John Bynner suggests that graduates are more likely to be an asset to the community. They are more likely to vote, take part in community activities and be a member of a political party. It was also shown that they are more likely to hold positive attitudes towards race and gender.

Bynner said “The analysis provides convincing evidence that higher education does produce social as well as private economic benefits to individuals.”

5. Graduates Have Better Performing Children

Research conducted by John Jerrim of London University’s Institute of Education has discovered the inter-generational benefits of holding a degree.

That is, the benefits that your children can gain from you having a degree. The research shows that children of graduates are five times more likely to reach higher education and are also more likely to go to an elite institution.